Memphis is an amazing array of speakers from across the street and around the world.
Meet Reese Rowland, AIA and Wesley Walls, AIA
/ Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects / Little Rock, AR
Speaking Friday, August 5, 10:15 – 11:45am
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In one sentence, how would you describe architecture to those outside the field?
Reese
Architecture is the only artistic endeavor that is a necessity for living, providing shelter and warmth while also lifting the spirits.
Wesley
The process of conceptualizing and then realizing the construct of our built environment.
Who or what most inspire your creative side? / How do you spark creativity?
Reese
The intangibles must be present: the people, geography, quality of light, and most importantly, memory - the story generated. Ultimately, it is the story...the meaning that can contribute to making a memorable place; the experience is shaped by what you take away. The minute I discover that story, the design sparks fly.
Wesley
Since I was very young, perhaps nine or ten, I was quite aware of my surroundings and the impact that space and structures had on me. I knew right away that I wanted to manipulate that environment, and there was never a question that I would one day be an architect. My mother influenced me greatly through her work as a Housing Specialist with the UA Cooperative Extension Service. Consequently, I continue to be most influenced by people around me, the work of other architects past and present, and I find inspiration through research and travel. Most importantly, my business partners continue to encourage great work and are an inspiration to me both personally and professionally. Aside from those influences, I find that my own creativity is best found once I fully understand and value the mission of the client. I do my best work when I share their passion.
What are you currently reading, whether it be books, magazines, or blogs?
Reese
I read the typical architectural journals, but I enjoy online journals like Architecture Week. My reading is limited to travel times usually, so I have become quite the e-reader fan. I read new and old books, mainly adventure and mystery. I am currently reading an old one: "Tarzan of the Apes" by Edger Rice Burroughs. My next book is going to be "The Devil in a White City" by Erik Larson.
Wesley
Pillars of the Earth, 1776, ArchDaily, Architizer and UrbanPlanet.org
Different cities have different problems or dynamics. What’s the best thing about designing in your city?
Reese
The city has recognized in general that we should build toward a bright future, and not live in the past. The legacy of the 1950's crisis has been a shadow on the city; however, Little Rock has moved forward, developing a progressive technology and non-profit base. I have been fortunate to have designed for both groups where the mission had to be the architectural statement. This attitude has allowed our city to create an eclectic, expressive and exciting River Front Market District that is comprised of new and old, modern and historic, public and private. Little Rock, in my mind, is a hidden gem. The Presidential Library is usually what people come here for, but they leave discovering a surprisingly vibrant and culturally aware city.
Wesley
Little Rock has managed to retain much of its historical context and neighborhoods surrounding the urban core, which is quickly realizing its renewal through massive reinvestment, including the renowned River Market District. Recognition of both the value of the historic districts and the newly built commissions in the area have resulted in an enlightened public awareness about the value of great planning and equally aspiring architecture. It's a great time to live and practice in Little Rock.
How do you balance work life and social/family life?
Reese
Before children, my identity was tied specifically to the work...I am an architect. With children, I strive for my identity to be that of a father and husband...who is also an architect. My small children do not care about the buildings yet; they care about time with me. My most successful designs have come after I had children. I discovered that I wanted to be with them, so I concentrate and make better decisions during the day at work. My family is my release - otherwise I would be consumed by architecture. Balance is about time, place, and priorities.
Wesley
My wife and I have two young boys, eight and eleven. I love my work and practice, but I do my best to avoid compromising my responsibility as a husband and father. If I have to work longer hours than usual, I will do that after they're in bed or before they awake. In contrast though, my family values architecture in general and respect my work as a professional, which is extremely rewarding for me personally. My family inspires me to do better work.
Have you been to Memphis before? What are your current impressions?
Reese
Like Little Rock, Memphis is a city in transition; it is a place that is discovering its heart again. A downtown that was built on the river and turned away is now turning back to the river. People are finding downtown, and the entertainment aspect is allowing other activities to flourish.
Wesley
Memphis, of course, is much larger than Little Rock, but both share a history of difficult race relations and urban struggles, and both are currently experiencing a rebirth and re-emphasis on the value of reinvestment in the heart of the city. The cultural and historical heritage of Memphis' blues, civil rights and center of agricultural/trade (which began on the banks of the Mississippi, and now takes to the skies) are impressive. We travel to and/or through Memphis fairly regularly and value the vast and continually expanding cultural and urban amenities that it offers.
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?
Reese
I cannot come to Memphis without eating at The Rendezvous. My first experience there was in college, where I was stunned to be asked simply "Do you want a full order or half order?" There was no need for further questioning - the answer was easy.
Wesley
I look forward to visiting Beale Street, savoring BBQ, and experiencing the new vibe downtown - visiting some of the new work produced and meeting those responsible for it.
What can we look forward to in your presentation at the AIA TN convention?
Reese
The commonalities of practice in Tennessee and Arkansas, I assume, are similar. We strive to create an architecture that is both creative and economical, while being environmentally sound. It is not a matter of choice, but necessity. I firmly believe that great architecture is not budget driven; however, it does takes greater critical design thinking to discern and achieve the needed objectives in projects with low budgets. We seek to find the appropriate message to express in the architecture no matter the cost.
Wesley
We hope people come away from our presentation recognizing a commonality and familiarity between our typical, mid-south firm and their own. We share the same highs and lows, budget struggles and (often) lack of appreciation for good work that every firm experiences, yet we've found a few opportunities to push through and design buildings which, we feel, have helped change peoples perceptions about the value of architecture - not just our clients, but the broader community as well.
Any fellow speaker(s) you look forward to seeing present?
Reese
I have had the pleasure of hearing most of the speakers in the past, and they are all excellent and inspiring; I plan to attend them all again. I have not heard Julie Snow, and I admire her firm's work greatly.
Wesley
I look forward to hearing ALL of the speakers. What a phenomenal lineup. It should be exceptional.
Do you also have a formal position in teaching architecture or design?
Reese
Not formally.
Wesley
No, not formally.
What other hobbies, interests do you have outside of Architecture?
Reese
I still love to get out and play a little basketball, even at my advancing age, and I really enjoy a good movie in a great theater. My free time is mostly devoted to my family. Having two small sons, I have become the author of many action figure adventures, wrestling matches, art projects, and grand hiking expeditions - I love the outdoors as well. While I enjoy traveling to great cities, I get most excited about attending a major league baseball game in a park I haven't been to before. It is something that I hope my sons and I can do together throughout life.
Wesley
Cycling, Canoeing, Camping/Hiking, Traveling, and whatever else my two boys (and wife) want to do!
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We look forward to their presentation entitled “Anatomy of a Practice: Creating Place through an Architecture of Meaning.” Read more on Reese and Wesley in the convention brochure and through the links below.
Twitter WesleyRWalls
Webpage www.polkstanleywilcox.com
Thanks so much Reese and Wesley for pulling together the responses and images for us.
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