Yesterday I wrote a post about how I became a mountaineer. I mentioned that my light bulb moment was an ascent of Mt Sebastopol aged 11.
How I became an Architect is more complexed and I have been thinking about what events or experiences have contributed to my career choice.
One reason is I have always enjoyed making things specially building. This image is of me at about 4 years old helping my dad do some crazy paving at home. The Halswell Quarry stone came from the Canterbury Museum where Dad worked as a curator.
Dad helped build our Avonhead house which was started in 1965 the year after I was born. It was designed in the Christchurch style of white painted concrete block.
It took some time to complete the house. As soon as I was old enough to help I rolled up my sleeves and joined Dad.
As you can see from my smile I was having a great time. I still enjoy working with my hands. At the end of a days building work I am physically tired but mentally very relaxed. The reverse is true after certain days in the office at a computer.
I progressed to doing carpentry in my high school and university holidays. This building experience has led me to architecture and helped my architecture. Knowing how your drawings will actually come together on site is a real advantage.
If you have a building project and want to work with an Architect who loves to build come a talk to me.
I am Graeme Jacobs an Architect specialising in high performance homes using SIP PREFAB.
