Bridges of Paris

Paris may be the city of lights but is also a city of bridges. One of the best ways to explore the city is to walk along the river. The bridges provide excellent viewpoints to see the monuments of the town. Some of the bridges themselves have become tourist attractions! I guess this makes the bridges happy? This statues smile is broader...

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Max Ernst lived here

Paris is a city of history. Plaques on nearly every house list famous occupants and you obtain quite the lesson just walking down the street. I wonder if anyone but tourists pay any attention to these signs. One day while sightseeing we came upon this very grand house with lovely wooden gates and a plaque bearing the name of the artist Max...

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Grand staircases of Vienna

My Australian friend is at it again, sending me gorgeous photos from his world travels. This set of photos from public buildings in Vienna especially caught my attention. The Viennese know how to create a dramatic staircase!The image at top reminds me of main hall in the Library of Congress while the red carpeted stair above is reminiscent...

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Passageways

Thought I would share this old passageway from a mansion in Georgetown which has been converted into seperate townhouses. Imagine this being your entrance everyday - notice the secret garden beyond. Such a charming neighborho...

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A quick reminder....

Saw this sign on the metro and couldn't resist taking a picture. A very useful reminder!Old Buildings are as energy efficient as new ones. With Siemens answers for building modernizati...

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Franziskanerkirche

My Australian penpal, whom I've mentioned before, has been at it again; traveling the world! He sent me this set of photos which completely took my breath away, the Franziskanerkirche (or Franciscan Church) in Lucerne, Switzerland.The church is the oldest in Lucerne with portions dating back to the 13th century with major renovations occuring...

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Over the moon

I attended a concert at the Austrian Embassy last weekend and on the walk to the metro, I noticed that the roof of the new Chinese Embassy perfectly framed the moon! The embassy was recently designed by famed architect I.M.Pei and has been widely panned. What do you think of this odd building; Bizarre, right? Rendering of the whole complex...

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Thanks Fox News!

Many thanks to the Fox News design blog At Home for naming ArchitectDesign one of the top 10 design blogs of 2010! It is humbling to be included with some truly inspirational blogs, including my friend Habitually Chic. Check out the full list he...

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Fall Light

Fall is here, my favorite season! One of the reasons I love it is the gorgeous light, especially the sunsets. I took this picture last weekend at the Old Yellow Mansion, remember it, on Meridian Hill Park? Hope you all have a great weeke...

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Peter Pennoyer

One of the great current traditional architects is Peter Pennoyer. Everyone might not be familiar with his name, but after his new book is released this month (a monograth of his work) his name will be on everyone's lips I predict! He already has the attention of the current dean of traditional architecture (in my book), the great Robert...

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Do you like shoes?

While in Georgetown yesterday, I came across these 2 rather unusual cars stuck in traffic; SHOES!! I guess you call that foot traffic? I hope you are having a great weeke...

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Beautiful signs

Across from my favorite bookstore in Chicago (Unabridged Books which carries an amazing collection of design and architecture books and biographies), I noticed these beautiful signs on a school. Carved in 1892, I think they really make a statement; I'd go to school here! Have a great weekend!I'm currently reading 'Mad World: Evelyn Waugh...

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Chicago Botanic Garden

Another spot in Chicago which I visited was the Chicago Botanic Garden, an amazingly HUGE and gorgeous set of different gardens a little outside of the city. My favorite part of the garden was the walled English garden. I've always wanted a little secret garden and the entrance to this one was just about perfect! Love that perfect shade of...

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