This month, we welcome design intern, Blaise Cannon to our office. As he finishes up his studio work at the University of Kansas, Blaise will be with IAA part time. Having recently returned from a stint in Paris, we are excited to hear about his experiences abroad, and see how it influences his work here at IAA. We’d love for you to get to know him with us…

Where are you from?
Northland KCMO, but I’ve come to consider Lawrence, KS my hometown.

School?
Excelsior Springs High School ‘07, KU Philosophy ‘11, KU Architecture ‘16

Which design trend or style do you most admire?
I admire designs that try to be the most thoughtful treatment of the relevant conditions while at the same time, try to innovate. The Japanese architect, Toyo Ito has been a particular favorite recently.

Favorite building and/or space?
Building: Bloch Addition at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Space: Place des Vosges in Paris

What excites you about the future of architecture and design?
I am excited by the prospect of a closer relationship between imagination and possibility in the practice of architecture. Soon we will be able to build whatever we can imagine. With future digital fabrication technologies, it could be similar cost to standardize and innovate. We are also seeing truly sustainable/regenerative designs, previously only possible in the realm of our imagination, beginning to manifest in reality.

What inspires you to create?
I am inspired to create most by traveling, whether it is the chaotic and evolving perfection of nature, or the historical and teeming character of the world’s great cities.

Favorites…

Color: Dark Blue

Food: Fresh Oysters

Drink: Red Burgundy

Book: Norweigan Wood by Haruki Murakami

Musician: Trumpeter and Bandleader, Christian Scott

Vacation: So far, South of Spain. Hopefully soon, Tasmania

Any hobbies?
Traveling, jazz guitar, learning computer programming, training for a marathon

Anything else?
“Creativity is to discover a question that has never been asked. If one brings up an idiosyncratic question, the answer he [or she] gives will necessarily be unique as well.”   – Kenya Hara