When I think of Architecture, I can't help but think about the aesthetics of living. Not Martha Stewart Living, per se' real life situations. The way that last 3/4" square piece of toast tastes when you sop up the remaining egg yolk and get just the right amount of salt from the edge of the plate. The first sip of coffee on Saturday morning. The feeling of walking barefoot on cold concrete in the shade on an exhausting day in August. What about pulling down the lever on a really heavy metal toaster - a lever that has the perfect amount of resistance and doesn't wobble from side to side like the cheap ones; and when it gets to the bottom, it clicks satisfyingly into position and lets you know that you have done your part without question. It doesn't even matter if the toast burns - you've got a damn nice toaster and you feel almost guilty using it. You clean the crumb tray out regularly and notice that it, too, slides in with a snug fluid motion that mysteriously brings you indescribable and unjustifiable satisfaction. I owned a Corvette once. A 76 Stingray. We all make desperate mistakes in our lives - my first - selling the Vette. The door handle was flush to the curved fiberglass body and as you cupped the side of the door with your hand and slipped your fingers into the enlarging void - increasing tension on the invisible spring, it was difficult not to imagine placing a "leading" hand on a dance partner's hip, opening the door - twirling your partner around. The door was heavy and shut with ostentatious confidence.

There are things in life that simply give us joy, and don't need to be justified or explained. I think as Architects, it is our responsibility to seek these fascinations out of our clients. There is no reason to live in a house or work in a building or worship in a church that makes us feel "good" if we have the opportunity to do the same in a space that makes us feel "giddy". Feeling alive is a spirit that comes from within. Our ability to recognize that spirit and feel its potential is influenced by our surroundings and the choices we make.