When looking at life through the lens of architecture and design, the first step is to acknowledge the power of your own authority.  The choices ahead are yours. While collaboration is essential to every remodeling job, only you – as the chief architect, designer and project manager – hold the ultimate position of leadership to build, furnish and decorate the newly renovated interiors of your own life. 

Back in college in Ann Arbor, a group of us were waiting for class on the small cement plaza in front of the old Architecture & Design Building, and chatting about career plans. One single-minded future architect made a strong case that his was the most important and influential of all the arts. “It leads you,” he said, “literally.  It tells you where to walk and takes you with it.” He pointed to the sidewalk.  “It can control you.”  His remarks left a lasting impression. 

The first home I remember was an Airstream trailer – a 1948 Whirlwind – that my parents bought when Dad was still in the Navy.  Originally promoted as “land yachts,” Airstreams were designed by the visionary Wally Byam, with futuristic, silver exteriors and elegantly efficient interiors that were appealingly sleek and modern.  The company’s ad campaigns touted that Airstream owners could now travel the world while bringing along all the comfort and convenience of home.  For my parents, the big adventure was the pride of having a place all their own for the very first time.