Architecture is Misunderstood

Recently I have had many instances where I have felt that, although there is a certain "coolness" factor to architecture and design, that architecture is one of the most misunderstood professions out there.  I have found that most people truly don't understand what the design industry does.

I understand where this comes from.  Architects represented in movies and media are iconically the "tortured artist" who has fits when their project isn't built right or the client is upset over budget issues.   There is also the story of Frank Lloyd Wright storming out with a vase that client put on "his mantel" that just didn't suit.  I'm not saying this isn't true of some architects and designers out there, but I would venture to guess that most want to change the built environment to something more interesting than the status quo--even if it is small moments of design inserted into the reality of function.  All this while listening to our clients and helping them change the way they live or work day to day.

But the biggest challenge we all face is putting value into the world we surround ourselves in.  This means, perhaps, realizing that less is more, our environment directly relates to our quality of life, and that good design does, indeed, bring joy.