Why A Mentor Will Make You A Better Architect

Why A Mentor Will Make You A Better Architect

Link to Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Magazine

Why A Mentor Will Make You A Better Architect

Posted: 24 Nov 2014 07:08 AM PST

modern timber wood ceiling Why A Mentor Will Make You A Better Architect

For numerous reasons that we list here, it's of vital importance that every aspiring architect finds his or herself a mentor in the field. Image Source: Dwyer Design

In a perfect world, we would all come into existence ready to leap into our purpose-driven lives and careers and make an impact solely based on instinct and raw passion. Wouldn't it be nice if we grew up and naturally knew how to do what we love doing most—perfectly?  While it's harmless to wonder what life would be like in this utopia, aspiring architects must dig deep and realize that what they love to, must be worked at and continuously earned.

Modern architecture is a unique field full of individuals who see the beauty of creating something in the present that simultaneously embodies the traditional past and the modern future. Those who love architecture have an innate desire to add to a skyline and leave their individual mark through their own designs. These are not small aspirations and as such, require a great deal of training, commitment and passion—and most importantly a mentor.

Here’s why a mentor is a must when it comes to perfecting your skills in architecture (or any field):

meditearrean architecture Why A Mentor Will Make You A Better Architect

Skilled architects can share their knowledge of different designs such as this Mediterranean style, increasing your skills and knowledge of different design styles. Image Source: Ken Hayden

Admiring The Great Architects

The wealth of knowledge an architect must possess can be an overwhelming feat. Creating something of substance won't happen until the past greats are studied and understood. Beyond that, an architect must have a solid understanding of structure, physics, communication and design.

For these reasons and a great number more, it's of vital importance that every aspiring architect finds his or herself a mentor in the field. There are even online networks available that help you find a mentor or establish a community of mentors in your field.

When it comes to learning an art, it's essential to hear from those who are experts and a mentor can provide a lifeline of sorts when it comes to creating a lasting career in the field. There are endless reasons why having a mentor will make you a better architect overall.

falling water architecture Why A Mentor Will Make You A Better Architect

Creating something of substance won't happen until the past greats are studied and understood. Image Source: Grounds By Design

 There's So Much Left To Learn

Architecture is a vast undertaking, and no matter what level of skill or desire you start at, you are going to need help and advice along the way. Finding a great mentor gives you access to insightful tips, hands-on help and even advice on how to handle subjects with which you may struggle.

Having a resource available is the first step in creating a foundation in the field that you'll be able to build a solid and meaningful career on. Talk to those you admire, such as your professors or colleagues. You can never be too experienced to have a mentor because, like any relationship, there inevitably comes a time when the fire begins to die out just a little.

An architect's relationship with his or her field of work is no different. All of that initial passion can begin to fizzle under the mathematical elements, deadlines, expectations and competition. It's in moments like these that a mentor really comes in handy. They have not only been through this before, but they've survived and come out the other side. A mentor will not only help you reignite your inspiration for the work you love, but show you how to maneuver through the trickiness and come out a more successful professional!

unique home architecture Why A Mentor Will Make You A Better Architect

A mentor will not only help you reignite your inspiration for the work you love, but show you how to maneuver through the trickiness of unique designs. Image Source: Bernard Andre

Creating Connections In The Field

On a very basic level, having a mentor makes you a better architect because you automatically expand your networking potential.

Your mentor has talented colleagues that have a lot to teach as well. Utilizing not only your mentor's insight, but getting to know others in the field is an incredible step in establishing your career and learning some phenomenal things along the way.

Depending on where you are earning your degree, having a mentor may be more of a requirement. Looked at from this angle, your mentor is not only mandatory, but a gift as well. Many institutions offer the option of personalized mentor-matching— This means you're guaranteed to not only meet your school requirements, but find a mentor that is going to be well-matched to your personal learning style. These early connections can become vital as you head into your career.

cathedral ceilings architecture Why A Mentor Will Make You A Better Architect

Utilizing not only your mentor's insight, but getting to know others in the field is an incredible step in establishing your career. Image Source: Guild Hall Inc

From Mentor To Peer

Half the battle in becoming a great architect is learning to establish meaningful relationships with others in the field. Your mentor is going to help you create a career that takes you beyond the drawing board and into the world of creative physical design.

