David R. Herring

What motivates me is an opportunity to be creative. I like using my analytical skills to solve problems. All this ties directly to my passion architecture. People who create physical things get a special joy out of the creation of a physical form generated from an idea in the mind. In architecture, others can also enjoy the same idea by using it, working in it, visiting it, driving by or looking at it.

I first got interested in architecture because it allowed me to use my drawing, math and model-building skills. I don't often get the pleasure of drawing by hand anymore but enjoy the power of the computer, which allows me to examine, study and investigate more than any pencil could. My clients often tell me that I have the ability to understand the broad picture of architecture while also being attentive to the details (I wasn't given the nickname of "Nitpick" for nothing). I enjoy the entire process of architecture. I like to participate more than I like to manage and have built a firm around highly qualified architects who also enjoy participating and don't need to be managed.

Darcie & David

.Unlike an artist, an architect must serve a functional purpose to meet a client's functional needs. The challenge for me is to solve my client's problem using analysis and creativity. Does form follow function or function follow form? I disagree with both notions. A building is created to suit its function first while taking any number of forms. The form that I give it - without degrading the function - determines my measure of artistic success. (Whether buildings are beautiful or are in good taste are other questions I like to debate.)

Now that I'm a new grandfather (call me "Gramps"), I'moth excited and apprehensive. I'm excited because I've never had children of my own and this is a level of family I've never been able to enjoy before.

Darcie once asked me to describe myself and I told her 'I'm every woman's wildest dream and am often confused with Sean Connery. When she picked herself up off the floor, we talked about my other interests.

My other interests are my wife (of course), woodworking, my computer, our house, our cats, sailing and travel. I used to love to snow ski. Also, while I was in the Navy, I surfed nearly every day on waves around the world and believed I would be a life long surfer.