Who is the Architect?

Reality check + the mother/father of all art and stories of architecture

Mar 27, 2023

If you enjoy this letter → 💖 put a heart on it. 🙏You can support my writing by sharing and subscribing below. 💎You can also upgrade to a paid subscription and access exclusive content.

© Keva Epale (a treasure from a previous life!)

👋 Hello, dear reader. How are you doing today?

I have been receiving emails from people I know, asking if I am doing well in Paris. The images speak for themselves, and a reality check is unavoidable.
I live in a country that needs a wellness program, a back-to-joy program.

A strategic joint plan and a vision to face the ventures ahead → Hope for the future.

As a creative, I face the same mental struggles that reality can throw at anyone. I think about paying bills, growing my business, staying healthy, eating quality food, ensuring the safety of my loved ones, living in a mindful environment, achieving goals, and avoiding burnout. While I have realized that my creativity is everything I need, it is not always enough. The world is moving so quickly, and it can be challenging to make sense of it all. Many industries are changing rapidly, and the creative industry is no exception. Finding work, clients, and opportunities in such a crowded space can be challenging for all of us.

Now, the choice to work longer should always remain a personal decision. You cannot force people to work until they are 64-80 years old, especially if we do not redefine what "work" means. We need to develop the ability to redefine ourselves throughout our lives and learn how to create wealth. Personally, I plan to continue working beyond the age of 64 because my work is more than just a job. However, people who have worked in physically demanding jobs that have weighed their bodies and souls should have the luxury to choose to work longer because they want to, not because they are forced to do so.
I understand the fatigue and frustration of people on the streets. As someone who navigates multiple worlds, I see the gap and drastically different mental spaces between various groups. I get their resentment, I get the anger of the youth and their sense of despair. I will not write fairytales, the country is not going well. However, I still hold onto hope. There are people out there fighting the good fight: initiatives to create connections, conversations and support through circular economy, donations or simple gestures of hope are happening every day. What France needs is a rebranding of its identity, one that acknowledges its diversity and complexity. We must accept both the weaknesses and strengths and celebrate the individuals who make it unique. Our politicians need to start listening to the people and implementing policies that address their needs, rather than the other way around. In fact, the very concept of politics needs a rebranding!

How does it resonate with the Architect?

Architecture is vision
Architecture is not just about designing buildings, houses, or cities. It is a vision for a better society, where people can live together harmoniously. The political dimension of architecture is often overlooked, but it is crucial. Architects cannot build without the support of a state, a client, and the necessary authority to build on a specific land. In many ways, the government serves as that authority.
When a society lacks a shared vision for its future, it becomes more challenging to achieve a sense of community and togetherness. I believe architects can play a pioneering role in creating a better human society, designing structures that promote social interaction and cohesion for everyone no matter your bank account. Architecture should be a right for everyone!
A story of character
Oh! yes. Architects have character and strong personalities, perhaps due to the nature of their role. I worked for several years in the architecture world within a museum* and I met a number of personalities in architecture: humble, extravagant, playboy, saviour, arrogant, genuine, and even a few who seemed to be living on another planet!
The field of architecture is made up of people, and the mindset of the people within it ultimately shapes the future of the industry.
Diversity and inclusion
I have always been surprised by the lack of diversity in the field. There are very few people like me and even fewer women in leadership roles on major projects. While things are changing and new voices are emerging, architecture must set an example as the mother/father of the arts. I believe it can bring that shift in creating a better living together - working together.
With great power comes great responsibility

An elite field?
The architecture industry can be quite expensive, both in terms of the cost of the studies, work and networks involved. Often, it seems that success is based on who you know and who you have worked with before, emphasizing a sense of community and tribe. This can make it difficult for new ideas to emerge and for alternative routes* to be created.
There is also a misconception of the idea that good architecture is limited to developed countries. Architecture exists everywhere and can start with the simple idea of creating 4 corners for people to gather. The moment people need to come together to do something, architecture is involved.
* You can have a look at this list of 14 black architects & designers you should know (a much-needed list)

© Keva Epale. (A proposal for an exhibition - a treasure from a previous life!)

A story of ambition, a tale of dreamers
Many famous architects have made significant contributions to the field of architecture. For example, Le Corbusier was instrumental in paving the way for a straightforward collective living space. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit La Villa Savoye in Poissy and was struck by the harmonious balance of design, space, and nature.
Some architects devote their entire lives to their projects, as we can see with Gaudi and his work on the Sagrada Família, which began in 1882 and is expected to be completed in 2026. The level of complexity and craftsmanship involved in such projects is a challenge even for contemporary architects today. It is a reminder of the important contributions made by pioneering architects, and their work continues to inspire and challenge us to this day.
An entrepreneurial story
Architects are solution-driven. The biggest problem is how to make billions of people live together in countries, cities, houses and communities that help them live healthier and have confidence in themselves and others. It is an endeavour that magnetises minds to bring simplicity, functionality, and warmth to human problems. Financial constraints are present, but many projects are made with low-cost materials and new approaches to construction that bridge the gap to create a new, modern, and sustainable architecture for all, especially in light of climate change. It is about how we can live well together mindfully and respect the earth, of which we are tenants.
A story of confidence
If you live in a neighbourhood you like, you are more likely to invest in that neighbourhood and interact with the community. Architecture can boost confidence in oneself, others and communities. Giving people the power and capacity to choose where they want to live or build their houses is what will make ‘‘architecture for good’’ a movement.
A story of collaboration
There are many people involved in the process. Many fields, minds, and brains make a structure viable long term. I have always been fascinated by the orchestration of such a task. The architect is the leader of the building process, and he understands and knows the people and materials involved. We can learn a lot about leadership by observing and analyzing architects in their work process and ethics.
The work of art is an endeavour of many.
Sending, thoughtful vibes ⌛️

Have you heard of paper houses?

Architect vision: Never too small

"Never Too Small" is my Netflix for tiny house projects. It is a collection of ideas and inspiration from various places around the world. Tiny houses are fascinating and they shed light on our capacity to start small and create our own paradise.
This episode is one of my favourites, the mindset and strategic use of space are always mind-blowing to watch. I admire the architect’s mind to optimize and apply a function to space for well-being.

Pop and dream

🐎 Opportunity knocks

In every letter, I share opportunities I stumbled upon. There are so many cool grants, funding, competitions, and more to enter to experience progress. I hope the list of the week will be useful.

🇺🇸 Lift as we climb grant (Gabrielle Union said it all)
🇫🇷 A call for producers (newcomers in the industry → deadline April 19th)
Social media manager (Female founders → Vienna, Austria)
Call for entry for Selected 2023 (an event showcasing bright minds in the design industry)

Pépites music 🗺 navigate languages

🤩 Cool links to click on

Footnotes (creative thinking by writer Leslye Penelope uncovering the art and birth of writing. Love the spirit!)
Stress Busters community (a mindful & proactive community to find relief by Madhurima Sappatti)
🇫🇷 Recherche ta liberté (philosopher Gaspard Koenig on seeking freedom for a better society)
Build creative confidence (mindful creative talks with Teresa Ferreira)
Train your communication skills (one of the most eloquent speakers I know, his free workshops are 🔥)

I hope you enjoyed the read of the week. If yes, share it with peers, friends and family. Sharing is loving.

Yours creatively,
Keva.