Ask the Architect: Where do your ideas come from?

 An Interview with Brad Shapiro, AIA  

When you work in a creative field, like architecture, you are constantly challenged to think outside the box. Every project is unique, and presents it's own set of interesting challenges. That journey often leads to incredible results, and so I'm often asked, "Where do you get your ideas?" I believe that question deserves a well thought out answer, so I've spent some time reflecting on the source of my inspiration.

I believe my ideas come from three major sources that are thankfully "renewable": my clients, the property and personal experience.

1. The Clients: Every person and family gives off an energy and uniqueness all their own. This aura plays a crucial part in my design.  I try to capture these personalities and translate them into designs. I also give a lot of thought into the person or families lifestyle. Big families with lots of children need mud rooms, big laundry rooms, maybe even a nook for the dog by the hearth.... while an older couple with children away from home might need space for entertaining and tucked away guest rooms when children come home to visit. The family and their lifestyle drives the design. I take all that information to the drawing board.  
 
2.  The Property: Like people, every site is unique. The size and shape of the location provides me with great insight into what type of house would feel right on it. The placement of the home should also position the view to best advantage. When designing this home in north Mississippi [property pictured above], I didn't want the house to overwhelm the small hilltop, so I designed a one-story home with low roof slopes.  It nestles itself comfortably into the landscape and becomes a natural part of the landscape. See more about this house.
3.  Personal Insight: I love to experience new environments to draw inspiration and ideas. This is a major reason why I like to travel. When visiting these wonderful places, like Italy, France, and the English Countryside, I am inspired by the beauty around me and the artistry and skill of the architects. From the thatched roof cottages in the Cotswolds to the dome of the Duomo in Florence, I am inspired to take my own creativity to new heights.

 

The wellspring of ideas

After presenting a design to a pleased client, he seemed somewhat mystified by my creativity and asked me a very interesting question: "Do you ever run out of ideas"? My answer was a definite and sure-No. My sources for ideas are renewable. They are constantly there and inevitably changing, so thankfully after 25 years as an architect, I feel I have just skimmed the surface of the possibilities. Thankfully, I draw from a wellspring of ideas!

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