ILMA of the Week: Antoni Gaudí
Posted: June 25, 2020 Filed under: Architectist, Architecture, ILMA Architect of the Week | Tags: Architect, Architecture, Art, Design, ILMA, Modern, Spain 1 CommentOn this day in 1852, Antoni Gaudí was born. Ahead of his time and a genius of modernist architecture, seven of his buildings in and around Barcelona are listed as UNESCO World Heritage.











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FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
Personal Reflection on the Tragedy of April 15, 2019 at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France #Paris #Fire #NotreDame #Reflection #Architecture #CarpeDiem
Posted: April 15, 2019 Filed under: Architecture, Isms, Safety | Tags: Architect, Architecture, Art, carpe diem, Christian, churches, Designer, Easter, Europe, European, FC3, Jesus, Notre Dame, Paris, Pray, REFLECTION, seize the day, Treasures 1 CommentReflection on the Tragedy of April 15, 2019

This week is Holy Week, when millions of Western Christians mark the death and resurrection of Jesus. Under normal circumstances, Notre Dame cathedral in Paris would have been preparing to display its holy relics to the faithful on Good Friday.
But as fire engulfed the sacred site on April 15, 2019, Catholics across the world reacted in horror and disbelief, particularly when the cathedral’s iconic spire toppled amid the flames.
For generations, Notre Dame Cathedral has been a place of pilgrimage and prayer, and, even as religion in France has declined for decades, it remained the beating heart of French Catholicism, open every day for Mass.
Source: CNN

REFLECTION
When something that is tragic like the Notre Dame Cathedral fire occurs, it is important to take time to reflect on what happened. First, I look at this tragedy as a Christian, then as the grandson of European immigrants, and finally as an Architect. I reflect on these recent events using three distinct but entwined lenses:
- As a Christian, I reflect on what it means to be Christian. Although imperfect, we are all put on Earth to accomplish great things. Some have more than others, but we all have our crosses to bear. As Easter approaches, for many Christians around the world who celebrate this holiest of days it is a time of reflection and hope of things to come. As Jesus said, you are not of this world (we belong to Him). When these events happen it also makes us aware of our fleeting earthly lives.
- As a grandson of Europeans, I feel a strong camaraderie with my neighbors in France. As technology helps the world shrink we are becoming global citizens. But as someone who has spent many summers and taken many trips to Europe (probably more than 30 trips over my four decades), I feel a strong connection to what happens in Europe. I have the same feeling in my stomach that I had when 9-11 happened in New York City. We take for granted that these beautiful structures will always be here with us. These events remind us that we must cross off trips that are on our bucket lists sooner rather than later.
- As an Architect, my primary objective is to safeguard the public. Sure, I love great design and inspiring spaces as much as the next designer. However, being an Architect means that we must put safety above all else. When these events occur, I cannot help but think how vulnerable we are. As Architects we are always trying to evoke safety and security into our projects – Many times decisions are made with money more than risk aversion. A 100% safeguard world is not possible, but I challenge my fellow Architects to consider ways that we can educate and confront our clients to ensure that all our buildings are safe. We are all human with earthly perspectives and we are all bound to mistakes as we manage economics with safety. Take for example, the Seton Hall student housing fires that changed safety for campus of higher educations around the country. Can this tragedy bring some good? Perhaps as leaders in our industry we can shape the safety and preservation of our landmarks and new building projects to ensure the safety of the occupants.
Churches, castles and forts are the primary reason I chose this profession. Whenever we lose a structure of significance it is like losing a loved one. Like life itself, our art and architecture must be cherished because it is all temporary after all. Carpe Diem.


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FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
Art Everyone Should Know – Selfies By Vincent van Gogh #ILMA #Art
Posted: January 1, 2019 Filed under: Art, More FC3 | Tags: Art, Artist, FC3, ILMA, Impressionism, Impressionists, Painter, painting, Self-Portrait, Selfie, Van Gogh Leave a commentBefore Instagram there was Vincent van Gogh who painted over 30 self–portraits between the years 1886 and 1889. His collection of self–portraits places him among the most prolific self-portraitists of all time. Van Gogh used portraitpainting as a method of introspection, a method to make money and a method of developing his skills as an artist.
