Architecture is often perceived as the process of designing buildings for specific functions, but the essence of architecture is far more profound than that. As architects, we understand that a built environment is a reflection of society, culture, and values—and the impact it has goes far beyond utility. It shapes how we live, interact, and experience the world around us. It influences the way we perceive our communities, and it carries meaning long after the structures are built.

At Studio Southwest Architects, we embrace the notion that architecture is not merely utilitarian, but an opportunity to shape community, honor culture, evoke emotion, and contribute to environmental sustainability. Intern architect Steven Osborn, AIA, NCARB, and associate at Studio Southwest Architects, embodies this philosophy through his work. “Designing and planning architecture is not just about constructing buildings; it’s about creating environments that enhance the lives of individuals and communities,” he says.

This philosophy drives Osborn’s approach to architecture, where his passion lies in designing artful structures that honor the peoples and visual identity of a place. Every project he works on becomes an opportunity to enrich the surrounding community and contribute to its character. Osborn’s work is driven by an understanding that architecture has the power to be cathartic, preserve ways of life, and inspire change.

These views are echoed by Eric Haskins, AIA, principal and senior architect at Studio Southwest, who believes that architecture is an interdisciplinary key to understanding the values of a civilization, past or present. “Architecture embodies no less than the built record of values of the people that produced it,” he says.

Haskins encourages us to think of architecture through the lens of archaeology. By studying ancient structures and cities, we learn about the people who created them and gain insight into their beliefs, traditions, and ways of life. The buildings they left behind serve as a testament to their culture and ideals, just as the architecture we create today will reflect our society for future generations.

Both Osborn and Haskins share the belief that architecture is far more than the sum of design hours, renderings, consultations, and construction. Architecture is a living, breathing record of who we are as individuals and as a community. Just as we study the ruins of ancient civilizations to understand their practices, the buildings we construct today will serve as the historical markers for the future. They will tell the stories of our values, our priorities, and our aspirations, continuing to shape humanity long after the dust settles on construction sites.

Architecture is not just about what we build; it’s about how we build it, and what it says about who we are. As we continue to craft environments that reflect our collective beliefs, we are creating a legacy that will endure for generations to come.