A Primer on the Language of Design

An architect nobly attempts to educate clients about what certain architectural terms "really" mean

Jody Brown April 17, 2012

I received my architectural degree from the University of Tennessee in 1992 and have spent the last 28 years working on a variety of different projects ranging from small house additions to high-rise mixed-use developments. I have a strong background in historic preservation, urban design, and sustainable design, as well as an extensive portfolio of multi-family and single-family residential design. In 2009, I started my own firm. I pride myself on my ability to successfully communicate with clients using clear ideas, easy to understand graphics, straight-forward language, and a sense of humor. Let’s grab a coffee! Twitter - @JodyBrownArch My company website is - www.jodybrownarchitecture.com

I received my architectural degree from the University of Tennessee in 1992 and have... More

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I was presenting a project to my client a few days ago. I stood at the head of the conference table, flanked by my renderings, and began to ruminate on the design concept. The project was to be an urban intervention, and as such it would be formal realization of the tenuous balance between the needs of the community and the desires of the individual. The project would represent, in built form of course, the space between these contradictory forces — the interstitial realm, if you will.

As I ended my presentation and slowly opened my eyes, I was greeted with a collective blank stare.

Again.

I had the sobering realization that my clients had no idea what I was talking about. Why does this keep happening to me? I mean, we are speaking the same language, aren't we? I'm being perfectly clear, aren't I?

Well, obviously, since I didn't do anything wrong, I can only assume that everyone else needs to brush up on common architectural terms. I thought we had done this before (here), but clearly more study is warranted. Feel free to review these flash cards once or twice a day, as needed.

And please refrain from staring blankly at me in meetings. I'll lose my train of thought.

Jody Brown Architecture, pllc

Honestly, I could define "architecture" all day long. And sometimes I do. Then my clients move into the "architecture," and the "architecture" begins to define them. It's like the circle of life, only with more angst.

Jody Brown Architecture, pllc

We know, we know: All great architecture leaks. Please stop reminding us.

Jody Brown Architecture, pllc

Actually, "interstitial" is one of my favorite words. It means "the space between." Tell me that's not awesome.

Jody Brown Architecture, pllc

It must be from the unbearable lightness of beaming.

Jody Brown Architecture, pllc

Here's a fun fact: Whenever an architect designs a building that conflicts with its surroundings, we call it "juxtaposition." This is a large word, and it will take you a few minutes to mentally process it. We do this mainly to distract you from the fact that our design doesn't fit with its surroundings. It buys us some time. Then we'll point out the "interstitial" space between our building and its surroundings. Eventually, you'll get bored and move on. So it's really a win-win.

Jody Brown Architecture, pllc

I think they should remove that pillow.

Jody Brown Architecture, pllc

"It's all part of the process." This is what I tell myself and my clients when they're unhappy with the first attempt at the design. "It's all part of the process." But this isn't really true. I just let the interns slap a design together. I'm actually seeing it for the first time today too. We'll keep working on it.