We recently had the chance to connect with Christopher Fein and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Christopher, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I am up showered, get dressed and walk my dog.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an Architect and Professor at Kansas State University. At FORWARD Design | Architecture, we work primarily on residential design in the region. Every project we work on is designed to be responsive to the individual needs of each client, user and location. By searching for and embracing the uniqueness of each situation, we uncover methods for innovative design.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I am not sure it’s how I see the world, but more how I see my work in the world. That is when I returned to Kansas to teach. Previously, I was working for others. At that moment, I was working with students to search out what architecture meant to them. This was not an easy task if you cannot answer it for yourself with conviction. This situation forced a deep consideration and a search for that meaning.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
Yesterday…In all seriousness. I change my mind about important design issues regularly. We think we have the right answer, but we dont stop questioning this assumption. The only way to really develop a project is to keep questioning.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, I am an open book. That said, the outward version of me is talkative and outgoing, when in reality I am happy when things get cancelled and I dont have to leave my house.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
The work we have done. Conceptually, Architecture has a sense of permanence beyond any individual.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Design-Fwd.com
- Instagram: FORWARD_DA
Image Credits
Bob Greenspan Photography
Nate Sheets Photograpy