This type of learning process can often lead to a mentor becoming a great friend and peer throughout the course of your career. Having a person you can trust professionally; a person to be critical when needed; a person to be honest always; a person to be helpful when you struggle—these mentor attributes can only give your work more meaning and purpose in the long run.

Taking the time to be matched up with a mentor will not only make you a great architect, but will push your passion for the career to an entirely new level. Keep an open mind to learning what the experts have to teach, and you'll find yourself contributing something special of your own to that skyline in no time at all.

modern open kitchen Why A Mentor Will Make You A Better Architect

Taking the time to be matched up with a mentor will not only make you a great architect, but will push your passion for the career to an entirely new level. Image Source: Dirk Denison

Do you have a mentor yet? If you don’t then we strongly encourage you to read through this article over and over again—share it with your friends, too— to learn why a relationship with a mentor in your field can become a career life-line, boosting you professionally and personally.

Mentors can help you advance and achieve the goals of your dreams. So get out there and find yourself an architectural mentor today.

Who do you look up to in the field of architecture?

The post Why A Mentor Will Make You A Better Architect appeared first on Freshome.com.

Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdam’s New Residential Neighborhoods

Posted: 24 Nov 2014 03:42 AM PST

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Creative housing blocks sculpt Amsterdam’s modern residential face, sparking up new ideas of how homes look and feel like. An undulating roof shapes this creative housing block in Amsterdam’s inspiring Funenpark residential neighborhood (where the landscape and park were designed by landLAB). East of the city of Amsterdam, in a former industrial zone, a new residential complex has taken shape in the last years – the “Het Funen, Hidden Delights” development boasting 500 new residences and a park by Dutch architecture agency Architecten Cie.

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 1 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Here, NL Architects imagined 10 houses, each with their own rooftop terrace as part of a building stretching 30 meters wide within a given lot. The undulating roof creates the possibility of building each home in a unique way while maintaining a compact overall appearance. Varying in height from 9 to 18 meters, the homes in Funen Blok K, as the building is known, share the first two stories in alignment. The third level was split equally into  50% building and 50% roof terrace and garden.

Each house is allocated 633 cubic meters, making the concept behind the building an awe-inspiring one. Imagine each home having a different height and structure thanks to the ingenuity of an undulated green roof. The contemporary housing block photographed by Raoul Kramer were built within a typology known as back to back housing. Turned inside out, with access from the middle of the block, separate houses were designed to offer unique social and private living spaces within a building “interpreting the given 2.5 floors as 2 + ½ story as in Being John Malkovich.”

Take a virtual bike ride through this fascinating Amsterdam neighborhood and you’ll see this creative housing block’s location, as well as get an idea of the inspiring, civilized surroundings and let us know how much you loved this idea.

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 2 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 3 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 4 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 5 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 6 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 7 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 8 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 9 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 10 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 11 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 12 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 13 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 14 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

amsterdam blck housing Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 15 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 16 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 17 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 18 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 19 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 20 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 21 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 22 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 23 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 24 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 25 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 26 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 27 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 28 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 29 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 30 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 31 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 32 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 33 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 34 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 35 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 36 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 37 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 38 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 39 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 40 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 41 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 42 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 43 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 44 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 45 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

Funen Blok K by Verdana and NL Architects 46 Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdams New Residential Neighborhoods

The post Creative Housing Block in One of Amsterdam’s New Residential Neighborhoods appeared first on Freshome.com.

Phone Company Learning Centre Exhibiting Vivid Colors and Urban Graphics

Posted: 24 Nov 2014 12:47 AM PST

architecture modern learning offices Phone Company Learning Centre Exhibiting Vivid Colors and Urban Graphics
The Learning Centre by Pavoni Studio is a new department of an international phone company in Bucharest, Romania. A conversion of a residential area into a learning space, the project gravitates around a central pole: an orange box meeting room. The main theme of the interiors is communication, a compulsory tool for survival in nowadays urban context. Whether it is about face-to-face or virtual communication, this learning centre has been equipped accordingly. Thus, one of the project's greatest challenges – cable management – has eventually turned into a great asset, making everything possible without compromising in design.design modern learning offices Phone Company Learning Centre Exhibiting Vivid Colors and Urban GraphicsThe project includes a handful of urban sneak-peeks meant to create an ideal space to learn, work and develop oneself. Vivid accents and urban graphics mark a neutral background, while the space speaks about the context in which it is located: Bucharest – a city with a grey facade at first sight, but with a lively atmosphere beyond it, connected to technology and defined by a mix of population. Reflections, light and glossy materials combined with natural textures create a vibrant feel and, together with the graphic design emphasize the parallel between the past and the future, between old and new.

