BLOG / THOUGHTS ON DESIGN
Reflections on architecture, the value of design, and the ways our spaces shape everyday life.
From the archive. Full articles open on douglasoldham.com.
NOVEMBER 12, 2021
As an architect, I frequently get asked the question; “what architectural style do you design?” Well, that’s a loaded question and people are usually surprised by the answer. If they asked; “what is your favorite style of architecture?” they would likely get a shorter answer, but that’s a hugely different question. Architecture is a business. You better be able
Read the article ↗OCTOBER 21, 2021
I know that this blog is billed somewhat as a critique of architecture and specifically that of residential planning and design. However, an article appeared in the last issue of Architecture MN that I want to comment on. The title of the article is “Is An Architect An Artist?” by Mike Reed. This is a discussion that I have considered
Read the article ↗OCTOBER 07, 2021
Have you ever considered your patterns of life? Have you ever arrived at work with little recollection of what you did before you got there? If you think about your average day, from day to day, you will discover that very distinct patters. Patterns in the way you move, eat, sleep and work. In most of
Read the article ↗JULY 08, 2021
Frank Lloyd Wright said “The mother art is architecture. Without an architecture of our own we have no soul of our own civilization.” It’s an interesting quote. When I was in design school I used that quote in an argument with my industrial design professor as to why my future career of designing buildings was
Read the article ↗JUNE 13, 2021
Some time ago I was part of a local business networking group in Brainerd, Minnesota. It was a group that met once a week and gave professionals an opportunity to mingle with other professionals in the area and build better business relationships. I was a member of this group for about two years and made
Read the article ↗OCTOBER 07, 2020
Some great design just happens! In design school, I once had a professor say that “designers make great use out of accidents.” Hard to believe that you are hearing a designer say this, but some of the greatest things I have ever seen weren’t planned by anyone. They just happened.Some of my favorite works of my own
Read the article ↗OCTOBER 07, 2020
Originally posted on www.designmyhome.com It wasn’t until I walked into the Utah Veteran’s Memorial when I was in my twenties that I became conscious of the Spirit of Place. I vaguely remember the feeling being somewhat familiar suggesting that while this was the first time the sensation was strong enough to break through the hidden barrier
Read the article ↗OCTOBER 07, 2020
Have you ever asked your architect friend “what do you think of my house?” Don’t. Or at least don’t if you don’t want them to have to lie to you. Most architects I know have what one might call a “discerning palette.” They are pickier than my 5 year old at dinner time and will
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