Architizer asks...why design???

During my lunch break while cyber surfing, I happen to notice the Facebook posting by Architizer. I read the following questions and it got my brain wheels turning....


Architizer 

We're in the middle of a design dialogue with Fly NY, examining the "why" in design. Some ideas to ponder:
Q1. In 3 words, describe when you 1st fell in love with design.
Q2. What passion drives you to create? Where is it rooted?
Q3. Do you feel different design industries connect? (ex. fashion, architecture, DIY). How should they?

scroll down to see my answers

a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimberlypayne/2259017644/" title="002 by Kimberly Payne, on Flickr">

Answer 1:  High School Art I and Art II. I believe this is when I discovered my artistic strengths. I have  a wild imagination, turning literal objects into creative interpretations, as well as, turning creative concepts into literal objects. Around the time I was a senior in High School,  I knew I had to become an architect. I was not only inspired by the beauty of New Orleans' very own architecture, but I loved creating my own architecture inspired by modern artist and architects. 

Answer 2:  Music and dance is really what drives my creativity. When I listen to music, I instantly begin to write a story in my head and in that story, I develop space around what's inspiring me at that moment. Whether its my love-life, career, family-life, or just my hobbies...my feelings become images and they move and take shape to the music. My mother was (and is still) a great dancer. I danced for years - perhaps this is where my creativity is rooted. My father, who was an engineer, also has an artistic eye. The below image is a sketch he did of our home in Louisiana. Most of my creative talents come from my parents. The image above is my mom as an LSU Tigerette.

Answer 3: Absolutely, some designers are more focused on certain disciplines than others. I don't think being focused on any number of things is the right or wrong way to be (as a designer), but for me personally, I am interested in fabrication of objects (quilting, furniture making, fashion construction, industrial design) and the translation of beautiful images (photography, graphic design, painting). Architecture is connected in so many ways because it is not only the translation but is also the fabrication of spatial concepts.