Greetings! My name is Grant and I am an architect.
I spend as much time as possible traveling the world, usually bringing work with me. Thus was born the name of my business – Roaming Desk.
I have been studying and practicing architecture for nearly 20 years, with my professional license in hand for more than the last 5 years. In that time, I have worked for several firms with projects of many different sizes and in multiple market sectors. At first this diversity was intentional – I wanted to become well versed in everything and every aspect of this profession. As time progressed, a kind of disillusioned and lost view of the profession began to gnaw at me. I suspected what the issue was but did not know how to sort it out or to find a solution. Discussions with my wife certainly led toward an answer (these discussions continue to affect my understanding today) and in 2016 we left our home in Hawaii to travel the world.
After all, how can an architect design buildings for the people of the world if he doesn’t know those people? (For more on my decision to travel, see this post) How can one presume to know what is best for a culture or city if he is not actively participating in that very same society?
Today I travel the world, specifically Europe, seeking the emotions and stimulations that had me excited about architecture while I was at university. Each stop brings to me a clearer understanding of what I believe is important for architecture, what we are doing right, and what we are not.
Every city we visit has its own character which is defined by the people and culture, the climate, and definitely the architecture. The layers of history are exposed in plain sight, but the city must be experienced firsthand. Seeing photographs in a book or online is nothing like standing in the presence of the actual building and city. I will share images from my travels, but let these just be enticements inviting you to experience them for yourself.
This blog will follow my changing perspective, showcase some of the projects I am working on, and hopefully will become a point of discussion on these topics.
Questions or comments, feel free to comment anywhere on the site.
To contact me directly:
