Shoptalk - Click Architects
Can you recall the first time you were amazed by architecture?
Cheryl–From a young age, I was interested in drawing. Specifically, house plans. I’ve always had a fascination with space planning and scale fluctuation. That said, the first time I was truly amazed and emotionally moved by architecture, was upon my first step inside the Pantheon. I can vividly remember the flood of emotions as I took in the space, the lighting, the scale, the sounds. I stared up at the domed ceiling and oculus for what seemed like hours. To this day, the Pantheon remains at the top of my favorite spaces.
Steve–Absolutely! The first time I remember being amazed by architecture has to be when I was very young. Probably around 7 or 8 years old. I’d visit my grandmother who lived next door to a home designed by the late Fay Jones, a prominent Arkansas architect who was an apprentice to Frank Lloyd Wright. I was drawn to how this home was rooted to the site as if it had grown there. The use of natural materials, deep overhangs, and large glazed areas stood out from all other homes. I still get excited when I see one of these homes.
What aspects of your background and upbringing have shaped your design principles and philosophies?
Cheryl– Having grown up in Arkansas, I have a strong interest in vernacular/regional materials and how they are used for a particular structure or purpose. Arkansas is home to a lot of farm land, rolling hills, and wooded forest where individuals have embraced materials found in and around their property. I like to pay homage to this when possible and appropriate by focusing on the use of simple forms and materials that age gracefully over time.
Steve–I’ve always been a “hands-on” type of person possessing a drive to figure out how things are constructed. Early in my studies, that drive directed me to the design/build program in school and eventually a full-time position at a local design/build firm. The experience of building what I designed forwarded my practical construction knowledge and provided a certain level of sensibility to design details.
What’s the most unusual place you pull inspiration from?
Each project we design pulls inspiration from multiple sources. Usually, our inspiration manifests from the client, the site, the wildlife, and the context. Sometimes something as small as a butterfly or leaf can lead to very interesting outcomes.
Outside of architecture, what are you currently interested in and how is it influencing your design thinking?
Cheryl–I truly enjoy all kinds of walks: city walks, nature walks, hiking, and family walks. Walking and hiking provide a time for solitude and the chance to un-plug. I look forward to connecting to nature, my thoughts, and experiencing the world at my own pace while engaging the land, buildings, and spaces in between. Oftentimes, some of my best problem solving occurs during these walks.
Steve–I’m always in search of the next DIY project around the house. Working on our own residence provides a perfect gateway to experiment using new materials and design theories. I also look for any opportunity to learn about new construction methods and love learning to use new tools. When I’m not working on our house, you’ll likely find me fishing.
Favorite travel destination?
Cheryl–One of my favorite travel adventures was a four day hike along the Cotswolds Way in the United Kingdom through 17th century villages, old churches, ruins, historic monuments, sheep fields, cow fields, forest, farm land, gravel roads, and kissing gates. My love for long walks and culture made this the perfect destination and I look forward to many more opportunities like this one.
Steve–We recently took a trip to England where we made a stop in Stratford Upon Avon. I was completely taken by the canal system and the narrowboats. I hope to make a return visit to spend time navigating the canals and experience the narrowboat life style. Thailand is a close second. Specifically, Chang Mai, where I’d like to volunteer at the Elephant Nature Park.
Do you have a dream project, or location where would you like to work?
Honestly, we don’t really think a lot about the dream project. I suppose some might say the dream project exists when you have the perfect balance between client, budget, site, schedule, program, etc. This perfect balance is often elusive. Instead, we focus on what makes each project a dream project in its own unique way. It becomes more about how we make this a dream project for our clients. We’re happy when our client’s expectations are exceeded.
What’s next for you?
We’ve always been a husband / wife team which has been an incredible and fun experience. Now, we’re hoping to increase our office size allowing us the opportunity to take on additional projects, serve more people nationwide, and hopefully expand our body of work to include small retail, mixed-use, and restaurant design.
For more information visit: www.click-architects.com
