ten_years_from_now

In ten years from now, it will be 2019. I will be 31 years old and wondering where the time has gone. At this point in my life, I will have received my masters degree, completed my IDP hours, taken the tests of certification, and have just become a licensed architect. It should be a good stage in my life with a huge sense of relief and accomplishment. 

Professionally, I would like to be employed by a large architectural firm. An urban setting is a must. I hope to be a promoter of mixed-use urban design and do my own part to help stop the vast sprawl and suburbanization of the United States. Additionally, at this time in my professional life, I hope to begin studying, taking, and passing the LEED AP exams. I hope that I will keep an inspiring design philosophy and not give in to the restraints that limit design innovation and originality. 

Personally, I hope my life will include a family of my own, taking my grandfather's advice in marrying a 'happy girl with good teeth.' I want to follow in my own parents' footsteps by raising and influencing active, ambitious children. I want to actively volunteer in my community and promote service work. 

All in all, I want to be happy, going places with my career, and know that I'm making a difference in my community and in other people's lives. 

See you in 2019!

the_machine_is_us/ing_us

The age of the internet has exponentially increased the level of change that the world is seeing. The 'machine' has led to a society that is extremely well connected. It has indeed become 'us'. The internet has become my own source for news, entertainment, corresponding, and learning. More and more seldom do I rely on the printed news and television, though they are not obsolete. I depend on my computer to bring those two elements of 'yesterday' to the comforts of my own space. 

As an individual who has been in the forty hour-a-week world and who will shortly re-enter that world for a final time, I see the machine and web 2.0 as exciting elements for the workplace. The possibilities for any profession, including architecture, are greatly expanded. I believe that my prospects for design will surpass those who are ahead of me, and those who follow will have possibilities even greater than my own. 

Those who are already in the workplace are not at a disadvantage, but must realize that they are at a critical crossroads. Their ability to evolve and learn will determine their own relevance to the field. They must be capable of rethinking anything and everything. In our changing world, nothing is constant. Consequently, this should include everyone's own thoughts. Rethinking everything is not going to change someone, but it will change how they can contribute to the evolving world of web 2.0. 

personal_intro

My name is Blake. I am a senior architecture major pursuing a minor in business administration. I intend to graduate with a BA from Clemson University in May 2009. Currently, I am submitting applications to graduate schools. In August, I hope to begin my three years of study to receive a master's degree in architecture. 

A proposal for an international design competition. Fall 2008. 

In the fall of 2007, I attended Clemson University's Charles E. Daniel Center for Building Research and Urban Studies in Genoa, Italy. The experience of living in and learning about Italy's cities and architecture was a great one! While there, I, along with the other fifteen students, took part in blogging. You can check out that blog here: G.O.A: The Cultural Exchange. I would highly recommend taking part in the 'fluid campus' experience of the architecture program at Clemson University. 

The City of Genoa, Italy at night. Fall 2007.