Poetry

I was talking with my youngest brother Jeff, who’s an artist and art teacher, the other night about how he and dad (an architect himself,) had been discussing this poem. It got me thinking about what it means to me.

“Ah, to build, to build! That is the noblest art of all the arts. Painting and sculpture are but images, are merely shadows cast by outward things on stone or canvas, having in themselves no separate existence. Architecture, existing in itself, and not in seeming a something it is not, surpasses them as substance shadow.”

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, A famous American Poet in the 19th century, stirred my inner remodeler.

A fine sculpture in town

I recall figuring out what was wrong with my kitchen. After discovering what the problem was, it was an essential element of my remodeling project to get the counters farther than than 3′ apart because it was very difficult to have more than one person cooking at a time. Completed, my kitchen now works like a charm.

At Levco, I see these things all the time. I commonly assist others into making good design decisions. Occasionally folks come to me with a solution, but other times with  just a problem. I find that it is often the help of a third party that can bring sanity to a confusing messy floor plan.

For me, the joy comes from the design process, and construction all the way through to getting homeowner feedback about enjoyment of the finished project and beyond.

Boise Street Art

That led me to remember a recent discussion about Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese belief that architecture should take note and incorporate heaven and earth. It pays homage to use of natural elements, and compass orientation with the idea that living spaces are healthier when they use these elements.

I talk a lot about “improving living spaces to maximize your property’s potential.” This is a nice way to explain what we do. I feel like we are living what Longfellow’s poem extols. I know I share his enthusiasm and thanks that we are employed to create functional art in the homes of my clients.

Remodeling for the sake of it does not make sense. Anyone can go to a big box store and get the tools and read the book and go through the motions, but without a great design, it is all just a bunch of assembled materials. That is why, when you ring the bell and nail a great design, it makes remodeling such a rewarding vocation?

If you are faced with a design frustration, seek out a professional to assist you in untangling your situation.  We are standing by to help. Who wouldn’t want to have their home turned into a functional art form?

Your comments are welcome. To ask questions or get more information about remodeling, Call 208-947-7261 or click here to email me directly.

Disclaimer: Some of these images came from the WEB. If they are yours, and you object to them being used, please claim them and I will gladly remove and replace them at once.