dustineichler’s posterous

There's an alley in SF few know. I'm not sure if it's by design, but in this space lies a neat little coffee brewing company called Bluebottle. Their in lies a small kiosk where the lucky few pilgrimage too. While the coffee is excellent, the presentation is equally a cause of it's success. At least, this is what I believe. While I can't speak for the elements by design, nor techinical structure yet; Bluebottle is Architecturally what I'd call sound or ...as whole, aesthetically beautiful.

My impression is this. It's as subtle and unassuming as are the finer details. The elements used harmonize with the environment very nicely, dismissing any notion of building age or other nonunifying critique. It's very symmetric, simple by design and the empty alley space is as much apart of the structure and environment as the Kiosk itself. In short, it's inviting and effective in a utilitarian sense. Interestingly enough, I surmise that even if a queue didn't start and end in front of Bluebottle... you'd just dwell there. In their words, they've achieved something that "endures aesthetically" and reflects the 'nature of their environment'.

Well, here's a photo from today and the architectural firm Sagan Piechota, whose behind this facade is located next door. I've put in an email, let's see if they have time to talk about what they're doing or want to chat with me about Bluebottle specifically. When I peaked in, I noticed small models of other work decorating the front. Was very cool, although I have two points I'd like to finish up with. The first being, the Architecture industry as a whole doesn't get the web. What I've seen thus far doesn't translate well at all. Second, the little models I see decorating the office; I wonder why instead of building them, they don't 3D print instead. They use CAD and by design this is what 3D printing was designed for.

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Life is full of incongruities and makes the mundane tolerable. Identifiably, I'm somewhat of a maven* so it's ironic I hadn't realized my namesake means something to architecture and my discovery really needn't travel very far. Thus the irony. My shared last name Eichler and specifically the work of Joseph Eichler had a compelling effect on the California landscape. Although working mainly as a developer, his houses iconify California modernism, but what I realize now; his work might've auspiciously been my catalyst of discovery in this new field. I definitely see an intrinsic value in learning, but sometimes I don't understand the forces of influence and wonder if maybe I did miss my calling in architecture. I say that jokeningly, but fair enough you never know. Regardless Joseph Eichler was a 'sales-man' (at the very least) not in the traditional sense, but selling 'word-of-mouth' the epidemic style, notion and name of 'California Modern'. I see this everyday as it's emblematic of this area and has prevaded my subconscious. So classic yet so short sighted of me that I didn't realize this before.

My name is synonymous with Architecture, therefore I'm awesome! ...Not quiet, definitely not true, but ironic maybe. Funny definitely.


* Tipping Point reference

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I hate is a nice way to start off this post. I hate words like "Down Turn". Why don't you just say what you really mean. Bull Shit in this day and age is as deep as our economic crisis. We're almost in peril... or are we no better than the lemmings who follow others off cliffs. I'm not sure who to believe anymore. Don't tell me how bad things are. I GET IT. I get how scared everyone is, but what I don't get is why. Even if things still get worse, their will still be another tomorrow. Yes, I'm fully aware tomorrow is not promised. I'm just not of the mind set to be scared by others worries. We live in one of the greatest economic revenue generating times the world has ever seen. Get off your ass and make something for yourself, no one is going to do for you.

Recently, I found myself unemployed. I figured out quickly, where I was economically... what my situation was and where I wanted to go. I haven't reached my ultimate goal yet, but I can tell you here and now I'm highly employable! You want me on your team. So, what have I been doing? Everyone morning... although it's been getting slightly later and later, I get up and thank God I'm I have my health and I'm alive. I'm not religious, but yunno... what the hell, I appreciate what I have. Then matter of factly and motivationally say "Let's find a job!", charging out of bed to take on my day. I look religiously till about 3pm from the time I'm awake. It's one of the few things in my life right now that keep me sane. I know if I'm working towards that goal of being employed near term, then the fear and stress of not having a job isn't so bad. So set yourself goals. I'm all about this, ask anyone.

These are really uncertain times fear is too obviously contagious for me to listen anymore. I honestly can't stand it. First thing I'd say is, don't listen to anyone but what you yourself understands. Being unemployed taps into your survival instincts. Do what's best for you, not God, not your family... no one. You need to carry on, because at the end of the day that'll help everyone else. Second, sign up for unemployment even if you have loads of money in the bank. This is an important motivational tool. Getting that check believe it or not is an important incentive and something to look forward too. In most cases, it'll even alleviate a little bit of stress. Third, but not last. Keep eating right. Stay healthy. I'm a big believer that eating right keeps your mind sharp. Additionally, every morning get up like you're going to work. Get dressed and get busy. Doing this makes the transition back to your normal work routine not so bad.

