Meet Heidi Hefferlin and Craig Kronenberg { 2011 AIATN Convention Speaker Series }

Memphis is an amazing array of speakers from across the street and around the world.

Meet Heidi Hefferlin, AIA and Craig Kronenberg, AIA / Hefferlin + Kronenberg Architects / Chattanooga, TN

Speaking Thursday, August 4, 1:45 – 3:00

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In one sentence, how would you describe architecture to those outside the field?
Craig

Architects collaborate with their clients to fulfill their building needs in a nuanced relationship where form, function, cost, time, and social responsibility are considered.

Heidi

The collaborative process between architect, owner and builder working through the challenges of budget, time, codes and construction to achieve a building.

Who or what most inspire your creative side? / How do you spark creativity?
Craig

Travel, and I like discussion and dialogue, especially with the energetic. Having said that, I’m more of a sketcher than a talker.

Heidi

Shaping space and the influence of many other architects. I spark creativity by making models.

What are you currently reading, whether it be books, magazines, or blogs?
Craig

John Adams by David McCullough; The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell; the NY Times every day.

Heidi

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Different cities have different problems or dynamics. What’s the best thing about designing in your city?
Craig

Chattanooga is very open minded and lacking in preconceived notions about the outcome of a design. It’s refreshing and liberating.

Heidi

The energy for change and the influx of people who want to live downtown.

How do you balance work life and social/family life?
Craig

Being partners in life and work we mostly leave the business side of our practice at work while the creative side is a constant dialogue.

Heidi

It is integrated; even our vacations are architecture tours. I take time for play, which is critical.

Do you also have a formal position in teaching architecture or design?

Craig

No

Heidi

No

What other hobbies, interests do you have outside of Architecture?

Craig

Travel, tennis, cooking, sketching

Heidi

Hiking Fishing Horseback riding and golf

Have you been to Memphis before? What are your current impressions?

Craig

Only the airport. My impressions are the Delta Blues and ribs in a flat verdant city by a big river.

Heidi

Once 15 years ago. Impressions are blues music and barbeque.

What are some things you most look forward to in your trip to Memphis? In this response, can you be specific about what exact food you are looking forward to?
Craig

I’m looking forward to some big city meals. Chattanooga has great restaurants but I like French/Creole type things.

What can we look forward to in your presentation at the AIA TN convention?

Craig and Heidi

We’re enthused to present our contribution to designing and building our Southside neighborhood in Chattanooga.

Any fellow speaker(s) you look forward to seeing present?

Craig

Definitely Brian Mackay-Lyons and Robert Ivy

Heidi

All of them. I am very excited by the lineup of speakers.

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We look forward to their presentation entitled “Southside Development / Hands on Architecture and How It Can Change a Neighborhood.” Read more on Craig and Heidi in the convention brochure and through the links below.

Webpage www.hkarchitects.net

Thanks so much Craig and Heidi for pulling together the responses and images for us.