Finding Inspiration: David Pawlak

Inspiration can come from anywhere. Nearly every design challenge begins with some exploration and search for inspiration. Today, David Pawlak shares about where he finds inspiration.

When looking for inspiration in design, I have different sources given the diverse palette of our project work. I could be looking for inspiration on anything from slick curtain walls to collaboration spaces to doorknobs. The approach changes given the nature of the investigation.

For inspiration on products/materials and architecture in general, I do have a maybe-not-so-common habit of google searching fundamental curiosities and saving the ones I like into an organized folder on my desktop labeled “inspiration.”  I don’t think a day goes by where I’m not interacting in that folder in some way.

When looking for current trends, I’ll look to my favorite industry magazines and online sites like ArchDaily or R&D Magazine. I follow other leading firms on Twitter to stay up-to-date on how our fellow architects are taking on similar project challenges.

For inspiration on design that stands out, I’ll look up projects that have recently received high awards and really dig in to what separates them from the rest. I find that projects which embody a certain level of clarity are the ones that inspire me the most.

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