Archinect - Features

Archinect's Guide to Job Titles: Set Designer

2023-12-16T07:23:00-05:00

As we delve deeper into our exploration of key job titles within the intersection of architecture and the broader world of design, we turn our attention to a role that plays a pivotal part in the realms of film, television, and theater: the Set Designer. This role, while distinct, shares a symbiotic relationship with architectural principles, often requiring a deep understanding of space, structure, and visual storytelling. Unlike architects who design spaces for living and functionality, Set Designers create environments for narrative purposes, where each element serves the storyline and the director's vision.

This marks our latest installment in Archinect's Guide to Job Titles series. In this feature, we will explore the multifaceted role of the Set Designer. We’ll examine the key responsibilities, the skills necessary for success in this field, and how their work in film and television differs from conventional architectural practices.

Ali Chen, Architect-Turned-Multidisciplinary Designer, Wants to Help You Pass the ARE

2022-05-19T08:59:00-04:00

An architecture background offers individuals skills to thrive in disciplines outside of traditional architecture roles. As evident in our Working Out of the Box series and Archinect's Interesting Jobs series, we highlight examples of how architects and design professionals use their backgrounds in different industries.

With design expertise continuously evolving, our editorial team has connected with those who have applied their architectural backgrounds to alternative career paths. One such example is multi-disciplinary designer Ali Chen. A licensed architect and visualization expert, her interests evolved into packaging design, UX/UI design, and app development.

For this exclusive interview, we connected with Chen to learn more about her multifaceted career path, her experience with architecture licensure, and the launch of her IOS app that aids in studying for the ARE called ARE Inquizition.

How Jeffrey Montes Pivoted From Terrestrial Architecture to Becoming Senior Space Architect at Blue Origin

2021-01-13T09:00:00-05:00

Working out of the Box is a series of features presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with a design professional who hasn't left the profession by definition but pivoted from conventional, terrestrial architecture to a whole new environment: Jeffrey Montes is a Space architect and technologist with a keen interest in designing ever-better extraterrestrial habitats that, one day, will shelter human missions.

Jeffrey currently works at Blue Origin as Senior Space Architect. He is also a research fellow at Open Lunar Foundation and has previously been a driving force behind the widely published and NASA Centennial Challenge-winning proposal for a Martian habitat, Marsha.

Working Out of the Box: Ishraq Zraikat Discusses Her Transition From Architecture to Textile Design and Material Development

2020-09-24T13:49:00-04:00

Working out of the Box is a series of features presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with Ishraq Zraikat, a Jordanian textile artist, weaver, and wool researcher. We learn why she decided to pivot from conventional architecture practice to fashion and textile design and how she eventually found her niche by fusing architectural design thinking with centuries-old Bedouin weaving techniques.

A Conversation With the Architect Who Is Bringing the World's Iconic Buildings to the Chessboard

2019-11-26T07:42:00-05:00

Trained architects turning their hand to product design is not a new phenomenon. In the 21st century Sam Jacob Studio is producing t-shirts and Zaha Hadid Architects are producing everything from vases to shoes, at the turn of the previous century architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh was designing clocks. It is common for architects diversify into other careers, as polymathic architecture education fosters a wide variety of skills.

Follow Your Nose: How Kavi Moltz of Perfume Studio D.S. & Durga Goes Against the Grain

2019-08-15T08:00:00-04:00

Working out of the Box is a series that profiles former architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

Earlier this summer, Archinect spoke with Kavi Moltz, who co-founded the perfume studio D.S. & Durga with her husband David in New York City over 10 years ago. In charge of D.S. & Durga's design and visual branding, Kavi took a moment to talk about going against the grain, the tough but formative lessons she learned while working in architecture, and how those experiences have influenced the way she runs her growing company.

Stephanie Rigolot Discusses Her Pivot from Practicing Architecture to Communicating Architecture

2018-08-02T13:10:00-04:00

Working out of the Box is a series of features presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with Stephanie Rigolot, founder of LA-based consultancy WHAT THE WHAT. We discuss her experience working for architects such as Michael Graves and Thom Mayne, and how that evolved into a business devoted to helping architects express their work to the the public.

Working out of the Box: Matt Storus, Architectural Designer Turned Digital Designer

2017-10-06T11:48:00-04:00

Working out of the Box is a series of features presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with Matt Storus, who is Head of Design for 21.co, a leading Bitcoin startup. Simply put, 21.co is a token-based social network, where one earns digital currency by replying to e-mails and completing tasks like surveys. There, Storus guides the design process from the conceptualization of new features to the final product. We spoke with the designer and former architect about leaving the profession. Our conversation also dives into blockchain—what is it and how could it be used in the field of architecture.

From Architecture to Marijuana Edibles, Christine Smith is Working out of the Box

2017-05-03T12:29:00-04:00

In 2015, Oregon joined Colorado, Washington and Alaska in being one of a handful of states to legalize the use of recreational marijuana. Along for the ride was Christine Smith, founder of Grön, a cannabis-infused fair trade chocolate company.

