Making decisions in a creative space

WTC Memorial competition design model & winner

Did you know that the architect for the World Trade Center Site Memorial was chosen via a competition ? The winning design by architect Michael Arad was chosen from over 5000 submissions by participants from over 6o countries. Suggesting perhaps that when designing around a unique concept, its better to choose the architect who can deliver the best conceptual design rather than select purely based on professional credentials.

Of course Im not proposing that I run a design competition to select an architect for our home. As a matter of fact, I had narrowed down on a startup architecture firm as the front-running entity to design and build my home - the founder team all worked for over a decade or more at a real estate brand that I admired - they had a reputation for unique, clean designs, individually customised homes, superior quality and attention to detail. However before signing on the dotted line, I felt it was important to see how they could leverage the unique aspects of my site into a conceptual design that matched my requirements and sensibility.

I had a candid conversation with the architect where I explained my thought process - thankfully the architect understood the situation. He seemed intrigued by the possibilities of the site, my willingness to offer him creative space once I signed up for his proposed design concept and readily agreed to work speculatively with me in proposing a few alternate design concepts prior to formalising our arrangement.

We were off to an exciting start !

...Not Just Any Competent Professional Architect

...Space - The Final Frontier