A couple of weeks ago I hosted a painting workshop for a group of interior designers from BKDI Architects. Being the fan of interior design and architecture than I am, I wooed my new friend Deb McBride into touring me around their offices, and into giving me the inside track on what it's like to work for a large multidisciplinary architecture and design firm.
There were a few noteworthy observations I made when I first walked into the studio. First of all, I was astounded by the amount of paper everywhere. There was so much paper. Big sheets of it. Stacks of it. Reams of it. On desks, shelves...piled up high. Literally, EVERYWHERE. Apparently the act of 'architecting' requires it in large quantities.
My next flight of fancy came with a brief visit with Rick Chow, the Associate Director of Design. What makes Rick unique in the realm of architecture is that he is the only architect at the firm, (and probably a rarity in any firm), who still draws by hand. No Autocad or Revit for this man. He's going at it old school.
The man himself. Rick Chow Associate Director of Design, BKDI Architects
Being an artist who teaches perspective drawing, I could completely appreciate the technical skill and knowledge that goes into each of these drawings. Each one shifts from being merely a technical drawing, to a work of art. So why does he do it by hand, when a computer can do the same thing probably quicker and easier? Well as Rick told it, each one tells a story and conveys a sense of magic that the computer just can't replicate. Plus, I think he just really likes getting his hands dirty.
What?? Nupastels and a box of Prismacolors? When was the last time anyone saw THOSE?
Some great signage, for when those 'moments' take hold...