Travis Price doesn't just build...but boy does he build. No, he conceptualizes, designs, constructs, philosophizes, and executes structures you can hardly conceive of in places like Machu Picchu, Ghana, and now Helsinki, Finland. Naturally, you wouldn't expect him to just play the part of an architect. Tack on professor, explorer, business owner, designer, mentor, philosopher,author, advocate, blogger, lecturer, adventurer, environnmental pioneer, organizer, innovator, consultant, discussion-generator and you're somewhat closer to the definition of the man who founded and leads Spirit of Place - Spirit of Design out of Catholic University. He's been leading these nearly annual expeditions since 1993 and hasn't seemed to slow down, and trust me, as I accompanied him and Kathleen Lane to Helsinki last month, I kind of wish he would (well, only slightly, this girl talks double the amount of steps!). He's on a quest to uncover the stories behind cultures through architecture. These stories have been buried by layers of meaningless modernity and are awaiting discovery. So please, join us as we uncover the story of the Kalevala this year in Helsinki. You're in for a ride!
Travis Price, FAIA
Founder, Spirit of Place-Spirit of Design, Inc.
travis@travispricearchitects.com
Finland: +358.40.366.1178
US: +202.965.7000
One of the best parts of my job on this project is most
definitely who I get to work with and in no way is working with Travis and Kathleen Lane a typical work environment. They teach, explain, encourage, expect (a lot!), and joke. As the director of the Spirit of Place Institute, Kathleen has certainly taken it under her wing and nurtured it to the high level it has reached. She arrived at Spirit of Place with a vast knowledge of management and arts administration, previously working for the AIA as Director of Knowledge Communities. With degrees in English and Art from UC Berkeley, and M.A. in American Studies from U of MD and a MArch from Catholic University and several fellowships and visiting residencies around the world including Bauhaus Dessau Foundation and American Academy in Rome, I can't think of a better person to guide this amazing program. On a more personal level, Kathleen somehow always seems to know the answers to everything you might need. She does so with such grace and encouragement that I couldn't imagine doing this without her!
Kathleen Lane
Director, Spirit of Place Institute
kathleen@travispricearchitects.com
Finland: +358.40.366.1178
US: +202.965.7000
About the blogger, Brittany Watson: I'm thrilled to be blogging the adventures of this exciting project. I recently graduated with a master's in Interior Design from the Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington, DC and wrote my thesis on social media in design. My interest was first peaked with my design blog, The House That Lars Built, which led me to write for other design blogs and eventually a thesis project called, Baker Street. Feel free to ask me questions/provide suggestions...I'd love to hear them!
Brittany Watson, blogger of Spirit of Design, Helsinki
brittanywatson@gmail.com
