Guest Blogger: Dennis King

Dennis King, FAIA, is our guest blogger this week.  Dennis is the President of the American Institute of Architects Michigan, which is currently celebrating its 150-year sesquicentennial.  He is also Chairman and CEO of Harley Ellis Devereaux , an award-winning, full-service organization offering a complete range of planning, architecture, engineering, interior architecture, landscape architecture and construction services.

Check back here each weekday to read Dennis’ thoughts on National Architecture Week (Apr. 9-14), how design and architecture reflect the creative soul of our community and the profound impact it can have on quality of life. 

Want to join the conversation? Please send your comments to: feedback@metromodemedia.com

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04.12.07
Post No. 1

Design Matters

“Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood and probably will themselves not be realized. 

Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will not die.”

Noted Chicago architect and urban planner Daniel Hudson Burnham uttered this famous quote over a century ago. It came at a time in our history when American architects were searching for their own design style – an important American statement that good design could be truly uplifting to the human spirit and beneficial to our communities.

That mission remains for us architects to this day. Design does matter, and it appears that society may again be awakening to the excitement and sensuality that good design offers to our buildings and cities. In fact, this week, April 9-14, is the first official National Architecture Week.  Design excellence can be the true foundation of a great public building, a successful business enterprise or an entire healthy neighborhood.  Creating identity, providing choices, preserving urban centers, protecting the environment, and strengthening the public building infrastructure are all principles of good design.

Most importantly, good design does not have to cost more. Sensitive design solutions executed on a tight budget have proven to offer some of the most elegant design ideas and solutions. These well-designed structures are also usually more enduring, longer lasting and simply more fun to be in.

For this reason, we, as architects, are celebrating the sesquicentennial of the American Institute of Architects this year and continue to beat Daniel Burnham’s drum.

Design matters! Tell your colleagues, your elected representatives, your neighbors and your children. Well, maybe your children already know this.

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The mission of AIA Michigan is to serve its membership, advance the values of the profession and improve the quality of the built environment.  This year, AIA Michigan celebrates its 150-year sesquicentennial, AIA150.  For more information on The American Institute of Architects Michigan, please visit www.aiami.com.

Photograph © Dave Krieger