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People know what they like and how they use spaces. They also have experiences to share about their interaction with architecture. Listen so you can talk with them, not at them. -
People know what they like and how they use spaces. They also have experiences to share about their interaction with architecture. Listen so you can talk with them, not at them.
Use culturally iconic references like the Pyramids of Giza or the Taj Mahal – or the university your children attend together. Arcane examples that very few people know makes it seem as if specialized knowledge is necessary to discuss architecture. -
Use culturally iconic references like the Pyramids of Giza or the Taj Mahal – or the university your children attend together. Arcane examples that very few people know makes it seem as if specialized knowledge is necessary to discuss architecture.
Unless you were specifically asked about Santiago Calatrava’s work in Spain or something similar, talk about the architecture that people use in their daily lives. Residences. Offices. Schools. Places of worship. Even grocery stores! -
Unless you were specifically asked about Santiago Calatrava’s work in Spain or something similar, talk about the architecture that people use in their daily lives. Residences. Offices. Schools. Places of worship. Even grocery stores!
Remember there is a reason that universally popular architecture like the Chrysler Building is well liked. Find out why the non-architect likes the design they referenced and go from there. -
Remember there is a reason that universally popular architecture like the Chrysler Building is well liked. Find out why the non-architect likes the design they referenced and go from there.
One of the top best-selling architecture books is called “The Not So Big House”. Sometimes we all need to remember to appreciate the architecture we see and use every day, not just the monumental or award-winning designs. -
One of the top best-selling architecture books is called “The Not So Big House”. Sometimes we all need to remember to appreciate the architecture we see and use every day, not just the monumental or award-winning designs.
If you’re in architecture school or talking to a fellow architect, by all means go ahead and debate the merits of design styles. Just as you probably wouldn't appreciate your neighbor waxing on about the nuances of US versus international maritime law, neither does the non-architect with whom you're talking. -
If you’re in architecture school or talking to a fellow architect, by all means go ahead and debate the merits of design styles. Just as you probably wouldn't appreciate your neighbor waxing on about the nuances of US versus international maritime law, neither does the non-architect with whom you're talking.
Just like your mother told you, nobody likes a name dropper. And if you name architects the non-architect you’re talking to doesn't know, you’re only talking to yourself. -
Just like your mother told you, nobody likes a name dropper. And if you name architects the non-architect you’re talking to doesn't know, you’re only talking to yourself.
Sure, the designs are beautiful, but what do they actually do? How do they serve their users? This is something the non-architect can consider and discuss. -
Sure, the designs are beautiful, but what do they actually do? How do they serve their users? This is something the non-architect can consider and discuss.
This helps keep the conversation in a place where everyone can participate, regardless of their profession or experience with architecture. -
This helps keep the conversation in a place where everyone can participate, regardless of their profession or experience with architecture.
There have been architects who may not have altered the course of the industry or set the world on fire, but they made a huge impression on everyone who encountered them because their work tells stories: sensitivity to the environment, about those who commissioned the spaces, how they have been used over time. -
There have been architects who may not have altered the course of the industry or set the world on fire, but they made a huge impression on everyone who encountered them because their work tells stories: sensitivity to the environment, about those who commissioned the spaces, how they have been used over time.
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Ten Cardinal Rules for Talking to Non-Architects

Larry Speck has a storied career, and is still going strong. He is a Senior Principal at a multidisciplinary firm that is ranked among the top A/E firms in the US according to industry publications; his work has won numerous awards; he is published; he served as the Dean of the School of Architecture at the University of Texas (UT) at Austin where he still teaches and he works on fascinating projects for Fortune 500 entities, major government agencies and comparable clients. Yet, he still envies people in other industries, such as the culinary arts.

Larry explained at a recent 8:00am Saturday morning presentation with over 100 attendees that over time, he has come to realize that the public perception of architecture as a career doesn’t quite align with reality. Even though the average American spends 95% of their time inside a built environment, people still perceive architecture as esoteric or almost incomprehensible. Yet, the very same people who back away or glaze over when they meet an architect can speak knowledgeably – and excitedly - about food such as different types of root vegetable preparation, nutritional content and palate compatibility.

He exhorted the architects in attendance to take cues from chefs and wait staff who take the time to explain to diners what their options are, what they are about to experience and how it’s prepared. Larry knows of what he speaks – he teaches the single most popular elective course at UT geared toward non-architecture majors titled “Architecture in Society”. According to the UT registrar, approximately 1 of 12 undergraduates takes this course, for a total of 16,000 students to date. And he still offers it. Additionally, he is a Topaz Medallion recipient, the highest honor given to an architectural educator from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA). 

The Saturday morning presentation was titled “Ten Cardinal Rules for Talking to Non-architects About Architecture” and is a combination of anecdotes, observations and statistics to help architects understand how to better convey what they do. His starting advice is, “Just do it – start talking.” While the above image gallery of rules with accompanying captions doesn't convey the stories that kept his audience riveted – and laughing in acknowledgement of what we’ve all seen and heard ourselves - it should motivate you to sign up for any opportunity you may find to attend this talk. 

01/14/2015

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