Being good at anything is hard work; it requires discipline. Reaching for the goal gives purpose, ambition and the drive to succeed. And once a baseline is achieved, you want to get better and that’s where the discipline pays off. I am always designing or thinking about design. And when I’m not doing that, it’s something related, like photography, and in recent years, writing.

I wasn’t always a good designer. When I first started Architecture school I was clueless, fell flat on my face at least a few dozen times, but I’d say by the time I finished school at Cornell University I was pretty good at it. As soon as I started working I then realized I had no clue on how things get built and the thousands of technical issues that arise out of building just about anything. Being good at design opened doors for me, which allowed me to do the “fun” stuff, while I acquired technical proficiency along the way.

Very early on in my career I promised myself I wouldn’t become cynical when I observed it in someone who was a very unhappy architect. There’s a surge of energy that comes with being creative and negativity keeps it from flowing. Within a few years I experienced another surge of energy, one that comes from being recognized through awards and media attention.

Within ten years of working as an architect I started a business venture with my college friend, Andreas Charalambous, which we called FORMA. We were very successful. So much so that we decided each one of us could have his own firm, which is how I founded Studio Santalla in 2001. Up until 2008 I followed the “Ivory Tower” model, whereby the architect/designer is holed up in a cell theorizing and organizing his drawing pencils.

Once open to them, the opportunities have come my way. In four years I’ve met more people than I had in the previous twenty-four. I am invited to speak at industry events. My work is published extensively and Studio Santalla has continued to win awards. I’ve written about design for Washington Life Magazine and The Georgetowner. To defy the stereotype of the “artiste,” I joined the Capital Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, of which I am now Board President. This “gig” has afforded me more writing opportunities in both The Washington Blade and Metro Weekly.

Is it good karma, carving out my own path or shameless self promotion that’s given me a great career so far? A good mix of all of them, I think. Regardless, I am grateful and I don’t take any of it for granted because if not for hard work, it would all end. Today, however, in the midst of everything on my “Master Dream List” list, I am taking a moment to be thankful.

Oh, by the way, there was a piece on me in the Washington Business Journal last week. (Shameless self promotion at play.)

Of the many blessings in my life, there is my spouse, Glen Ackerman.

A safe and Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Don’t forget to “like” Studio Santalla on Facebook
and follow me on Twitter