I created a list a few years ago of architecture that inspires me. This man is the reason I am still an architect. Samuel Mockbee profoundly impacted my career and passion for serving community through design. #105architecturalinspiration.
Samuel “Sambo” Mockbee

http://citizenarchitectfilm.com/samuel-mockbee.php
December 23, 1944 – December 30, 2001
At a time in my professional development where I was questioning my purpose in the industry, I found an architect that changed my future. I attended a lecture at the University of Virginia given by an architect named Samuel “Sambo” Mockbee.
From the website www.samuelmockbee.net:
Samuel Mockbee sincerely believed that everyone deserves a warm space to eat, sleep, play and live in dignity. Driven to make life better for the residents of underserved communities in the deep South, Mockbee intended to break down the modern interpretations of architecture. “Architecture has to be greater than just architecture. It has to address social values, as well as technical and aesthetic values. On top of that, the one true gift that an architect has is his or her imagination. We take something ordinary and elevate it to something extraordinary.”

http://samuelmockbee.net/work/architecture/cook-house/
Hearing his words, seeing his passion, and then learning more about his work – my career path changed. I started asking different questions about design, looking for different kinds of answers, and hopefully “doing good” – which was one of his primary goals of design. Mockbee taught me that we have power as an architect that must be used to create better solutions (social and aesthetic) for your clients and the community. You have to understand place and time and show compassion to truly design. Architecture is more than just aesthetics, it is compassion, love, and empowering for those engaged in your solution.

Rural Studio Samuel Mockbee and an Architecture of Decency by Andrea Dean
#105architecturalinspirations is a collection of architectural details, buildings, and spaces that inspire me. I am taking on the challenge of finding two projects to spotlight each week in 2015. Hopefully I will be able to keep up and this process of discovery will push me to create better design solutions for my clients as I research and learn more about those projects I enjoy most. I challenge you to add your comments below about this project and to post your own inspirations for all to enjoy.
Having gone to school at Miss State at the time Sambo was practicing in Mississippi, I was fortunate enough to hear him lecture and jury projects on numerous occasions. He’s probably the most original designer and person I’ve ever met. When he died, our profession was left with a void that it has yet to completely fill.
He changed my direction in one lecture – would have loved to know him better.
Pingback: 10. Richard Meier #105architecturalinspiration | DESIGN MATTERS
Pingback: Notre Dame du Haut by Le Corbusier #105architecturalinspiration | DESIGN MATTERS
Pingback: 12. Philip Merrill Environmental System #105architecturalinspiration | DESIGN MATTERS
Pingback: 13. Church of the Light by Tadao Ando #105architecturalinspiration | DESIGN MATTERS
Pingback: 14. Magney House #105architecturalinspiration | DESIGN MATTERS
Pingback: 15. #Monticello #105architecturalinspiration | DESIGN MATTERS
Pingback: 16. William McDonough is a visionary story-teller that happens to be an #architect #105architecturalinspiration | DESIGN MATTERS
Pingback: 17. Delta Shelter by Olson Kundig Architects #105architecturalinspiration | DESIGN MATTERS
Pingback: 19. Maple Valley Library by Cutler Anderson Architect #105architecturalinspiration | DESIGN MATTERS
Pingback: 18. Solar Decathlon #105architecturalinspiration | DESIGN MATTERS
Pingback: 19. Tarrytown Residence by Barley Pfeiffer Architecture #105architecturalinspiration | DESIGN MATTERS
Pingback: 20. Vietnam Veterans Memorial #105architecturalinspiration | DESIGN MATTERS
Pingback: Here are the first 20 Architectural Inspirations for this year. #105architecturalinspirations | DESIGN MATTERS
Pingback: My best advice for future architectural students… | DESIGN MATTERS
Pingback: My path to following my heart and building a better community – design matters