Vincent van Gogh (30 March 1853 – 29 July 1890) was a Dutch Post-Impressionist painter who is among the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art. In just over a decade he created about 2,100 artworks, including around 860 oil paintings, most of them in the last two years of his life. They include landscapes, still lifes, portraits and self-portraits, and are characterised by bold colours and dramatic, impulsive and expressive brushwork that contributed to the foundations of modern art. During his lifetime, he was not commercially successful and his suicide at 37 followed years of mental illness and poverty.
Here are some examples of his selfies:
If any of these are “fakes” please let me know.
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Feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
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FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
Prototyping Future Worlds with Futurist Architect Filmmaker @Liam_Young featured on Mind & Machine Podcast with Host @AugustBradley #Technology #Art #Film #ilmaBlog
Posted: August 10, 2018 Filed under: Architecture, Design, Isms, More FC3, Science & Technology | Tags: Architect, Architecture, ArchyTechy, Art, Design, FC3, Film, Future, Futurist, Innovation, Podcast, Repost, Technology Leave a commentWe would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
Design by Architectist @FrankCunhaIII #Architect #Artist
Posted: July 20, 2018 Filed under: Architecture, Design, Design Thinking, More FC3 | Tags: Architect, Architecture, Art, Artist, Design, Design Process, Designer, FC3, Process of Design, Space, understanding design, University Architect Leave a commentThank you for all the support and encouragement over the years. Here are some of our favorite blog posts about the design process related to the field of Architecture:
- Architecture Shall Live On (My Architecture Manifesto) by @FrankCunhaIII
- Timeless Architecture – Saying Good Bye to a Teacher/Mentor is Never Easy by @FrankCunhaIII
- Architecture in Motion by @FrankCunhaIII
- X Factor of Design by @FrankCunhaIII
- Creating High Performance Buildings through Integrative Design Process by @FrankCunhaIII
- Frans Johansson: “Act & Collaborate to Drive Change” by @FrankCunhaIII
- SPACE & PROCESS by @FrankCunhaIII
- Order, Formulas, and Rules by @FrankCunhaIII
- Mixing My Work With Pleasure (Design-Build, Modern House Using Legos) by @FrankCunhaIII
- The Blind Design Paradox in Architectural Design by @WJMArchitect
- Architects Vs. “Sculptor” Architects based on a conversation btw @WJMArchitect and @FrankCunhaIII
- Ophiuchus: The Serpent Bearer (Playing With Numbers) by @FrankCunhaIII
- From Paper and Pencil to Reality Through Collaboration by @FrankCunhaIII
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
ROART Inspired Photographic Artwork by @FrankCunhaIII
Posted: July 18, 2018 Filed under: Architectist, Architecture, Art, Design, More FC3, Photographic Artwork | Tags: Architect, Architectist, Architecture, Art, City, Design, FC3, NYC, NYC Photo, NYCity, Photo, photoshop, What I See Leave a commentPhotographs taken on a field trip in New York City with ROART design studio.
The Gottesman Library, Yeshiva University, Amsterdam Ave #5, New York, NY 10033, designed by ROART and 57 WEST, 629 W 57th Street, New York, NY, designed by BIG | Bjarke Ingels Group.
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
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FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
Our Exclusive ILMA Interview with Reginald Thomas
Posted: May 25, 2018 Filed under: Architecture, ILMA Interview, More FC3 | Tags: Aesthetics, African American, African-American Architect, African-American Architecture, Amazon Prime, America Has Talent, Architect, Architectural Design, Architecture Interview, Architecture School, Art, Associate, Church, College, conformitas, Construction, Construction Management, Contractor, Corporate, Creative, Creativity, Degree, Design, Designer, Diversity, Education, Entrepeneur, Equity, Exclusive, Experience, FC3, Home Design, ILMA, Innovation, interior design, Interiors, Interview, Island Architecture, Italy, Knowledge, Leader, Leadership, linkedin, Lisa Middleton, Love, management, New Construction, New Jersey, New York, NYC, NYCity, professional, Reginald Thomas, Residential, Retweet, Rome, RT, Share, South Bronx, Success, Talent, Technology, Urban, UrbanAesthetics, utilitas, venustas, Vitruvius, Wisdom 1 CommentNew York, New Jersey Reginald L. Thomas, AIA has garnered over twenty years’ experience working with a diverse group of distinguished architectural/design firms in New York City. Reginald L. Thomas Architect LLC specializes in historically based, high-end, residential projects. Recently, he has added commercial and institutional work to the firm’s diverse clientele. His work has been featured in several prestigious publications, notably The New York Times and Architectural Digest.
