Geoffrey Burns ( right )
As a prospective licensed architect, the impression of what Design Build Bluff provides in terms of education and experience has been imprinted to remain with me for the rest of my life. The challenges faced and overcame through thought, reasoning, and teamwork prepare us now as professionals and provides a powerful tool to help face our challenges in the future.
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It is not just about designing and building a home, it is about relationships and how you work with people. When all is said and done, people are what matter. We are building these homes for people and building them with human comfort in mind. The homes are being built by students, which along the way learn through trial and error the importance of details, cost, feasibility, and planning.
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When I came to Bluff for our first bi-week session, it was much to take in knowing we have officially started the design build semester. It was a time of adaptation to the new living conditions while still refining the design of the homes. It is a very intense environment being in studio where you work during the day to prepare the site/property for the building of the homes, and at night developing the design. Additionally, trying to come up with innovative material reuse and sustainable practice ideas was a challenge but also of prime importance.
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Throughout the semester, everyone seemed to find their place in the development of the homes. Part of the challenge was project management and carefully coordinating everyone with a specific task that they felt was fulfilling and most educationally rewarding. At the end when it came to the move of the Westwater home, everyone watched as the house was set in place by the crane with a tremendous feeling of accomplishment.
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- Geoffrey Burns
