Darien Strickler /Student InternGILBERT, ARIZONA
Darien has always been interested in the way things looked and the way in which those things made him feel. However, his first true inspiration to pursue architecture occurred when he took an architectural design course at his high school. This learning experience made architecture stand out to him, recognizing the discipline as not only the way something could look, but also how something could be experienced, and ultimately the power of architects to manipulate those elements.
Having received his bachelor’s degree in Architecture and a certificate in sustainability, Darien is currently working towards a Master’s in Architecture at Cornell University. His experience comes from internships and school projects, including seven years of studying Architecture. Through his studies and initial experiences in the field, Darien has become very passionate about his career: “Architecture as a profession not only allows those who practice it to know what is possible because it has been done, but also to challenge what is possible because it has not.”
Darien’s favorite project so far in his career was the 62nd Street Ecopark for the City of Pittsburgh. The challenge was to create a project that integrated two very different types of spaces (a waste management facility and community park/retail space. With a comprehensive design, and after many challenges, Darien and his team were able to create a facility that truly created a “backyard” for the community.
In his free time, Darien enjoys mornings at the gym and exploring the outdoors with the goal of finding the best place to sit with the best view. Otherwise, Darien is likely to be found passionately watching a good movie.
Learn a little more about Darien — in his words.
What is your design philosophy?
Design should not intrude on function unless the function is improved by the design. In the field of architecture, this is fundamental to success as a building is such a key element to the day-to-day lives of most people, whether it be inside or outside of the building. For instance, an office space that lets in daylight functions differently than an office space that does not. The way that the building the office space is in casts a shadow on a neighboring street or park matters as well.
In five words or less, describe your design aesthetic?
Rooted, Considerate, and Informed
How does that aesthetic inform your work?
No matter what project I work on, I am always trying to find something to inform the design that I feel would be meaningful and design from there. Each decision is made in consideration for the client, the users of the project, and those who they project may impact without directly being on its site. In this way, my work is heavily influenced by the site, people, and the interactions that those people have with the project.
Share a little-known fact about yourself.
I pride myself in being a great driver and am always in for a challenge at a local racetrack.