a PEACE of studio

I don't like the term architect, although I use it quite regularly, because I feel it brings the ego out in man. Architecture was never a profession until there was a need for man to establish hierarchy among men. (I find it strange how man is always looking to make his presence timeless, it's like he's afraid of time or what lies ahead and the only way to cope is to surround himself with the already known. When will he embrace age and the unknown like his Mother?) I like to picture the true architect as someone who stays close to the environment and the community and is aware of their needs and desires. It is crucial for the architect to understand the importance of space. A true Architect must be conscious of the fact that space is unlimited and incalculable but at the same time limited and measurable. They know that space creates a place for an occasion and as soon as the occasion ends the space transforms to accommodate for another occasion. As architects we should be protectors of the unliving, the living, and the unobtainable(spirit and myth). Man depends on Mother Nature to give him what he needs to BE ALIVE and it is his duty to protect her. Everything has life, but not everything is living. Once man can embrace her and realize what she has to offer(physically, mentally, and spiritually), then man can learn to live as a unit. The key to successful architecture is to live a good life as one. Architecture must come from the heart, it must be lived, and it must be cherished, otherwise it's just dead!

Studio Culture

special thanks to Mentos

The Spirit of Louisiana: the artifacts of mankind and nature's permanence

The Curious Case of Benjamin's PB&J

The moral of the story: Don't steal!!! (it may cause the shizitz)

The studio environment allows for people to become comfortable and express their creativity without so much fear of the backlash. The studio brings students and teachers together like a family. We eat, sleep, and work together. We breath architecture together.

Memoirs of a Home

Sentimental item: red Japanese mask
Useful piece of furniture: mantle
Aspect of a room: fireplace
Memorable event: Christmas day

Setting: Living room of Grandfather's house on Christmas day


Scene1: As a child I can remember being frightened by this red Japanese mask that hung over my grandfather's fireplace. I wouldn't even go near the fireplace because of this mask. I always felt that it was watching me, looking over my shoulder.

Scene2: As I grew older I became comfortable with this mask hanging over the fireplace. It seemed to provide the warmth I needed, just like my grandfather was to the family.

Scene3: After my grandfathers death the holidays were never the same, family soon broke apart and the fireplace no longer burns. But the family still meets for Christmas and his spirit still resides in the home.






The fireplace is a natural gathering place because it provides warmth and light. The mask hanging above the fireplace represents the change in man's perception, what once was evil can be good. And my grandfather provided the center for my family. The relationship found between all three is that of warmth(comfort), light(guidance), and shelter(security).

The fire has always been at the center of home, whether it be in the form of a mask, a fireplace or a human being. Once the fire is removed, the center shifts.

This is not a tale to sulk upon, for memories last forever and home will forever be where you make it.