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The Power of the Story
The story is the narrative of accumulative experiences and the resulting beliefs, feelings and desires one has gained throughout life. It is a powerful tool and a necessary impetus for design. The site (or existing building) and its surroundings also have a story to tell. The information from all sources must be extracted and interpreted almost intuitively in order to ensure that the completed projects pay correct homage to those who experience it.
My story begins in my father's carpentry shop with me inhaling dust and the "measure twice, cut once" philosophy ringing constantly in my ears. Both the experience and the lessons have served me well. Building and construction of some sort has always been a part
I have followed on to pursue, learn and practice architecture in Bermuda and now where opportunity presents itself in other countries.
PHILOSOPHY
The story is the narrative of accumulative experience and the resulting beliefs, feelings, and desires one has gained throughout life. It is a powerful tool and a necessary impetus for design.
The creative process begins for us with the unearthing of the story. With investigative, ongoing conversation we aim to tap into this resource of information about who the client and/or user is and what is important to them. With gained empathy and a comprehensive understanding about the more pragmatic aspects of the project, we endeavor to develop a product of Coherence and Beauty.
Our end goal is a design piece which that is truly specific to them. It will comprehensively meet the needs of the client and user, compliment its environment, and embody the essence and fullness of that learned story.
Coupled with a desire to do great works in the landscape, is the undeniable social obligation to leave this world better than we found it. What would this world look like if we all gave a little time, a little money, a little effort toward's a cause for which there was no personal benefit? What if our business systems were designed to identify and tackle needs, in addition to creating the personal benefits that we seek? Design Nation seeks to do just that...to perform efficiently and to assist where we have ability and opportunity; all while creating superior structures that stand as a testament to good design and craftsmanship. That is a legacy that is worth the effort.
PHILOSOPHY WITHOUT PHILANTHROPY IS JUST RHETORIC...
jeremy o. johnson
NYANGA CHILDREN'S HOME
Nyanga is a beautiful mountain town about 4 hours drive outside of Harare, Zimbabwe. My wife provides dental screenings and prevention treatments for the residents of a local orphanage whenever we visit. We also use donations and our funds to supply dental hygiene supplies, as well as groceries and whatever else might be required. It is awesome to see the growth in the children and the improvement of the grounds every time we go. With them we know that the resources are appreciated, and that go a long way to invest in the development of the children.
HOUSING IN HAITI
Haiti has been the most frequented missions destination for me. We have done clean ups and building projects, and most recently took part in a dental outreach. The project I am most proud of is Haiti Housing: a 3 week trip to build 6 houses with the locals as part of a relief effort for the tent cities. We trust to be able to make a more significant effort in years to come.
