What got you into architecture?

I was attracted to the practical aspects of the art. There are also social values in designing architecture that creates a more positive environment. I think it was my role.

What architects influenced you?
I was influenced by Charles Moore for combining history and place and memory. I liked his approach to looking at architecture not as a sort of modern zeitgeist but as a building that responds to time and place.

I’m also influenced by Regional architecture. Alvar Alto had an interesting approach to regionalism.

What is regionalism?

Understanding that architecture should respond to the site and place it’s in. People often do “object” architecture, developing it as something to be seen. Others develop buildings as part of the fabric of the environment. Object architecture is more representative of the architect’s personal interests. Regional architecture is more about the places that you’re in.

When I do buildings I want people to feel that they fit and that they look good and that they’ve made the environment a more positive and more beautiful place. Whenever an architect does something he should effect the environment positively, not to his own interests but to those of the community.

Tell me about the new dorm.

We’ve been calling it “housing.” We tried to create housing that felt like home. The housing designs have been cultivated out of feedback with Oberlin students. It’s great to be able to talk about the design and get a direct response. Its much more rewarding than meeting the client and coming back months later with a set of drawings.

The Union Project incorporates 11 buildings, with approximately 4500 square feet per building. There will be three housing units per building, and each unit will house four students with four single bedrooms. Every unit has a living, dining, and kitchen area. Oh, and obviously a bathroom too. No outhouses. They’re very sustainable but we thought we’d give ‘em a bathroom.

Did you incorporate any sustainability principles or green-building aspects into the housing?

The buildings and windows will be very well insulated. On the interior we’re using lots of recycled or environmentally responsible materials, such as recycled and recyclable carpet, linoleum, cork flooring, fluorescent lights and low VOC paints. There will be lots of natural light to eliminate the need for artificial lighting and create a better living environment.

How are you accomodating for this housing’s close proximity to town housing?
The exterior of the housing will resemble surrounding houses. We’ve developed six distinct styles for the buildings so they won’t all look exactly alike. The ones that are duplicated won’t be next to each other and will use different color palettes.

Interview by Ben Newhouse