This is my first weekend in 3.5 months that I am not studying for an ARE (Architect Registration Exam). I was somehow under the impression that if I spaced them 2 weeks apart I could get through the entire mess without losing momentum.
I was sick of em after the third exam, which is when I got my first fail. I don't know what I botched up as it was a vignette. I probably misread something, however the results give very imprecise instructions as how to improve. "Do better next time, sucker", basically. However, I did manage to wade through all 7 in 3.5 months including over the holidays and travels and whatnot. I'm just waiting on the results from the very last exam taken last week. Whatever, I have been working in offices since 2003, having the license really doesn't do much for me at this juncture, it isn't like I am doing "architecture" on the side (I am not, if anyone is interested, no architecture to see here!). Legally I am not sure if the title Intern Architect is appropriate To be honest I don't care what you call me, as long as I can do work that I find interesting and is of a high caliber I'm not hung up on titles much, I would rather get stuff done.
Bringing the exams to somewhat of a close (for 5 months at least) has allowed me to ratchet up the hunt for a new space. I would love to define "new space" better then just that but my discussions with some various CDC Economic Development teams has allowed me to self clarify that I don't really know so much what I want, I will just know it when I see it. After working in Detroit Shoreway on various installations I do admit I really like that community. The CDC is very active and Councilman Matt Zone seems truly interested in engaging citizens in arts, culture, education, etc. Sort of community development via groundswell in lieu of gentrification. I appreciate that. That being said I love Lakewood. The amenities are fantastic, the city is small, dense and completely walkable. It is as bikeable as most of the local cities (urban biking wise, although it could improve) and there is a tremendous local flavor to bars, restaurants, retail and business. Ohio City is another area I am hoping to start looking into. Graham Veysey may not have been the first to re-invest in the area not centered on West 25th, but the new Transformer Station and Rising Star Coffee would be the sort of dream neighbors I personally covet.
Today is really the first day I get to have a realtor drag me around to look at some properties. I am hoping to find a great art studio space in which I can set up a small design office, work with wood, metal and composites (light fabrication if you want to call it that) and construct some mock-ups or assemble installations before hauling them off to the site. I am also planning on having a few+ open houses a year. The studio would be fantastic if it could be collaborative and if it were located in a neighborhood that would be open to the idea of public installations on residual space. And I would like to live on the property to keep an eye on it but also so when I get home from work I can jump into some coveralls and go to town making stuff. Proximity = success to me. So, in a nutshell, living space (2-3 bedrooms, 1.5 bath, kitchen/living space, shop area (1ksf), office/gallery (500sf), parking for van, small van, motorcycle and space for a trailor in an inner suburb to Cleveland on the West Side, hopefully super close to transit and other art/design nerds. And close to a great bar, having that "third space", that is required. I would love a small area to garden. I don't mind shoveling too much snow and the MarJ and I are still on the fence about childrens, soooooo no idea how local schools plays into this yet.
Starting the search, lets see what we can find. I'll try to be the best neighbor ever, but I will not loan out tools, sorry folks.
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