Dallas Architecture Forum Season Starts with Noted Architect Randy Brown

Architect Randy Brown, FAIA, is kicking off the 2015-16 lecture season for the Dallas Architecture Forum.

“Since the Dallas Architecture Forum has members and guests who are not only architects and related professionals, but also the general public, I will overview some of the major projects my firm has done and how they impact and influence the everyday lives of those who live and work in them,” Brown said. “Some of the things I will talk about are how my work is influenced by geography and climate where the projects are located. I will discuss the importance of sustainable design and how I use natural materials in my projects.”

He will be presenting his projects in the larger context of architecture, design, and the environment.

Brown, founder of Omaha-based Randy Brown Architects, will be speaking on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. at the Magnolia Theatre in the West Village. There is a complimentary reception at 6:15 p.m.

Randy Brown Architects is internationally recognized as operating at the forefront of experimental design.

“Experimental design for me is trying to find new solutions for our clients programs and agendas—I like to reinvent the wheel with each project,” he said. “We experiment with the process of design, the size, and people on each design team, and we experiment with different ways to build projects. Using technology leads to crazy inventive solutions.”

Brown is also known for his use of found objects in his designs.

“We started using found objects on low-budget projects as a way to make stuff with little or no cost involved,” he said. “We are recycling and reducing stuff that would end up in land fills, so this is a very green way to build. The trick is creativity: How to find free stuff and how to build with it to satisfy the program and client needs.”

Brown said that for new architects, he sees opportunities, not challenges.

“I see design playing a larger role in everyday lives and I see more clients wanting creative design, wanting to brand their business, wanting creative space to live and work,” Brown said. “Architecture and architect fees was once thought to be reserved for large projects and cultural, educational, and religious projects, but today architects have the big projects, but also have such a wide variety of scales and project types to work on. I see the opportunities continuing to increase—it is a great time to be an architect.”

Brown was elected by his peers as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects “for significant contributions to architecture and society on a national level” before the age of 40. Most fellows achieve this honor in their mid-50s or later. The fact that his projects garnered such respect from his peers at such an early age is notable.

Additionally, in 2002 he was awarded the AIA Young Architect Prize which is given to only one person a year, out of all young architects in the country.

Brown is frequently recognized by the national and international design community, resulting in numerous publications of his projects, including Interior Design (cover), 50 US Architects, Architectural Record, Architect, and the Arch Daily blog.

“Every project has a powerful potential and it is the job of the architect to think beyond the basic and standard solutions,” he said. “What is needed is creativity and vision to uncover and unleash the found potential in your projects.”

Tickets to this lecture are $20 general admission; $5 for students; free for Forum members. They may be purchased at the door. For more info, visit www.dallasarchitectureforum.org.