WHAT’S YOUR NAME?
Adam Wiesehan
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO CHOOSE THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE?
Growing up I built wood furniture as a hobby but didn’t yet connect it to a career in architecture. As soon I could I learned to weld and began sculpting in metal. The idea of a career in architecture was finally sparked later in life after a modern architecture tour around Europe. That’s when I understood my love for design and art could be combined in the field of architecture.
WHAT TYPE OF WORK ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN?
I still have a passion for furniture design as well as design at a similar scale such as lighting fixtures. I’m most interested in projects that are designed to fit like a glove or piece of furniture for the user, or in other words, projects that allow for design interventions at both the small and large scale.
WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES SINCE OBTAINING YOUR ARCHITECTURE DEGREE?
To not take things too seriously, stay off cruise control and remember the design process should be a little playful for better results. I think an overly rational and practical approach to projects using a set of tools I’m most comfortable with is the easy path forward which often leads to a blah finished product. The challenge can be to explore atypical options, test one-off ideas, and make sure the journey is enjoyable.
WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL?
The daily feeling of being in a factory of creativity. My school had a large fabrication shop, an industrial design department and few walls. That allowed for a visual chaos of creativity everywhere which allow for frequent moments of inspiration.
ANY CRITICISMS OF THE ARCHITECTURE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE?
It can be working in a vacuum in many ways which confines our experiences to our immediate surroundings. Since our profession mostly involves problem solving for people, I think it’s best we not learn on a desert island. Extending our education into more productive interaction with a large community might help students have a better understanding that our profession is a public service industry.
WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL GOALS?
I want to develop a career that is supported by a three-legged stool of architecture, design, and sculpture. I’d like to connect with more artistic and industrial design opportunities within the umbrella of architecture. I’d like to work with more creative people and businesses within the art and/or design world.
WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ARCHITECTS?
I appreciate the work of offices like MASS Design Group, Assemble, and Scape. They’re all pushing boundaries in their own way. That helps the evolution of our practice which I think benefits everyone.
Photo: David Vives
Photo: Thiago Bento
Photo: Tyler Gooding
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BUILDING OR CITY?
I love Valparaiso, Chile. It has amazing terrain, culture and beauty but remains modest and egalitarian. You can stroll through colorful masonry mazes meeting unusually upbeat locals because almost anywhere you stand there is a view of the Pacific. To top that off the weather is mild so life in the city revolves around the outdoors. I lived in Santiago but loved to be in Valparaiso.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO GET OUT OF YOUR AIA BROOKLYN CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP?
To connect with a larger community and continue my education. My experience with the chapter has been positive and inviting. I look forward to meeting more folks in the group in person.