Keep hustling above all. I did a number of things in my job search so far and I'll share a few with you now. Share what's happening with family and if not them, friends. Being open is probably a huge deterrent to depression although clinically speaking I have zero facts to back that up. This is just what helps me when I'm down. I Twittered about losing my job and low and behold, a number of new friends chimed in to empathize. I can't even tell you how many tried to help me. It's the kinda thank you really can't repay but hugely appreciate. My point is this, being open makes you available to other career opportunities. Everyone knows you want to work and I think it's important to talk about the good as well as the bad. Work sucks! This is the point in our life you'll just be hearing a lot about it unfortunately. Dig down deep and put your skills to work. Get on Craigslist, search out those jobs. Find positions on Dice. Try Startuply, Linkedin... whatever. Right now, this had been working very well for me up until this point. I get great feedback from recruiters as well as asking for feedback from those hiring. I tweak my resume and constantly learn new skills to improve my hiring power and employability.

At the end of the day, this situation is what it is. Just remember to think for yourself and remember even in the worst moments, it's only temporary. What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. On the upside, I'll say being unemployed has caught me up on my sleep debt and I'm genuinely Okay. I'm in good health, good spirits. I've been meeting tons of other people in my situation, but knowing what you want out of life and from this experience is half the battle. I'm determined. I'm optimistic. I'm encouraged by our leaders in Washington and being positive about my outlook isn't only good for me. It's good for our country. There are jobs, lots of them. Work for it.

Sorry for the rant, this what time on your hands does to you.

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I imagine there's a specific language and culture to Architecture, I just haven't found it yet. When and where do San Francisco architects hangout is a mystery. Maybe they don't last as long as the buildings structures they create, but I know now there is very little if any information on the architecture scene here. Maybe that'll change (?).

Here's some print-reference material I found:

The Architectural Review
A+u
Detail
DOMUS
JA
Mark
Metropolis
PRAXIS
Next American City
The Plan
The Architect's Journal

Where else should I be looking, being, going,?

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I've grossly failed more times than I've succeeded; most anyone has, but I only need One time to succeed for it to matter. While I'm confident about myself and my ability, YCombinator is a long shot like anything else. I have nothing to lose and everything to gain from the experience. I've only heard good things about going through the program. So i'm submitting two ideas, possibly three for review. I've written and rewritten my application a few times heeding the advice others have written about on Hacker news. However against the odds and my time, I'm applying as a solo founder. That's still up for debate, but as luck would have it; I'm resoundingly more available than my co conspirators.

My areas of submission are : Classifieds, Events and Outreach (philanthropy)

Applications are due March 18th. Either way, this isn't the end all be all. I'm still an entrepreneur and I still plan on founding a company. I believe in 'the Valley' and what I'm doing, because the founding spirit is what made this Country great. We'll see, but I'll post back later with a update of Yeah or Ney.

If anyone has any advice, by all means post it here. I'm still on the hunt for advisors and early seed stage angels too.

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My days are wasted when I've ended it having not learned something new. It brothers me incessantly and borders on extreme agitation. I'm not sure if it's my lack of education or my drive that pushes me towards self studies weather it's career related, skill or other. It's hard to put a finger on it when I'm so all over the place. In my most earnest efforts I try to focus on one thing, but left to my own devices I'm bound to thrash. I've found placing limitations on ability, goals or desire is a great vehicle to channel my efforts... my pursuits.

My latest passion or hobby is architecture. Passions for me are what make life worth living, aside from family. My passions help define me as a person and maybe separate me from the crowd. Why architecture? I'm not quite sure, I know it's seldom appreciated but as I've grown my design sensibility I'm also all the wiser noticing how it affects me in the grand scheme of things. I love the way some spaces make you feel, it changes you sometimes if you care to notice. So i'm not really sure who or where this will lead, but 3 years from today, 1 city (San Francisco) and several thousand buildings is enough to hold my attention. While most buildings are sky high, I'll start at the bottom and ask some basic fundamental questions.

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I very much value my time and I hate wasting moments. It's frustrating when occurances are out of my control. However, where I'm met by a little bit of dismay I see opportunity in a number of areas. Now that I'm unemployed, I could do any number of things 1. Go back to school and finish 2. Continue to work on my Startup and take the time off or 3. Find another job and continue grow. All of which have huge benefits and similar consequences. I keep going around in circles, but the idea of going back to school seems a bit far fetched for me at this point. Realistically, a combination of part-time startup and full-time job will probably have to suffice. I'm pretty optimistic something will present itself if I'm not already working towards a goal, that much I'm certain. What would you do if you had the opportunity?

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