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architecture

architectureLife

Just Too Hot

Something has gone terribly wrong when you wake, hear the day’s forecast, and think: “That’s nice. Only 100. And cloudy too. What a nice change!” Terribly. Terribly. Wrong. Anyone paying any attention knows just how high the temperatures in Dallas have been. And I’ve heard the comment more than once…
jwa
July 22, 2022
architecturebusinessLife

Bad Politics

A client informed me recently that their project was being shelved, they were putting their house on the market, and they were moving back to Colorado. While I’m disappointed to lose any project, I am delighted to have another connection in Denver to visit (No offense, Bill), especially as James…
jwa
July 15, 2022
architectureFood for thoughtLife

From the Ground Up

Which floor did you want? At least a few times a week, someone gets on the elevator in my building and finds themselves exiting at the wrong floor. Most usually catch themselves before stepping out, but I’ve seen a few step off with the most puzzled look on their face. …
jwa
July 8, 2022
architectureFood for thought

Form, Function, and Bob

Forget about Louis Sullivan’s notion of form ever follows function. Venturi’s idea of complexity and contradiction. Or even Rossi’s thoughts on urban design. I have found someone new to follow when thinking about how best to approach architecture and design. Bob Ross. Yes. That Bob Ross. In a fit of…
jwa
May 20, 2022
architecturebusiness

Under Construction

For the first time in a long while, I have two projects in various stages of construction. Two projects. How did that happen? At one, they’re installing kitchen cabinets and painting the exterior. Between both of those and the interior changes, the house couldn’t look more different. The other project…
jwa
May 6, 2022
architectureLife

Socially Awkward

The Big Gay Architect has been really busy. Or Twitter seemed to think so last week. Very rarely do I find myself tagged in social media posts, so seeing my name pop up is something of a treat. And last week was no exception. According to the folks at Clerkenwell…
jwa
March 25, 2022
architectureFood for thought

History-onics

At least once a year – or what feels like once a year – The Dallas Morning News publishes a story about a local piece of building history facing the wrecking ball. And two months into 2022, we’ve already seen this year’s story. Dallas architecture critic Mark Lamster introduces us…
jwa
March 4, 2022
architectureLife

Pub Life

Matthew and I sat down recently for a catch-up with Phil Coffey of Coffey Architects in London. We had talked with him in February 2021, and a year later decided to circle around for the latest episode of The Architecture Geeks podcast and find out how the year had treated…
jwa
February 25, 2022
architectureFood for thoughtLife

A New Holiday

Who doesn’t love a good holiday? Or just a reason to celebrate? Christmas and Thanksgiving. New Year’s Eve (even with the hangover). And God knows a lot of us girls view Halloween as the Gay High Holy Day. However, today this gay geek has a new holiday to celebrate. Or…
jwa
January 28, 2022
architecturebusinessLife

Architecture Ain’t Pretty

Four or five years ago, a client chastised me during an early morning site meeting for not dressing properly. The morning was quite chilly, and while I thought I was appropriately attired, clearly, I was not. My heavy denim coat was for the most part keeping me warm. However, I…
jwa
January 14, 2022
Spotted Dog Architecture