JNS Architecture and Interior Design: AIA Conference 2024 Recap
By Tobias Strohe, Nicole Nathan and Tom Current
The partners at JNS recently took to Washington D.C. to attend the 2024 AIA Conference on Architecture & Design. Each returned with unique insights and experiences that will help shape our firm’s approach to future projects. Read on to hear Tom Current’s, Nicole Nathan’s and Tobias Strohe's top takeaways from their experience in the nation's capital!
Tom: A First-Time Visitor's Perspective
As a first-time visitor to Washington D.C., I was deeply impacted by the historical significance and architectural beauty of the city. My personal love for history made visiting the monuments and Smithsonian museums, especially the Air & Space Museum, incredibly meaningful, alongside getting the opportunity to tour the Capitol and the White House.
I must admit, I initially wasn’t as excited about the conference sessions as I was about exploring the city, but they turned out to be very engaging. The breakout sessions were filled with valuable insights that I have already started implementing in our day-to-day operations here at JNS. It was also a unique opportunity to have all three partners together outside the office and away from Denver, a major highlight being our night-time tour of the monuments.
Nicole: The Power of Shared Experiences
For me, the most inspiring part of the annual AIA conference is always visiting unique cities and experiencing the architecture first-hand. There's something special about being immersed in the built environment that you can only feel first-hand.
Exploring the architectural landscape of D.C. and engaging in discussions with fellow professionals in the industry additionally always sparks new ideas and perspectives. It was a reminder of the importance of stepping outside our usual environments to gain fresh inspiration. The experience reinforced my belief in the power of shared experiences to strengthen our collaborative spirit, and it's these shared moments that often lead to our most innovative ideas back at the office.
Tobias: Innovation in Space and Minimalism
The sessions on Space Architecture and AI were particularly fascinating to me. Exploring how space missions handle finite resources like water and food, and the lightweight yet strong design principles, was eye-opening. It challenged my preconceived notions about traditional building forms and introduced new ways of thinking about architectural design.
Another highlight for me was staying at CitizenM, a hotel that exemplifies "minimalist maximalism." Despite the small size of the rooms, they were incredibly functional and technologically advanced, providing a seamless experience. This concept of maximizing functionality in minimal space is something I find increasingly relevant in modern design.
Overall, the conference opened my eyes to new possibilities in our field, from the practical applications of space technology to the potential of AI in our design process.
The insight we gained from the AIA Conference 2024 have energized and inspired our team at JNS. We're excited to integrate new ideas into our work, promising innovative, historically informed and forward-thinking designs for our future projects.