Finding Inspiration: Elizabeth Cox

Inspiration can come from anywhere. Nearly every design challenge begins with some exploration and search for inspiration. Today Elizabeth Cox shares about where she finds inspiration. Elizabeth joined PAYETTE in 2013 and is experienced in the design of healthcare facilities and university hospitals.

I tend to take a more humble or pragmatic approach when it comes to design and often turn to the small details of day-to-day living and interactions with the existing built environment for inspiration. As my family can attest, I am rarely in a space without commenting on the functionality of design, the quality of light or perhaps what could have been done differently.

I think a lot about how my body feels when moving through or using space, and how it may feel to occupy that same space in a smaller / larger / taller / shorter / differently abled body. It’s typically in the moments of frustration with some part of a poorly designed space that I have an epiphany for a current design project. For example, I’ll notice the way a door swings uncomfortably into a wall or window, the exterior sill that is slightly too shallow to take a seat or the overhang that drips directly onto the main path of travel. This inspires me to think about my design work differently, with a multi-faceted approach that strives for quiet and beautiful functionality.

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Finding Inspiration: Tyler Loewen