For this installment of Working out of the Box, our series on architects with alternative career paths, we talk with the architect-turned-weed-chocolatier about her transition into the burgeoning marijuana industry and how her architectural prowess allowed her to sail right through the growing (no pun intended!) industry.

10 Essential Skills for a Life Beyond Architecture

2017-03-24T12:00:00-04:00

The decision to study architecture feels like choosing a path for a lifetime at the age of 20. As you enter university, you think that architecture is about drawing and building as you get ready to become the next Mies van der Rohe. What you may not realize, though, is that architecture school also prepares you for many other careers out there.

Working Out of The Box: Emily Hunt Turner

2016-10-14T11:20:00-04:00

Working out of the Box is a series presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with Emily Hunt Turner, a Twin Cities-based architect, turned lawyer, turned restaurateur with an admirable social mission.

Are you an architect working out of the box? Do you know of someone that has changed careers and has an interesting story to share? If you would like to suggest an (ex-)architect, please send us a message.

Working out of the Box: Kwinten Crauwels, architect and music encyclopedist

2016-10-04T11:52:00-04:00

Working out of the Box is a series presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with Kwinten Crauwels, a Belgian architect, music data visualizer, and aspiring filmmaker.

Working Out of the Box: Jader Almeida

2016-03-02T08:19:00-05:00

Working out of the Box is a series of features presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with Jader Almeida, a Brazilian furniture and product designer.

Working Out of the Box: Scott Paterson of IDEO

2016-01-31T11:11:00-05:00

Working out of the Box is a series of features presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with Scott Paterson, project lead at IDEO.

Working out of the Box: Abraham Burickson, poet, conceptual artist and founder of "Odyssey Works"

2015-03-27T12:13:00-04:00

Working out of the Box is a series of features presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with Abraham Burickson, founder of Odyssey Works.

Working out of the Box: Production Designer and Art Director, Colin Sieburgh

2014-12-23T11:29:00-05:00

Working out of the Box is a series of features presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with production designer and art director, Colin Sieburgh.

Working out of the Box: Santiago Borja

2014-12-11T10:37:00-05:00

Working out of the Box is a series of features presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with artist and architecture theorist, Santiago Borja.

Working out of the Box: Greg Henderson of Hendo Hoverboards

2014-11-11T13:54:00-05:00

Working out of the Box is a series of features presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with Hendo Hoverboard inventor and co-founder of Arx Pax, Greg Henderson.

Working out of the Box: Daniel Dorall, Architect turned Maze Artist

2014-10-20T17:14:00-04:00

Working out of the Box is a series of features presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with Malaysia-born Melbourne-based sculptor and creator of fascinating miniature objects Daniel Dorall.

Working out of the Box: Anne Dérian, Architect turned Mosaic Artist

2014-10-15T11:16:00-04:00

Working out of the Box is a series of features presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with French-born Berlin-based mosaic artist and pattern designer Anne Dérian.

Working out of the Box: Linda Bennett, Architect turned Jewellery Designer

2014-10-09T15:09:00-04:00

Working out of the Box is a series of features presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with Linda Bennett, co-founder of Architact Collective, a Melbourne-based DIY jewellery design outfit.

Working out of the Box: Adora Lo, Architect turned Pro LEGO Builder

2014-09-24T15:47:00-04:00

Working out of the Box is a series of features presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with Adora Lo, LEGO model designer.

Working out of the Box: Julia Watson of "Studio Rede"

2014-08-22T14:29:00-04:00

Working out of the Box is a series of features presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with Julia Watson, landscape architect turned sacred space conservationist.

Working out of the Box: Francis Tsai

2014-08-13T11:16:00-04:00

Working out of the Box is a series of features presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with Francis Tsai of Francis Tsai Illustration and Concept Design.

Working out of the Box: Otaat / Myers Collective

2014-07-18T11:06:00-04:00

Working out of the Box is a series of features presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with Albert Chu and Jenny Myers of Otaat / Myers Collective.

Working out of the Box: Daniel Carper

2014-05-29T11:34:00-04:00

Working out of the Box is a series of features presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with Daniel Carper, Product Designer at Loaded Boards and Orangatang Wheels.

Working out of the Box: Emily Fischer of Haptic Lab

2014-04-15T14:26:00-04:00

Working out of the Box is a series of features presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with Emily Fischer, Founder of Haptic Lab.

Working out of the Box: Miguel McKelvey

2014-01-30T11:46:00-05:00

Working out of the Box is a series of features presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with Miguel McKelvey, Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer at WeWork.

Working out of the Box: Mary-Lynne Williams & Moneta Ho Kushner

2013-11-27T14:07:00-05:00

Working out of the Box is a series of features presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with Microsoft Design Leads Mary-Lynne Williams and Moneta Ho Kushner.

Working out of the Box: The Sugar Lab

2013-11-07T10:59:00-05:00

Working out of the Box is a series of features presenting architects who have applied their architecture backgrounds to alternative career paths.

In this installment, we're talking with Liz von Hasseln, one part of the husband-and-wife team and 3D sugar-printing design firm, The Sugar Lab.