LINK Mentor Interview
Lyle Bryson: So, to start things off, I'd like to ask a very open-ended personal question: why architecture?
Thomas Robinson: From a very young age I've been interested in making things. The relationship of how something can be simple as a form yet also be transformed has always intrigued me. I used to play with building blocks, train sets, models; these objects showed me the aspects of how things happen. My mother is European, and we would travel to Europe and I would be amazed when I would look at the old buildings. Maybe part of it is recreating the aspects I valued in those buildings.
LB: Is there a particular reason that you have always been attracted to European/foreign architecture?
TR: Most people in the U.S. never go into a good building. It's just not apparent in the way that most buildings are designed here. The closest some people get to a perfect space is church, [because] they try to make it nice so you feel good there. Another space that is close to perfect is restaurants [for creating a happy atmosphere].
LB: You mention the lack experience for most Americans of a "perfect space". What is a perfect space for you?
TR: A space is a complicated thing. What's perfect for one person isn't perfect for another. In a good space you slow down and appreciate your feelings and emotions. A perfect space makes you feel like you belong there.
LB: How do you envision that LEVER will have an impact on Portland and beyond? Have you already seen the results of these impacts?
TR: LEVER has already had an impact on Portland. We (LEVER) have been able to have such an impact on the city because Portland has the infrastructure to support useful architecture [architecture that will benefit the city). We're fortunate to live in a city that has strong planning. A lot of the planning has built the city into what it is today.
LB: Did you have any misconceptions about architecture when you entered the field? How were these misconceptions changed when you entered the field?
TR: No, I didn't have any misconceptions about architecture. I guess I just didn't realize how much regulation, how much money, how much city planning the profession takes.
LB: How has your work been different than that of other architecture firms? What project are you most proud of?
TR: It (LEVER) has been very rewarding in the sense that not many people get to design their own work. Because we've been able to take ownership of all our projects, I have liked all of our projects: Arthouse, Union Way, Disney, etc.
LB: What advice would you give to an aspiring architect?
TR: Architecture is a winner takes all profession. Architecture takes a lot of time, and you always run the risk of not getting a contract. It's either you get the project or you don't. That means you have work or you don't. It's a very competitive field.
Thomas Robinson: From a very young age I've been interested in making things. The relationship of how something can be simple as a form yet also be transformed has always intrigued me. I used to play with building blocks, train sets, models; these objects showed me the aspects of how things happen. My mother is European, and we would travel to Europe and I would be amazed when I would look at the old buildings. Maybe part of it is recreating the aspects I valued in those buildings.
LB: Is there a particular reason that you have always been attracted to European/foreign architecture?
TR: Most people in the U.S. never go into a good building. It's just not apparent in the way that most buildings are designed here. The closest some people get to a perfect space is church, [because] they try to make it nice so you feel good there. Another space that is close to perfect is restaurants [for creating a happy atmosphere].
LB: You mention the lack experience for most Americans of a "perfect space". What is a perfect space for you?
TR: A space is a complicated thing. What's perfect for one person isn't perfect for another. In a good space you slow down and appreciate your feelings and emotions. A perfect space makes you feel like you belong there.
LB: How do you envision that LEVER will have an impact on Portland and beyond? Have you already seen the results of these impacts?
TR: LEVER has already had an impact on Portland. We (LEVER) have been able to have such an impact on the city because Portland has the infrastructure to support useful architecture [architecture that will benefit the city). We're fortunate to live in a city that has strong planning. A lot of the planning has built the city into what it is today.
LB: Did you have any misconceptions about architecture when you entered the field? How were these misconceptions changed when you entered the field?
TR: No, I didn't have any misconceptions about architecture. I guess I just didn't realize how much regulation, how much money, how much city planning the profession takes.
LB: How has your work been different than that of other architecture firms? What project are you most proud of?
TR: It (LEVER) has been very rewarding in the sense that not many people get to design their own work. Because we've been able to take ownership of all our projects, I have liked all of our projects: Arthouse, Union Way, Disney, etc.
LB: What advice would you give to an aspiring architect?
TR: Architecture is a winner takes all profession. Architecture takes a lot of time, and you always run the risk of not getting a contract. It's either you get the project or you don't. That means you have work or you don't. It's a very competitive field.