Comments on: Karin Payson on Architectural Practice – Part 1

By: Leo Ickovic

Leo Ickovic — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 05:33:39 +0000

At the age of twenty-two I first became acquainted with Alvar Alto by accident in walking into the Mt. Angel Library in Oregon. Ever since having that spiritual experience, I have been brought into the light of how fine design can enrich a person’s life. So wonderful to read of his influence in Karin’s art.

By: Mark English, AIA

Mark English, AIA — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:52:06 +0000

Thanks for your comments, we’re always happy to have a dialog. Obviously, our goal is to allow the interviewee to voice his/her opinions; yours would certainly be different!
As to whether we all treat natural light as important….I’m sure you do, but many don’t. In any case, Karin seems to think not. We could stroll around San Francisco and find many examples where the careful use and reverence of natural light is lacking or subordinate to other concerns. Some of these buildings are award winners! In any case, a sincere thanks for your comments. – Mark

PS- love the FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

By: Ron Case

Ron Case — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:09:03 +0000

I think the article does not serve either the architect or interior designer well. There are bad architects and bad interior designers, but to lump everyone in a general manner is a little short sighted. I do not know of one architect or interior designer who does not treat natural light as very important.

We are all a victim of our influences. This shapes our aesthetics. Some of us just enjoy simpler spaces. Color is great as long as it has a lot of thought behind its use.

By: Marlowe

Marlowe — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:14:00 +0000

Fascinating article/interview. I agree with you that interior design isn’t just about frivolous superficial color and texture.

My wife is a textile designer and interior designer. Her textiles (hand knotted rugs mainly) are bold, bright contemporary designs but her interior design aesthetic is about simplicity. She has a great sense of space.

I’m a writer/film maker/designer. I find it impossible to write web copy or text for any document without thinking of the space/field where the words will sit. But the page is naked without the words. The same is true for a building. The architecture defines the rules of the game. The interior design tells us how we bend them.

Thanks

Marlowe

By: Ryann Cottonaro

Ryann Cottonaro — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:38:56 +0000

As a general contractor, it was interesting to gain insight on the struggles between the architect and interior designer. We have found that although, frustrating at times, this healthy tension paves the way for an amazing product for the client.

By: Helen Monks

Helen Monks — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:37:22 +0000

Karin
I agree with your comments about light, nature and circulation. As a town planner I’d add that the circulation is of people and air – too many buildings are stuffy; too many buildings are designed so that they require (at new or as retrofit) airconditioning, which is not sustainable building practice.

Keep declaring the importance of women in the design and construction professions. We’re good at it!

Best wishes
Helen Monks
Town planning consultant
Australia