Journey of an Architect is a blog started by Tim Ung to document his journey to design 30 projects by the age of 30 (May 2020). His posts focus on his design process, thoughts, struggles, and successes throughout his journey.
Having one goal for the month of April has been a fantastic way for me to stay focused and to continue learning the craft of leather making. Over the past week, I finished stitching all 100 wallets and reached a fork in the road which was whether I would finish the edges by burnishing it or leave it natural and raw. Here’s what I decided and how far these leather wallets have come.
As some of my projects come to an end, others are just beginning including project 20x30 which is designing and making 100 leather wallets. I know this isn’t an architecture project, but my journey so far has helped me realize my passion for design and leather making. After designing and constructing several leather bags late last year, I decided to take my leather making hobby to a new level. To pursue this newfound passion, I’ve set out to design and make 100 leather wallets by the end of April 2018. Here’s where I am after two weeks of hard work!
After months of planning, discussing, and diving head first into the world of podcasting, my good friend, Mike LaValley from Evolving Architect, and I just released the first 3 episodes of our new podcast, Unpacking Design. We came up with the idea to start a podcast together during one of our mastermind sessions and as we talked about what it could be, we narrowed it down to a general idea and turned on the microphones. Here’s what you can expect and where you can find the Unpacking Design Podcast.
Over the past week, I’ve been working hard to finish up project 17x30 the High End Residence project in Buffalo, NY. By focusing at least two hours every day, I was able to take the project from the point of final design to final graphics and complete the project! It’s been a week full of long nights and many moments of wanting to stop and take a break, but I made it through to the end and I can start focusing on my next project! Here’s how the project came together.
Now that my eBook, Starting an Architecture Firm, is complete, I’m now concurrently focusing on four projects; finishing the single family high end residence project, marketing the eBook, developing a podcast with Mike LaValley of Evolving Architect, and refining my leatherworking process on my new laser cutter. Sometimes, I find it hard to believe that I’m juggling all of these amazing projects and making so much progress on each one. This week, I’ve been able to finalize the design of the High End Residence. Here’s an update on the project with some preliminary rendering views!
Over the past week, I’ve been working hard on writing the remainder of my book, revising it on my own, and putting it together for a final editing review. As I got further along in writing the book, I slowly found my passion for writing which encouraged me to continue pushing myself to meet my April launch deadline for Starting an Architecture Firm. I’m excited to say that the draft is complete and is being reviewed and edited by my girlfriend, Andrea, and I over the next week. Here are some screenshots of what the book looks like and how you can be the first to get a sample and purchase a copy!
Are you an Architect who has been contemplating starting your own practice? After co-organizing and hosting a one day seminar called "Planning a Practice" for Architects in Buffalo, NY, I was able to learn the essential information and steps for starting, maintaining, and growing an architecture firm from an expert architect, attorneys, accountants, and branding/strategic marketer. Learn more in this summary article of the conference!
As one of my 30x30 goals, I’ve decided to take action on writing the Starting an Architecture Firm eBook that will elaborate and add to the list of advice from the seminar and my blog post, Almost 40 Tips for Starting an Architecture Firm. Here’s how the eBook is coming along so far and how you can be the first to know when it’s available!
While reading a book on the architecture projects of one of my favorite architects, Tadao Ando, I was inspired by the simplicity of his designs and materials. As one of the architects who quickly became known in the world of architecture at the end of the modern era, Ando’s works focus on connecting people with their inner being and nature through simple design and use of materials among many other things. After learning more about his inspirational work, I continued designing the high end residence using some of the design ideas from seeing Ando’s projects. Here’s how the high end residence’s design is coming along.
Ever since I started Journey of an Architect a year and a half ago, I’ve been simultaneously working on both architecture and design projects to reach my goal of completing 30 projects by the time I turn 30 (May 2020). Although I’ve completed 16 projects and I’m now working on 3 others, I can honestly say that I struggle just as much as every other creative person when starting a project. In fact, I spend the most time at the beginning by developing a strong concept because it helps me find clarity for the remainder of the architecture project. Here are 5 tips for starting an architecture project that has helped me on my projects.
