The first gesture of an architect is to draw a perimeter; in other words, to separate the microclimate from the macro space outside. This in itself is a sacred act. Architecture in itself conveys this idea of limiting space. It’s a limit between the finite and the infinite. From this point of view, all architecture is sacred. Mario Botta

I have a huge thing for architects and architecture. It’s the combination of artistry and engineering, the aesthetic and the practical, the communication to the human condition through space that is so amazing to me. I have visited many beautiful spaces in my life and my breath has been taken away.

I am not an architect—I lived with one for a time. My best friend from childhood is now a practicing architect for a German company in Chicago. She designs buildings around the world. I am so damn proud of her because I remember the drawings she made of houses for us when we were ten and sitting in the living room of her parents’ tiny suburban ranch home and now she works for an international firm.

I know many real life architects in SL as well—degreed, licensed, practicing. I read a funny thing about romcoms that they always have a main man who is an architect, and this guy always seems to have a great house, job and seemingly endless time for romance. Truth is that the architects I know, even partners in firms, drive old cars, live in fixer-uppers (because they are doing the fixing up), and work 60-80 hours a week. They are interesting group for sure, but generally overworked.

Nowadays most architects work on computers, endlessly between the CAD work and reading emails and architectural code, but at one time they worked on paper. Think Frank Lloyd Wright when you view this gorgeous set of items Tobias Convair has created for the Arcade (opening in a week). You can collect all the fun stuff that even seasoned modern day architects drool over—drafting table, pencil cup, drawings, cabinet, stool, french curves, compass, model—and even an architect’s scale (which is so evocative of one my dad used to have that I want to pick it up, weigh it in my hand and feel its smooth surfaces). They are rendered in exquisite, loving detail by Tobias, who is himself an architect. The brilliant part is there are all no copy/transfer so if you have an architect friend or two (or one that would like to be one), you can purchase the pieces at the Arcade or a yard sale and give them as a gift.

I dressed like my dear friend, who tends towards stylish but mostly practical (her shoes, once she gets to the office after walking from the L, get changed to a more stylish pair and promptly kicked off under the desk). A sleeveless bowed top and long slacks from Thetra Blackheart are the main outfit in complimentary, almost neutral tones. Pops of color come from Ariadne Garrigus’ modern glasses and Erratic Rain’s absolutely sexy and chic sandals (made for Slink feet).

My hair and makeup are pictures of simplicity—there simply is not enough time for overdoing makeup and hair when buildings need to be designed! I love Mirja Mill’s darling updo with a built in animation to let the hair down into a ponytail. After all these years, Mirja still finds new styles and has fun making them for her customers, and this one is particularly fun. My skin is one of Shyla Diggs Boucher’s newest, being offered at the Arcade as a rare. If you want this rare skin with dark brows, find a friend who is willing to swap with you! Or pass your extras on to your alt.

Architecture is not simply a job. It is a lifestyle. It is a way of looking at the world. It is a verb. It is a constant exploration where one looks for and finds inspiration in the world around them, and then applies that inspiration to create something completely new. And that thing we create is beautiful and makes a difference in the world. ~ J. Brantley Hightower

Hair: .:EMO-tions:. * VIOLET*/chocolate by Mirja Mills for.:EMO-tions:. *

Skin: -Belleza- Mimi Makeup 1 RARE by Shyla Diggs and Tricky Boucher for -Belleza-, available at The Arcade beginning March 1 *

Eyes: adoness: havila eyes: asparagus by Cruella Pennell for Adoness, available at The Thrift Shop *

Top: E-Clipse MimiChemise CaenStone by Thetra Blackheart for E-Clipse, available at The Style Icon *

Slacks: E-Clipse MimiChemise CaenStone by Thetra Blackheart for E-Clipse, available at The Style Icon *

Pencil: [MAGIC NOOK] Pencil (Mouth) – Yellow /FREEBIE/ by Ayumi Cassini for Magic Nook (may no longer be available)

Glasses: ***ArisAris Igs95 Azahara Classic Glasses by Ariadna Garrigus for ArisAris *

Hands: Slink Mesh Hands (av) Casual Left and Slink Mesh Hands (av) Elegant1 Right by Siddean Munro for Slink

Nail appliers: Nailed It – Autumn Nights Set HUD by Giela Delpaso for Nailed It *

Feet: Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) – Mid by Siddean Munro for Slink

Shoes: erratic / clarice – mesh sandals / gold by Erratic Rain for erratic *

Pose by Rogan Diesel from

Skybox: [PM]Pixel Mode – Clock Tower Sky Box by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at FaMESHed*

Rug: Buchanan Round Rug from the Buchanan Collection by Kaerri Rae for Kaerri *

Architecture set: +CONVAIR+ The Studio The Arcade by Tobias Convair for Convair, available at The Arcade beginning March 1 *

+CONVAIR+ Studio Architect Scales

+CONVAIR+ Studio Architect’s Drafting Table RARE

+CONVAIR+ Studio Architectural Drawings

+CONVAIR+ Studio Architectural Model

+CONVAIR+ Studio Art Pencils

+CONVAIR+ Studio Curves/Eraser

+CONVAIR+ Studio Drafting Compass

+CONVAIR+ Studio Drafting Stool RARE

+CONVAIR+ Studio Drawing/Tape

+CONVAIR+ Studio Lead Pointer/Holder

+CONVAIR+ Studio Mystery RARE

+CONVAIR+ Studio Sketch Book

+CONVAIR+ Studio T-square/Triangles

+CONVAIR+ Studio Tracing Paper

+CONVAIR+ Studio Lead Pointer/Holder

For my favorite architect: S ;)