David J. Eckes, Architect

Great design can be achieved through development of clear vision
and project problem statements, and a concise space program. Once
this is achieved, an appropriate design solution can be expressed.

The famous saying, “Form Follows Function”, coined by famed
architect Louis Sullivan, is a philosophy that is still valid today. The
function of the building can and does define the form in many ways.
For example, the entrance to a building should be a form that is
easily recognizable. Interior functions can be expressed on the
exterior of the building by the use of fenestrations or a change in
building materials or wall heights. Even the simplest of forms can
have architectural impact if the function is tied to the exterior form
of the building in some fashion. Other design elements that impact
the form of the building are site access, building orientation,
prevailing winds, solar exposure, views, etc. Great design strives to
achieve a balance of all of these elements with the program elements
to provide an aesthetic and functional facility.