Developing Style

In a recent posting, I talked about our commitment at Ramsay Gourd Architects to use design elements to paint portraits of our clients.  The key here is to not let your own tastes get in the way of your clients’ personalities.  This is a real challenge if you want to make consistently beautiful projects, but an important aspect of working with clients.

Daring Color Carried with Authority

Yesterday, I started posting to my new Pinterest account.  This was eye opening for me.  While I spend so much of my time listening to clients’ aesthetic needs, I rarely listen to my own design voice.  I guess I take my personal style for granted. 

The truth is, every decision we make is a reflection of our personal style.  Each choice is like a brush-stroke in our own self portrait.  In talking about marketing with our staff, I am known to say that every selection we make is one of marketing.  That’s true on one level.  Our outward appearance is the marketing we offer the world. 

The other aspect of personal style is how we chose to live our lives.  Are we involved civically, spiritually and politically within our community?  Are we generous with our time, spirit and talents? 

True style is something that is completely natural.  While you might be able to wear that sweater that your mother-in-law gave you, your peers will know it’s not of your essential taste.  The same is true for lifestyle integrity.  How often have we met a teacher for whom their career is just that, and contrasted it with a teacher who has found his or her calling?

This is not to say that style cannot be developed.  Like learning a new sport, sometimes developing a style comes from changing patterns and practicing them repeatedly.   Whether it’s starting to add color to your wardrobe or philanthropy to your bottom line, start with baby steps and develop a habit.