Refections of a Design Build Studio

An interesting studio this was for me now that I think back on it.

Thinking back even further to the 'Dry in House' studio that took place one year ago, things were very different but very much the same. The comparisons are fairly simple; things take longer than originally planned or forecasted. This can be viewed as a problem or as predictable.

The main difference to me was the selection of the members in the studio. Doug H.'s studio required that every interested student summit a portfolio to be reviewed before one was selected into the studio. Yes I know because I heard 10 F'n times, some of you did not have a choice, yes you did, you live in America, and freedom of choice is your right! Italy, is a choice, another school is a choice, talking to Dr. C. is a choice, directed studies is a choice, knowing what you are getting into before you choose a university is your responsibility, so man up little ones!

The problem with Doug's studio was that the construction of the detail did not start until the last month of school. But they had an entire house detailed in very precise drawings, from the core to corner connections. They had 5 students, one with construction experience, 3 girls, and one Vinnie. Here is my point; they were selected for the studio, their portfolio show a coherence for design and drawing.

As for this studio, I have worked in the 'real world' for more than 6 years. I have worked with all demographics, I have worked with people who had little to no skills or experience and I have worked with people who supposedly had much experience and skills, the ones who succeeded were the ones with passion, I worked for 5 weeks with a company for free just for an opportunity to be trained, because it was something that I wanted and it would have been impossible to get a job with them without experience. It was this sacrifice which got me in the door and it was ass busting hard work which kept me there. I know some of you can and would/will do even more than this. But for the one who say, “Who cares”, “so”, “I won’t work for free” etc. good luck succeeding in life. Dear Uber Group + you know who you are, good luck with all of your future projects, not that you need to hear this from me; failure is not something that you consider. Dear the majority of the rest of you, figure out what you are going to do with yourselves. I know it is hard working in groups, studio, outside, and any other place you had difficulties showing up to, but architecture will not be any easier for you. Your lack of dedication, sacrifice, promise, and drive are your characteristics and unfortunately, your parents won’t be able to help you in the real world. Clemson is a place of tradition, and if your parents know somebody who knows somebody, blah, blah, then you can make it through the architecture program. But this is hopefully the only university in the United States where that bullshit is allowed to happen! What I am trying to say is, just because you got/getting your degree (which I will always stand against) doesn't mean you will make it in grad. school or the real world. My advice which I hope you don't take because I don't even want you reading anything I writ, is to reflect on yourselves and hopefully you can figure out what it is you are doing on this earth! Like I said earlier, best wishes Uber group + you know who you are, it has been a great pleasure working with you, and maybe in some strange future we will raise together again. b