Intention Above All Else
Design Philosophy
I believe design, at its core, is a precious art of expression dependent on intention. Every decision and thought, no matter how minute, must be intentional. It is with this mindset that an iterative process can be born, allowing for the many influencing factors to shine through. The best designs, buildings, art pieces, or even sketches are those which are in harmony with themselves. They present themselves as one unified piece, allowing the viewer to begin to dissect the many facets which are woven together. Design which draws the viewer in and speaks directly to their curiosity and desire for comprehension, is design executed thoughtfully.
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It is this intention which drives my every move, and allows me to ensure no piece of the ever-evolving puzzle which design is to be forgotten.
Profile
Nathan Mathews​
​San Diego, California
Why are designers, Architects, and creative thinkers captivated by the abstract field of design?
I believe it is simply because this field presents itself in a completely original lens to everyone who looks its way. It is this originality and potential which mesmerizes aspiring professionals, and drives them to pursue more.
My captivation with design began with my childhood passion for LEGO. Designing my own city and populating it with custom vehicles, buildings, and cultural references to my own SoCal climate, it lives on today, allowing me to refine my architectural skills and urban design capabilities on a scaled, iterative level.
This childhood passion evolved into a personal mission to refine and perfect my craft in the form of woodworking. Designing custom furniture and household items at the College of Environmental Design's fabrication shop allowed me to step into the mind of professional designers, working in the human scale. Quality design, whether architectural, urban, intimate, or anywhere in between, is centered around the human experience.
Here at the University of California, Berkeley, I am able to further analyze the question of what exactly about design is so captivating, and contribute my own experiences and interpretations as well.
