Daniel had the privilege to be interview by Author Maria Spassov for her book ' Celebrity Designers : 50 interview on Design, Architecture, and life. In the interview Daniel talks about the main philosophy behind his thinking towards designing architecture as well as other interests.
Read the Daniel's interview below :
What was the moment when you realized you would be an architect ?
I think from a very early age I was intrigued-really just a stationary fetish and many hours with lego as a child. However, I really knew when I was in an I.M.Pei building when I was an architecture student. It was then that I clearly realised the spatial constructs and materiality had a direct resonance with the human soul. It is an art.
Looking back at your first project, what knowledge do you wish you had back then?
I think that regret can't be part of the creative process. We have to be constantly projected into the future. So the things I learn on each project enable the growth of the creative process.
What connects all your projects?
We call it sculptural resolve. The commonality of our projects across quite different contexts and requirements are that the resolution is sculptural in nature. This is probably a result of my design process running between drawings, physical modeling, and computer modeling throughout the entire project and across a range of scales. I place a great deal of emphasis on the context, and we explore the landform, history, and wider context.
What do you enjoy most in your work ?
Most of it. I think architects are generalists and as such you encounter a large range of conditions — from introspective analysis to highly collaborative action. The diversity is what keeps me stimulated and interested in the process.
What are the most important design elements?
One of my lecturers said that the Sydney Opera House wasn't about the arching iconic forms rather it was about the platforms. That statement was a revelation to me. I think that the interactions of various floor levels-how they interact with the surrounding context-is the most important design element.
What do you love to do when you aren't designing?
I love painting and playing the guitar as both are creative in a direct way while architecture is an abstract from the finished result. I love drinking and catching up with friends, and I love snowboarding the many beautiful mountains in New Zealand.
What is your Favourite book ?
House of Leaves by Mark Z.Danielewski
What are your favourite places in New Zealand?
New Zealand is so diverse geographically. From Downtown Auckland where I live, you can travel in thirty minutes by car in one direction and you are on the wild west coast with crazy black sand and ferocious waves crashing in from the Tasman Sea. Thirty minutes by ferry in the other direction and you are on Waiheke Island, which is a tranquil and beautiful island littered with vineyards, quiet private beaches, and wonderful places to eat.
What does success mean to you ?
Success, I think, is feeling that you have a mastery in the craft you have chosen.
What is your advice to architecture students?
Listen to your intuitions.
