As an (aspiring) architect, I think everything deserves to be designed well. Sadly, bottom line  (read: bottom dollar) typically trends towards high function, low frill…and low cost. But at what expense?

Obviously these two examples cover a wide range in budget, scope, and use. But the theory is the same: everything can be designed well, and deserves to be. People in functional, creative spaces are more creative and productive themselves. We, as designers, have the capacity to design (thank you Mr. Obvious). I can’t think of an architect of note that stuck to ONLY designing buildings. Zaha has swimsuits (what you think of them is not the point). Eames, Mies, FLW, etc did furniture. Gehry does…whatever Gehry does.

The thing is…we don’t hold the patent on design, as evidenced by our field shrinking and being challenged due to artists of every sort, and the general populace, wanting to impact design on the built environment.

So now what?

Consider this the call to arms, the call to action, the call to sketches…the call to design.

Everything is worth designing well. What object in your everyday life could use an aesthetic face-lift? I hope to make this a running series as I continue across things which have been designed well. I would love your input, as well. If you come across something: tweet me, tag me on instagram, or email me.

It’s high time we #designthemundane.