From where does the inspiration come?

So many times people tell me that they thought they wanted to be an architect.  They always say “That’s cool.” when I tell them what I do.  And I like to think it is because they understand the inherent value in what Architecture brings to any place and people that are engaged with it.  I was awarded a wonderful opportunity, by a random selection from Herman Miller, to return to a small town that has made ARCHITECTURE its statement and an economic engine as well.

Most people in South Carolina have never heard of Columbus, Indiana (not to be confused with Ohio).  Columbus happens to be home to the Cummins Engine Company and is ranked sixth on the list of American cities for its modern architecture.  Yes indeed, the Architecture here makes quite a statement.  Irwin Miller, whose family owned Cummins, decided to help his church by offering to pay the architectural fees if they would select from his list of architects.  They agreed and along came Eliel Saarinen and the new (1940s) First Christian Church.

The complexity within the simple yet powerful plan is followed through to the details.  There is consistency within the design from all vantage points, from a distance all the way down to the pulls on the doors.  Most importantly, and a strong deviation from nearly all churches prior, is its asymmetrical form that remains balanced.  The quality generated is intended to withstand the elements of time and Mother Nature.  Very little has changed save a new handrail to meet more stringent code requirements.  The characteristics of light and dark, balance and symmetry, form and shape, positive and negative space, color and texture are all adhered to in this design.  Nothing seems out of place and the systems are integrated neatly and discretely.

To create work that may reveal an era, are consistent with the elements of good design, will reflect the present owners and hold up to the next generations style with grace.  This is my goal and what is so inspiring to me.

It is safe to say that Irwin Miller influenced a great many people in Columbus and so many more who still visit this small Midwestern city to explore it’s collection of major works of Architecture.  For that I am and will continue to be grateful.