Thoughts on a new year....leadership.

Wow, time flies...

As I look toward the new year, I find myself reflecting on who I am as part of a community and how I may contribute to it. I have had the amazing opportunity to attend events, conferences and workshops this year that have helped me come to some realizations.

I find myself propelled toward leadership. This article is the leadership I am talking about:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/mikemyatt/2011/12/19/this-one-leadership-quality-will-make-or-break-you/

We can all be leaders. I am not happy with the mundane status quo. I crave creativity. I want to make the world a better place. I want my children to leave with beauty, inside and out.

In the next year, you will see me reach out toward establishing these goals. It is my hope that you will either join in or create your own pursuit. I will be happy to support your pursuit as well. Please reach out to me and perhaps we can create a better world together.

Have a wonderful holiday season and an incredible new year! Let's toast to making great change in 2012 together!

Designing with the client in mind

A funny thing has come to my attention (at least I find it humorous.) It is entertaining to witness a newcomer walk into a space that I have had the great opportunity to design. If they know me on personal level, they seem to be stunned that the space is so not "Brett." By this I mean, it is not my personal style. I laugh and say, "Of course it's not me...I don't live (or work) here!"

That's not to say that there are not elements that define who I am as a designer. I believe in function first, then aesthetics. I believe in continuity of space from before you even walk inside the building. I believe the site dictates part of the design in addition to the wants of the owner/occupant. I believe in innovation and not vanilla solutions.

I eagerly await the next occasion when I get to hear the comment again. My answer simply will be "Thank you. That is a real compliment."

Rant

OK, this is just a quick rant....that being said:

In the past two weeks I have witnessed three boy's rooms and I think anyone/everyone should be spared from this experience.

Each room was representative of a different age group (a-4 &6; b-tween; c-late teen.) None the less, the shared the same "boy" characteristics: black-out shades of some sort (that never get opened!) and sports paraphernalia.

Is it intrinsic to males to hide out in a cave with no light and cave art?

A brief intro

I guess I am ready to get my feet wet...ready set go!

A little about me:

I am originally from really hot states (Florida & Arizona)...sizzle. I am now in the great northwest and loving it! I love the sound and smell of the drizzle and do not miss the sizzle!

Before I rant, perhaps I should tell you why you may want to listen to me (wink.) I have spent many years educating myself in, on and around interior architecture + design. I spent many waking (& should-have-been-sleeping) hours on my thesis.

"The Loop" Entry

After years, I finally attained my Masters of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture + Design. My thesis is based on the adaptive reuse of the KeyArena. I will attempt to attach or insert a few pages to pique your interest.

Check out the interactive floor!

Stay tuned for my next post....
Thank you for checking me out!
brett