Time is valuable; why AIA?

The AIA seems like a quick way to reach a larger number of people, nurturing productive and thought-provoking notions, thoughts and conversations within a bigger sphere. It allows you to meet people outside of your firm and talk about big ideas and garner different perspectives from different minds. It’s also important to give back to your community in whatever way suits you. This can be in a soup kitchen, joining a board for a non-profit, or volunteering to create trails. There are so many ways to give back but this one, especially with an environmental slant, was a good choice. There’s also the aspect that the organization helps architects succeed.

Best way to overcome a creative block:

Take a break. Walk the dog, grab a cup of coffee, just get up from your desk. So many times, a log jam will clear with little or no effort when you allow your brain space to breathe, let the problem bounce around on its own and untie its own knot that you’ve been trying so hard to pick at.

Favorite Utah space:

There are so many places in this state. One that immediately comes to mind and encompasses many sites in the Wasatch front and back is the top of a snow-covered hill. Using manpower and sticky skis in the middle of the wilderness to ascend to the top of a silky white carpet is liberating and helps one appreciate the surroundings. It helps center a person and is also a great activity for overcoming a creative block. And there are so many of these magical places so close to home.

Favorite drink:

Plain coffee with a little cream in the morning and on some evenings a nice hazy IPA. Whiskey gingers are certainly enticing when the moment calls for them.

Mantra:

Do what you can and try not to sweat the rest, even though you will.