Web | Blog | Facebook | LinkedIn | Houzz
ILMA INTERVIEW
When and why did you decide to become an Architect?
- I’ve wanted to be an architect since I was 10 years old. During a weekend visit to the local art store to purchase paints, a how to book on architectural rendering caught my eye. I remember thinking that the floor plans seemed magical.
- We can thank Mike Brady, of the then popular Sitcom, the Brady Bunch, for that. My first introduction to renderings and models came from watching the episodes after school and I was hooked.
- Growing up in New York City, however, I visited the Museum of Natural History and MOMA regularly. I was fascinated by the dioramas at the Museum of Natural History and the artwork at the MOMA and so at first, I dreamt of being an artist and being able to create this kind of beauty.
What were some of the challenges of achieving your dream?
- I grew up in the South Bronx, so the first challenge was of course, money. I fretted about how I was going to pay for college or even how I was going to apply to college. It was stressful to think that I would have to help my siblings after college and therefore not be able to realize my own dreams.
Any memorable clients or project highlights?
- I’ve had the pleasure of working with corporate giants, entertainment and sports celebrities as well as hard working people who are interested in living in beautiful spaces. All are special to me. Each project has its own individual story However, I have had clients that allowed me to design and build every inch of their space including the furniture. That’s amazing in today’s climate.
How does your family support what you do?
- College was a priority in my household as both my parents attended college. My dad for his Associates Degree and my mother for her Master’s in Education. , Although I did not have money I had an abundance of support for what I wanted to accomplish and an expectation that I get there.
How do Architects measure success?
- I believe versatility is a skill we all value as designers. We build projects that are beautiful as well as functional. Being able to create an aesthetically pleasing space to satisfy each of my client’s specific taste and at the same time ensuring that it functions is its own reward.
What matters most to you in design?
- Like Vitruvius conformitas, utilitas, venustas, which is harder than we think. But on a global scale, how important this component we create affects the fabric of the built environment fabric.
What do you hope to achieve over the next 2 years? 5 years?
- To grow my business using all of the experience I’ve garnered over the last 30 years in multiple jurisdictions.
- Like most artists, I also wish to push the barriers of my creativity while remaining true to the traditional and timeless nature of my designs.
Who is your favorite Architect? Why?
- Paul Rudolph for salesmanship, talent, and cultural navigation skills which were beyond belief
- Frank Lloyd for his skill, as well as his ability to convince his clients to be daring and tenacious.
- Julia Morgan for her dedication and ability when she was the only one, and her clients who recognized and rewarded her abilities.
Do you have a coach or mentor?
- Not when I went into business no. However, for development I had two Mr. Richard Dozier and Max Bond Jr.
What is your favorite historic and modern (contemporary) project? Why?
- The Great Pyramids of Giza. They are pure form, functional and beautiful. It was once written by an early 19th century explorer who catalogued the proclivity for ornamentation throughout the known world that what we are able to see of Egyptian Architecture now is this architecture represents the last 2500 of this work in decline, what left of this 5000 year old architectural culture.
- If that be the case, then how much more glorious the architectural vocabulary of this civilization must be. The elements of order including the concept of hyper style halls must be astounding. These are the elements that make an edifice “timeless.”
- Notre Dame du Haut: The building teaches the intangibles of architecture as art. How does one use light as a design element? Most people will never even notice how the intangible shapes made by light in their space let alone the effects on their psychological health.
- The Mildred B Cooper Memorial Chapel: The boundaries that identify characteristics of nature and the difference from manmade structures are so blurred I this building that it is magical. I think in this design he did make his mentor proud. It is truly great work.
Where do you see the profession going over the next few decades?
- I think we are finally reaching the point where we are accepting the fact that we are part of a global community. That means a true understanding, in real time, of the relationship and importance of urban design, architecture and interior design etc. to the human conditions.
- Our use of technology will continue to grow at a rapid pace and architects will be required to leverage their expertise to benefit the world community especially in the areas of sustainability, and resilience.
- I am most excited by the possibility of the profession as the lead, taking on the real-estate profession as developers
What type of technology do you see in the design and construction industries?
