We know you do it, be it online, with magazines or other medium…you can’t help yourself; but, you need to stop.  There are all types to fit your desires, but is it healthy? You view these mediums so much that they become reality and you may be living in an alternate world. Of course, I am talking about…architectural design and the media that showcase glorious architectural designs.

In the 1960’s, Playboy set expectations of how the average “girl next door” should look. Now we are in the digital age, where anything goes. Just as this may not be healthy for your relationship with your partner, the same could be said for the architecture medium you are consuming.  You might tell yourself that Houzz, Architizer and The Architectural Review are sources of inspiration, but doesn’t it distort reality, leaving us to feel our design are “less-than?” Are you entering the realm of a twisted reality with your clients by having your head filled with imagery of buildings made out of storage containers, all glass or titanium?

By all means, get inspired, but don’t get consumed. Your clients may not have spent the time looking at all the imagery you have, and may not be as excited to fulfill what you have in mind. Consider that the latest trend may not be for everyone, and the best way to approach trying something new is to talk to your client, ask them what they are into, and take your time. When the project is done they may love it as much as you did from the start, but respect that it may take more time for them to understand your vision.

Now, shut down that web browser, put down that glossy magazine, and start focusing on your client.

Note, this blog concept was generated from the movie Don Jon http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/don_jon/  not for everyone, but the critics gave it an 80% approval.

~ Paul Wember, Owner’s Representative