thoughts

on staying inspired

Someone recently asked, “How do you stay inspired?” The truth is, at this time + place in the world, finding inspiration can feel like being in denial. Let’s be honest: from the pandemic to genocides in Palestine + Sudan, to the continued, unhinged stripping of basic human rights here in the US, diving into creative work can feel like a total betrayal. It is undoubtedly a privilege we all must acknowledge + also one we must uphold.

Being in pursuit of inspiration essentially means being a little delusional. You have to be hopeful even when it seems futile. You have to constantly be envisioning a better way. BUT as they say, energy flows where focus goes. By staying present + keeping an open mind, our awareness can guide us to some pretty magical moments.

As designers + architects, we must be in service not only to our clients but to the world at large. We have the responsibility of physically making the world better - a world that is more inclusive, accessible, comfortable, beautiful, supportive, effective, impactful, and ultimately, inspiring. While we can’t currently control the systems in place, we can certainly defy them as we begin to build our own.

While many architects + designers focus on implementing their own personal “design style,” we find that the ego is the biggest inspiration killer there is. Putting our preconceptions aside, remaining open + truly listening to our clients, creates the greatest outcomes. And while our perspective is critical, so is true empathy + understanding of the space, the people, + the community it serves.

Some of the smallest moments inspire the biggest ideas.

Where to look?

Just as a flower grows as big + beautiful as it can, without fear of judgement, we owe it to the world to become the fullest expression of ourselves.