- The digital drafting board and smart drafting solutions. The stylus is back, Instant 3d models and the expansion of BIM as a tool.
- Wireless outlets
- ASCII, GPS, LiDAR technology continue to advance. Assisting historic preservation giving a vision of what was formally unseen thereby assisting design and limiting errors.
- 3d modeling, as a tool, will advance to the point that we will grow more independent of contractors and furniture designers
Who / what has been your greatest influence in design?
- The reading of a Pattern Language. The book continues to teach me to think in layers until I get to the optimum solution.
- Jean Michele Frank: The comprehensive business model that he practiced was one to be envied and to be emulated.
- My mentors Max Bond and Richard Dozier.
- New York City designers that I’ve work for like Peter Marino and Juan Montoya
Which building or project type would you like to work on that you haven’t been part of yet?
- A Place of worship on an island site
How do you hope to inspire / mentor the next generation of Architects?
- I hope to inspire the next generation through visibility. African-American descent represents a very small part of the architectural demographics.
- I hope to write treatise and guides thereby leaving a guide to others to build on.
- My suggestion always is to be assiduous; to be relentless, recognizing that this is a lifelong area of study, one that requires . “long distance runners.”
What advice would you give aspiring architects (K-12)? College students? Graduates?
- The best advice for K-12 is to engage with architects when they come in to your schools on career days. It is important as this stage to really get a clear understanding of what an architect does and the value of architects’ play in their daily lives.
- College students: Provide information and honest dialogue on expectations after graduation; how to set reasonable and attainable goals, and lastly the many ways to measure success.
- Financial guidance on how to plan for a secure retirement.
- Explain what it means to own one’s own firm.
What does Architecture mean to you?
- Architecture is life. It is the culmination of the aspirations of the human condition at different time periods.
- Architecture means being conscious of the places and spaces we occupy as humans. It’s being in the unique position of being able to effect change in the communities welive in a way that is unique to no other profession
What is your design process?
- Client interview: Do more listening than writing.
- Who or what community am I designing for.
- Identify client particulars not just in program but culturally. How does the client perceive and use space. What is the corporate or family dynamic?
- Where am I being asked to design?
- What are the constraints of the site or space?
- How do I make it function perfectly and at the same time be beautiful?
If you could not be an Architect, what would you be?
- Apart from very early on when I wanted to be an artist I have never given thought to being anything else, however, if you were to ask my father, a surgeon would have been his preference.
What is your dream project?
- One that encompasses urban planning, landscape architecture, architecture as sculpture, interior design and furniture design; the complete package in the vernacular of the local culture.
What advice do you have for future Executive leaders?
- Seek out and work with like-minded people who share your vision and whom you can trust to honestly evaluate, and counsel you. Also, do not be afraid to delegate or share responsibility giving you the time and space you need as the leader to imagine and create.
What are three key challenges you face as a leader in business today and one trend you see in your industry?
- The challenge of finding curious and willing junior staff who are willing to put in the long hours needed to really learn the ins and outs of the profession.
- Loyalty
- Finding staff that is willing to learn how to build, even, by drawing the components rather than by cutting and pasting.
- My hope is that with the advances in Wacom Tablet technology we will have monitors as drafting boards and stylus as pencils causing the young architect to unconsciously pay more attention to what and how the building is being created.
What one thing must an executive leader be able to do to be successful in the next 3 years?
- The executive leader must to be able to leverage the power of the internet and especially social media
What are some executive insights you have gained since you have been sitting in the executive leadership seat – or what is one surprise you have encountered as the world of business continues to morph as we speak?
- I have been surprised at how much television, social media and the internet have impacted the decisions we now make as leaders.
Final Thoughts on How to Be Successful?
- Improving and adapting are keys to longevity and to success. Be relentless in your desire to grow and learn recognizing that learning is a lifelong pursuit.
For more exclusive ILMA interviews click here.
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
Architect’s Sketchbook – Cape May, NJ (Sketches by @FrankCunhaIII, August 5, 2017)
Posted: August 6, 2017 Filed under: Art, More FC3 | Tags: Architect, Architecture, Art, Artist, Cape May, cape May nj, capemay, Creative, Design, DesignAllDayAndAllNight, Draw, Drawing, eFAB, esketch, fc3arch, fc3art, Historic, hostoric nj, Ipad, makearchitecturefunagain, New Jersey, NJ, Pen, Sketch, Sketches, USA, Victorian Leave a commentA few sketches from my brief trip to Cape May after my triathlon race.
