Foundations - by Anne Marie Duvall Decker & Roy Decker (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

The most important project for a design studio is the design of the practice itself. A studio's point of view is often first defined by feelings and hopes, but if cultivated, grows into values and tactics.

How the studio environment is crafted and how it cultivates a kinship around this point of view with collaborators, clients, consultants, community members, and contractors is essential for it to be productive and have a healthy impact. With discipline, a studio evolves a practice that shapes the character, performance, and value of the work. The studio's early critiques define the approach and territory of work and the propositions that are asked of every project. The studio environment and relationships create the space for the work to be possible.

Nine (9) Propositions and fifty-three (53) Foundations are shared herein. Each Foundation additionally includes a supportive commentary. Foundations and Propositions are presented as a work in progress. These are lists that chronicle our thinking and doing over 25 years. For us, there is no separation between theory and practice. This collection of Foundations and Propositions captures an approach to the work and way of being an architect. This work is a privilege with public responsibilities. This is one studio's search for public good.

Review Quotes

""The most important project for a design studio is the design of the practice itself," begins this volume, which is less a standard photography-stuffed architectural monograph than a compendium of foundation principles--53 in total, ranging from "Avoid Novelty" to "Listen but Lead." These have guided the Jackson Mississippi-based firm Duvall Decker ... in it ongoing "search for the public good."" --Architectural Record

"Instead of making a traditional monograph, with photographs, drawings, and descriptions on a dozen or so projects, the firm led by Anne Marie Duvall Decker and Roy Decker created a "list book" "a list of ideas, lessons, aspirations, and cautions," in Decker's words. Specifically, the book consists of nine "propositions" and 53 "foundations" that have guided the practice since it was founded just over 25 years ago. This approach makes sense, given that Duvall Decker was founded on values of community relevance and social and environmental health, and the principals are, in their words, "teachers at heart." The propositions and foundations are statements of belief that are backed up with anecdotes and provide an honest portrait of the firm and what it aspires to. The book was made to help other architects and further the profession." --World-Architects