#43 - The Act of Building with June Grant, blink!LAB

June Grant is an architect, designer and researcher committed to
the craft of buildings, their potential to enhance cities and
develop socially responsible solutions to complex real-world
problems. June is the founding Principal of blink!LAB
architecture, a boutique, research-based architecture practice
focused on adaptive and transformative sustainable development.
Her design approach rests on an avid belief in cultural empathy,
data research, and new technologies as integral to design futures
and design solutions. She is also the current President of the
San Francisco Chapter of the National Organization of Minority
Architects (SFNOMA), where she is committed to growing practice
opportunities for under-represented groups by strengthening the
role of communication.


In the episode we talk about:


June’s experience being President of SFNOMA during the “Twin
Pandemics”

Planning the first ever virtual NOMA Conference

How the act of building is one of the most political events,
and there’s no such thing as a neutral building

The power and importance of observation 

The structure of blink!LAB, and how 70% of the work is for
private clients which in turn supports 30% of the work which is
for communities

Advice for young professionals who want to pursue impactful,
non-traditional practices

The one underrated tool emerging professionals have to offer
communities

June’s research and work on Accessory Dwelling Units.

Why June wanted to become an architect



 


The 2020 NOMA Conference will be October 14-18, 2020! Check out
https://www.noma.net/conference/ to learn more.