We recently shared the origins of WCA Design Studio, and how the words wisdom, craftsmanship, and artistry influenced our name and ethos as a business. Because these words are so central to who we are as both architects and designers, we want to offer a more in-depth look at how these words influence our work.
Wisdom: the Foundation
"Wisdom is a treasure, the key whereof is never lost.” Edward Counsel
Wisdom plays a crucial role in design. It is a key influencer of the choices made during any project: what is the best way to structure and design this home or building? Is this decision the most beneficial? What is the best way to invest in this project? Approaching a project wisely also provides a long-term perspective: will I be pleased with this outcome for the next 5-10 years?
“Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.” Jimi Hendrix
Wisdom plays a crucial role in all of design. It is the foundation beneath all good design decisions. Wisdom listens to every voice speaking over the course of a project. Each voice: the voice of the client; the voice of the site; the voice of the engineer; the voice of the building code; and the voice of the builder, present information that must be understood, accounted, and applied for a project to be successful. We believe that wisdom utilizes knowledge and experience to understand the myriad of desires presented by the project team members.
We believe that wisdom is the culmination of knowledge and experience, and it is one of our deepest desires that wisdom governs the work we do.
One of the things we love about our team is that we can draw wisdom from three people's unique experiences and backgrounds. While each of us graduated from Texas Tech University with a Masters of Architecture, we have had a wide range of experiences in our time after completing our degrees. Between the three of us, we have worked with hundreds of different projects and businesses, won awards, and spent time abroad to learn from some of the greatest international minds in architecture.
Craftsmanship: the Glue
“Craftsmanship names an enduring, basic human impulse: the desire to do a job well for its own sake.” Richard Sennett
In many ways, craftsmanship serves as the “glue” that ensures a project will last. Good craftsmanship takes a concept or design from good to the highest quality. Our diverse backgrounds have allowed us many opportunities to not only be a part of the drawing table for a project, but also for the construction of homes and buildings. These experiences influence the way we design our projects, from the ground up. We work to create homes and buildings with a layout that flows well and effectively, and fully serves each room’s purpose.
Craftsmanship also extends beyond a floor plan. We are committed to buildings that are efficient and designed to last. By using technology effectively, we create well-designed floor plans and work alongside builders to make sure that the lines for plumbing and electricity are accurate. Because we can view the project at every level, we can help builders get construction right the first time.
Artistry: the Beauty
“We ascribe beauty to that which is simple; which has no superfluous parts; which exactly answers its end; which stands related to all things; which is the mean of many extremes." Ralph Waldo Emerson
One of the greatest joys we get to do in our work each day is bringing beauty to light. Without artistry, no project feels completely pleasing to the people who use it on a daily basis. We are proud to create designs that are not only practical and of high quality, but also beautiful for people to experience.
Architecture inhabits every aspect of our days, from the layout of a kitchen to the placement of a doorway. Designs that display artistry, even in the smallest of ways, are the most enjoyable. This artistry is not just choosing beautiful colors and finishes (although that does play a significant part). Artistry is also the way light enters the room, the layout of the furniture and built-ins, and the structure of the building itself.
Wisdom, craftsmanship, and artistry make up our ethos as designers. It influences each of our projects and governs the projects that we create. If you would like to see these elements in our work, don’t hesitate to visit our Portfolio page or ask us for a sample!