DE CHIRICO
Posted: December 13, 2015 Filed under: Art | Tags: Art, art history, Artist, Artwork, Collage, Featured, ILMA, photoart, Surrealism, surrealist, Wiki 3 CommentsGiorgio de Chirico (July 10, 1888 – 20 November 20, 1978), an Italian artist, who in the years before World War I, founded the scuola metafisica art movement, which profoundly influenced the surrealists. After 1919, he became interested in traditional painting techniques, and worked in a neoclassical or neo-Baroque style, while frequently revisiting the metaphysical themes of his earlier work.
De Chirico is best known for the paintings he produced between 1909 and 1919, his metaphysical period, which are characterized by haunted, brooding moods evoked by their images. At the start of this period, his subjects were still cityscapes inspired by the bright daylight of Mediterranean cities, but gradually he turned his attention to studies of cluttered storerooms, sometimes inhabited by mannequin-like hybrid figures.
In autumn, 1919, De Chirico published an article in Valori Plastici entitled “The Return of Craftsmanship”, in which he advocated a return to traditional methods and iconography. This article heralded an abrupt change in his artistic orientation, as he adopted a classicizing manner inspired by such old masters as Raphael and Signorelli, and became an outspoken opponent of modern art.In the paintings of his metaphysical period, De Chirico developed a repertoire of motifs—empty arcades, towers, elongated shadows, mannequins, and trains among others—that he arranged to create “images of forlornness and emptiness” that paradoxically also convey a feeling of “power and freedom”. According to Sanford Schwartz, De Chirico—whose father was a railroad engineer—painted images that suggest “the way you take in buildings and vistas from the perspective of a train window. His towers, walls, and plazas seem to flash by, and you are made to feel the power that comes from seeing things that way: you feel you know them more intimately than the people do who live with them day by day.”
In 1982, Robert Hughes wrote that De Chirico “could condense voluminous feeling through metaphor and association … In The Joy of Return, 1915, de Chirico’s train has once more entered the city … a bright ball of vapor hovers directly above its smokestack. Perhaps it comes from the train and is near us. Or possibly it is a cloud on the horizon, lit by the sun that never penetrates the buildings, in the last electric blue silence of dusk. It contracts the near and the far, enchanting one’s sense of space. Early de Chiricos are full of such effects. Et quid amabo nisi quod aenigma est? (“What shall I love if not the enigma?”)—this question, inscribed by the young artist on his self-portrait in 1911, is their subtext.”
In this, he resembles his more representational American contemporary, Edward Hopper: their pictures’ low sunlight, their deep and often irrational shadows, their empty walkways and portentous silences creating an enigmatic visual poetry.
For more information on Giorgio de Chirico click here.
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments.If you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
-FRANKCUNHAIII
Bicycle Photographic Artwork
Posted: November 22, 2015 Filed under: Art, Isms, More FC3, Photography | Tags: Art, Artist, Black and White, iPhone, Macro, Photo, Photography, visual art, visual artist Leave a commentPhotos by FRANK CUNHA III (2015)
Media: iPhone photo
Post Edits: Snapseed App
“Art that Everyone Should Know” #3 by @SophiaFine
Posted: October 6, 2013 Filed under: Art, More FC3 | Tags: Art, Artist, every one should know, famous, FC3, fc3art, Girl at the Window, modern art, Neo Rauch, Painter, Rembrandt, SophiaFine, Wordpress Leave a commentFriends,
I recently asked my friend Sophia Fine to compile a series of posts of artists and artwork that should be known in every household.
This is the third in the series…Hope you enjoy it!
Sincerely,
Frank
“Art that Everyone Should Know” #2 by @SophiaFine
Posted: September 1, 2013 Filed under: Art, More FC3 | Tags: Art, every one should know, famous, Girl at the Window, Neo Rauch, Painter, Rembrandt, SophiaFine Leave a commentFriends,
I recently asked my friend Sophia Fine to compile a series of posts of artists and artwork that should be known in every household.
This is the second in the series…Hope you enjoy it!
Sincerely,
Frank