FADesign Convertible Pants

I've been working with one of my sponsors as a professional climber to come out with a more affordable and stylish version of the convertible pant for the all around outdoors person. The details are coming together; the key being the removal of the goofy zipper and inability to awkwardly lose one of the lower legs. Check it out:

They are offered in almost any color imaginable and size, although blue and tan may be the most common and durable options (especially waist size 36-38). 

Available at any thrift store for $5-10, or at Urban Outfitters for $75 if you prefer the used look but not the smell.

Seattle Design Festival

I've taken the opportunity of leisure time to volunteer around the city this summer, and one of the projects I've been working on is the entry portal to the Seattle Design Festival coming September 5th. We're in crunch time now, but it's really shaping up and should look great. 

Washington Pass/Mazama

Forest fires and hazy days, dips in the river and quiet free camping. 

Seoul facades

With an actual population of over 10 million people, and over 25 million if including the metro area, Seoul businesses and architects have to try just a little bit harder to attract attention. 

I am not sure what 'purting' is, but it's free, and the building is leopard print so that's a great start. 

More on flickr

on the craft of temples and worship in Korea

I’m not the first nor last to say it, but, one of the most powerful parts of visiting other parts of the world is seeing evidence of the history which we don’t really have in the United States. It seems like every park, mountain, and public square in Korea is has a temple or sculpture dedicated to worship, and dating back hundreds or sometimes thousands of years. Like in many smaller countries, there is a huge amount of national pride which filters down to the maintenance and care of public and historical artifacts. 

It’s incredible how people used to build when labor was cheap and materials expensive. Most of these temples were either built during the Silla or Joseon Dynasty, or take their appearance from those styles. As Korean Confucianism became prevalent, some of the details become slightly less ornate. 

Koreans hold strongly on to historical beliefs and superstitions, and it is typical to see whimsical characters or animals guarding over a structure or place. 

Many Buddhist temples were built during later dynasties, and while there are modern Christian churches in Korea, none that I saw show the intricacy or care of these from the past. 

Still got it-

my hair at least. I was getting all worked up with all this studying and testing, and I'm glad to see not all of it fell out. It would have been a shame too, not because my hair is particularly nice, but more from the physical remnants that would mark what should have been a pleasant spring and summer. 

I think it's time to get on some Zen Buddhist shit. Because really, how fantastic is it that I have the opportunity to study and become an architect, and right now have time to volunteer & climb as a state sponsored athlete? Take a freaking chill pill and find delight in the world.

The summer of my content

The short of it: 

I'm setting myself up to be the owner of a small architecture firm as I finish up with my license over the next few months. If anyone needs any design work done, I'm the guy!

The long of it:

The past few weeks have been intense for me, and difficult to deal with. I finished cramming for my last untaken ARE, took a three day trip to Smith Rock, and have steadily been working 10-12 hour days on top of trying to get my life under control. The weather, climbing, and friends in central Oregon were fantastic. For work I have spent the last few weeks in the field cutting and removing a full double basketball court floor, and then careful demo of a condo for Creoworks' reuse. 

30 hours cutting & 2 days of moving into and out of trucks later.

Last Thursday I received all three scores from the tests I took this spring and threw a party for myself. 3 tequilas, 3 passes! I was so psyched, and still am.

Burritos and tequilas carnage.

The next day, I went in to work, was laid off, and returned home determined to go on a nice bike ride in the sun. Someone else decided they needed my mountain bike more than I did, and while looking around the basement I also discovered a package of mine that had been opened and discarded. As the only designer at the firm to receive a raise, I was the most expensive as well as the most interested in pursuing architecture instead of furniture design. The sum of it all is the freedom to pursue my own goals, and being unencumbered by an extra bicycle and helmet..

We already had plans to go to Leavenworth for the weekend, and I needed the getaway. Luckily for me my car didn't explode or succumb to any other karmic disaster, and I channeled the frustration and joy into sending an awesome rock climb that I had never been close to before. 

The people and places that inspire me. Just look at those boobs on that sleeping lady.

Here I am Monday morning trying to start pulling the right strings to get the next step of the adventure started.