Unleash Your Inner Child

“Miss, why did you become an architect?” asked one of the 10-year old boys of the class. This is exactly one of the many perks of spending time with children. They always ask those million dollar questions that start with why.

It all reminded me of when I had stumbled across a drawing I had done some many years ago, hidden amongst children’s books and toys back at my parent’s home. A few words strung across the drawing in purple marker read: “I wish that the poor people were in a house. And food.” I find it invigorating how there’s a certain confidence and authenticity in a child’s words. Long before I knew I’d be an architect, I simply wanted to bring joy to people’s lives and make sure everyone, especially those in need, was taken care of.

A child’s authenticity

It all reminded me of when I had stumbled across a drawing I had done some many years ago, hidden amongst children’s books and toys back at my parent’s home. A few words strung across the drawing in purple marker read: “I wish that the poor people were in a house. And food.” I find it invigorating how there’s a certain confidence and authenticity in a child’s words. Long before I knew I’d be an architect, I simply wanted to bring joy to people’s lives and make sure everyone, especially those in need, was taken care of.

As architects, we’re not simply in the business of making buildings. We’re crafters of life. Architecture is merely the means, not the end. It’s a medium to create place for our lives to unfold before.

Architecture: a means rather than an end

Fast forward to today, it’s easy to get bogged down in everyday professional obligations, like applying for tenders or completing permit applications, and to lose sight of the bigger picture. But I always try to remind myself that as architects, we’re not simply in the business of making buildings. We’re crafters of life. Architecture is merely the means, not the end. It’s a medium to create place for our lives to unfold before; like the detailed scenery of a theatre, painting the decor for the story of life to take place.

A moment for reflection

As things have slowed down and others stopped altogether, the majority of us find ourselves at home with more time to reflect on our hands. What better opportunity than this to step back and dig deeper into our own whys. Asking ourselves why incessantly, just as a child would, to uncover that deeper personal meaning again.

When we overcome the pandemic, which we will, we’re going to have a fresh start in a sense. There couldn’t be a better time to unleash your inner child and the purpose-seeking creative energy that comes with it.