A personal immersion in Architecture

Architecture has rooted itself deeply in my life. More than simply an interest or occasional hobby, the practice thereof has developed into a compulsion, a drive to create newness. In this creative pursuit, I have realized that the process itself has generated within me a deep respect for the master works of professionals, here and there, past and present... I have learned of their magnificence as I have feebly attempted to emulate their work in the expansion of my own ideas and concepts. My respect is never ending.

This admission, however humble, does not come without a hint of pride... I have never given up. I have continually pushed myself in spite of my weaknesses. I have never let go of the dream that is architecture.

Just recently, I realized that I have been pursuing this dream for nearly 10 years, almost half of my life. Has the time and effort been worth it? Indeed. But what proof??? Love... Support... Admiration... Recognition... Respect... All of these, however private or relatively small in magnitude, are overwhelmingly powerful in their effect. So I continue...


Here are some pictures of and links to some of my work. I do not claim to be at a professional level by any means.

Ascot Manor


The VAULT - Bachelor Pad Concept

Becca House
Becca House - more


AXO Student Center: Evolution


Tower5 - Concept

Royal Ascot

A word on the significance of 'Ascot'...

(Freddy? What's he got to do with it?)

In 1711, Queen Anne held the first race meeting at Ascot, at the time known as 'East Cote', establishing the tradition of the Royal Ascot meeting for the next 300 years. Today, the Ascot Racecourse persists as the world's most renowned horse racing venue.

History: http://www.ascot.co.uk/aboasc/aboasc_his.html
Virtual Tour of facilities: http://www.ascot.co.uk/virtour/ascottour.php
Main page: http://www.ascot.co.uk/index.html

Perhaps the only image any American would have of the Royal Ascot is the scene from My Fair Lady wherein Eliza lets fly a dandy of an expletive... I won't repeat it, but you get the picture.

The setting is the Ascot Racecourse, and the outrageously ornate costumes worn by one and all are actually the standard for anyone who wishes to attend. Granted, styles have changed somewhat, but the men still wear formal suits, some with ascots (don't worry, I'll explain), and the women still wear lavish gowns with, shall we say, overly expressive hats. Basically, the Royal Ascot is the place to be seen if you're anybody who's anybody in England; Queen Elizabeth II herself attends every year. And so the name 'Ascot' has become synonymous with high society, posh lifestyle, and the general 'lap o' luxury'.

Royal Ascot Magazine 2008: http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?referral=other&refresh=Ha91z30TLw20&PBID=7b98fe2c-6a05-4cb0-a223-b632edc2ded8&skip

Now, in terms of clothing, an 'ascot' is a type of formal cravat, or tie, usually fastened with a stickpin and worn with a morning coat. Not surprisingly, the ascot was so named for its original appearance at the Royal Ascot.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascot_tie

Drawing upon the aforementioned definitions (as well as the one listed at the end), I applied the name to a home I designed during my high school years, 'Ascot Manor'. The house was my attempt to incorporate most all the luxuries I saw available in residential construction into one plan.

And last but not least, in my estimation anyway, 'Ascot' is a play on my name, 'A. Scot'. And I think it fitting, given my English and Scottish heritage.

So... now you know the story of at least one 'Ascot'.