Do you sometimes find it difficult to invite the people in your office to do things on the weekend? Does your conversation at work only revolve around complaints of the next project or duties? Do you think checking the supply room is your idea of a good break? If so, you are suffering from ignorant co-worker syndrome.

Even though we may spend more time with these people than their spouse does, at the end of the day we can’t even recall what sports team they root for. Our surface talk has gotten us nowhere; instead it robs us of a real relationship all in the name of “awkward”.

Well I declare no more of this wish-wash! Meet Darren, he is a second year architecture student at UT. Within a period of five minutes, I knew the life goals and purpose of this stranger. In reflecting on his words, I realize it was less about the actual content, but the idea of reaching outside myself to care and ask about someone else. With all the skills we claim to possess in the profession, question-asking remains a key to success. So why wait! Think of some questions and start asking, you’ll be surprised with how much you have in common.

-Mona

Architecture school has drilled into me the integrity of materials—the emphasis is on highlighting the beauty of a material and leaving it at that. Yet, even 2 weeks after shots are photographed, you wonder what comes in to create personalization in a space. 

Slick spreads with Knoll furniture and gridded glass facades have hallmarked our design aesthetic thus far. I'm talking exposed ductwork, bare walls, and concrete floors.

This new set of materials has changed the course of building history. From the skyscrapers gracing the city skyline of Chicago, we have seen the elegance and power of tall stainless steel. But translated inside, this leaves an interior strict and unforgiving, with white on white and minimal decoration.  I have to admit, to live in such order and organization is a feat in itself, yet I also wonder, how much is too much?

I want to pose the question: is design unforgiving? Have we left no room for those who aren’t trained to create and invent without proving the space dysfunctional or ridiculous?

-Mona

My father recently retired after 30 years of practicing neurosurgery (congrats dad!). Throughout my life, I've watched as his collection of incredibly fascinating medical objects has filled up the many nooks and crannies of his office. I've always longed to possess one of these items—in particular a real and perfectly intact human skull. He received this while in med school as a teaching tool (pretty cool school supply huh?). Apparently it's very difficult to procure the real thing anymore, and for that very reason, he's always denied my requests for ownership.

Now, however, the contents of his office have been brought home, most of which he no longer has much interest in. I rescued this beautiful skull from his abyss of a basement, and he (surprisingly) let me bring it back to Texas! It's hinged in various places so that you can take it apart and get a good look at the construction (you can also open and close the mouth via springs). I have to say that it adds an element of creepy intrigue to any room where it sits. It's a great conversation piece, but what's more is the natural allure of having your hands on something so raw and complex. I like to keep it in juxtaposition to prettier, less commanding household trinkets—this softens the brute power that a such a thing has, and allows one to cautiously examine its fascinating design as a decorative piece. You have a skull. I have a skull. Actually, I have two skulls.