Design Feast Series: Designer’s Quest(ionnaire)

Anne Fougeron

Architect

House “Jackson Family Retreat”

Primary design concentration:

Architecture

Most preferred tools for designing:

Black pen, Colored pencils, White-out pen

Senior housing project “Parkview Terrace”, San Francisco, California

How and why did you choose to become a designer?

I was young naive and believed that design matters. I actually still believe that….

What are some of the challenges you encounter as a designer and how do you deal with them?

The main issue for me is how to convince people that design matters. How do you make people understand that our built environment is one of our main legacies.

“Flip House”, San Francisco, California

What is your definition of an “elegant solution,” that is, good design?

Brancusi said it beautifully: “Simplicity is complexity resolved.” 

From skills to values, what makes a designer successful?

It takes a lot of passion and a bulldog obstinance. Design is a combination of inspiration, hard work, and a willingness to fight for what you believe.

How do you stay motivated and grow personally and professionally as a designer?

I continue to challenge myself and rethink the work that we do. Everyday, I learn something new, and everyday, I try to do something creative, even if it is only for five minutes.

For those aspiring to become a designer, whatever the discipline, what is your advice?

Stay true to your own voice to your vision and learn from others.

Vacation home “Buck Creek”, Big Sur, California

What is your quest in design, from a professional practice, education or evolution standpoint?

To make buildings that enchant and delight. To recognize that:

“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.”
—Winston Churchill

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