The vibrant atmosphere boosts work productivity in a fresh and creative environment. The glossy surfaces promote the means of expression, for they are writable and can be easily wiped out.  All installations, graphic design and decorative walls have been custom-made for this project by Miruna Pavoni and are meant to symbolize urban landscapes, noise, the need of communication and other elements that define the urban context. [Photos and information provided via e-mail by Pavoni Studio]
interior modern learning offices Phone Company Learning Centre Exhibiting Vivid Colors and Urban Graphics modern learning offices 4 Phone Company Learning Centre Exhibiting Vivid Colors and Urban Graphics modern learning offices 5 Phone Company Learning Centre Exhibiting Vivid Colors and Urban Graphics modern learning offices 6 Phone Company Learning Centre Exhibiting Vivid Colors and Urban Graphics modern learning offices 7 Phone Company Learning Centre Exhibiting Vivid Colors and Urban Graphics modern learning offices 8 Phone Company Learning Centre Exhibiting Vivid Colors and Urban Graphics modern learning offices 9 Phone Company Learning Centre Exhibiting Vivid Colors and Urban Graphics modern learning offices 10 Phone Company Learning Centre Exhibiting Vivid Colors and Urban Graphics modern learning offices 11 Phone Company Learning Centre Exhibiting Vivid Colors and Urban Graphics modern learning offices 12 Phone Company Learning Centre Exhibiting Vivid Colors and Urban Graphics modern learning offices 13 Phone Company Learning Centre Exhibiting Vivid Colors and Urban Graphics modern learning offices 14 Phone Company Learning Centre Exhibiting Vivid Colors and Urban Graphics modern learning offices 15 Phone Company Learning Centre Exhibiting Vivid Colors and Urban Graphics modern learning offices 16 Phone Company Learning Centre Exhibiting Vivid Colors and Urban Graphics

The post Phone Company Learning Centre Exhibiting Vivid Colors and Urban Graphics appeared first on Freshome.com.

Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration

Posted: 23 Nov 2014 09:19 AM PST

House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos 4 Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration

Occupying a fabulous 7500 square meter lot just 46 kilometers from Lima, Peru, this property rests at the edge of an Eucalyptus forest, with desert mountains and a vision as background. Architect Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos designed a home that actually shields the property with its architecture. According to the architect, “the house was placed at the North East corner of the site near the access to the closest road in order to maximize the use of the land. The buildings work as a screen that conceals the property when you enter. ”

House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration

Generous floor-to-ceiling windows flood the double-height living room with natural light while providing a green scape and dynamic panoramas of any football game taking place on the green grass outside. Spreading over 460 square meters, the residence simplistically known as House b2 contrasts its rigid name with an architecture inspired by nature and neutral colors that connect it to the outside. The spacious home rests on a corner of the 7,500 square meter property, creating a beacon of modern design.

House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos 1 Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration

Located in Peru’s Pachacamac District, the home photographed by Juan Solano unravels its elegance while interacting with the surrounding landscape.  “The program was divided in three parts and two levels to minimize the footprint, the main volume ground floor contains a family room, kitchen, dining room and a double story living room bringing the exterior into the house, the double height living room displaces the second floor children's bedrooms to the side and generating a cover outdoor patio around an exterior fireplace and wood oven. The second concrete building has been separated by an open walkway to the garden and contains a guest room with a mezzanine and the master bathroom that connects back to the house through the cover glass bridge.”

Two concrete and stone volumes connected by a glass bridge shape elegant residential space influencing the inhabitant’s subconscious. The north, sun-facing facade generates views and ventilation helping the home reach its maximum potential. Social and private spaces both open towards views of green surroundings, creating a permanent connection to nature.

You’ll see what I mean in the photos below. Enjoy and share if you loved this spacious home!
House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos 2 Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos 3 Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos 5 Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos 6 Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos 7 Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos 9 Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos 10 Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos 11 Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos 12 Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos 13 Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos 14 Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos 15 Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos 16 Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos 17 Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos 18 Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos 19 Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos 20 Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos 21 Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos 22 Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos 23 Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos 24 Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos 25 Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration House b2 by Jaime Ortiz de Zevallos 26 Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration

The post Spacious Home in Peru Inducing Gratitude and Admiration appeared first on Freshome.com.