20 Questions with David Powell
2 min read David Powell is a Principal of HASTINGS, designing award-winning architecture since 1991. As a former musician, his work shares vocabularies across art forms – designed from a perspective of sincere storytelling. His work has been recognized by the AIA, ULI, Architect Magazine, Architectural Record, and The New York Times. In 2016, Dave was elevated to Fellowship by the American Institute of Architects for his positive contributions to architecture and society. He has served as the President of both the AIA Middle Tennessee Chapter and the Civic Design Center.
Civic Design Center is celebrating our 20 Year Anniversary with 20 Questions from some fellow advocates and idols.
“Yes, we design buildings, but great architects are so much more than that.
It takes a great deal of nuance and finesse to motivate people to appreciate new ideas. It’s a very exciting profession with many avenues to explore and find one’s niche.”
What city or town do you call home?
Nashville, TN
What does health and wellness in communities mean to you?
Easy access to services, food, entertainment, employment, and recreation for ALL citizens of Nashville. This means a robust, fully connected bike and ped network, and a diverse mix of residential offerings with the related support businesses to create a variety of “Complete Communities” throughout the city.
A view of the walk and bike infrastructure in Copenhagen
What city, in your opinion, inspires good public health? Why is that? Lifestyle? Infrastructure? Access to something special?
Copenhagen. As evidenced by the dominance of bicycles throughout the city, the automobile feels out of place and secondary to walking and biking in this pedestrian friendly city. Additionally, the food offerings are far more healthy and localized than most major cities. They have an innovative pipeline system to provide heating and cooling in a far more energy efficient way than other metropolitan areas. They have cleaned up their harbor and waterways and now interact with the waterfronts throughout the city in beautiful and creative ways. The city also promotes innovative, contemporary design, understanding the importance of creativity and progressive thinking.
What is your favorite public resource in that city? Tell us about it.
Dave along one of Copenhagen’s many waterways
I love it all! They celebrate sustainability and promote it as a right, a duty, and subsequently, the branding of the city. Embracing healthy living and respect for the planet is baked into the ethos of the greater community. This may not be a “public resource” per se, but it’s certainly a public initiative that promotes a particular mindset that is unique in our world.
Could you have imagined being in the profession you are today?
YES, from university on.
What was your childhood dream job?
Up until university, I only thought I would be a musician!
If a 7th grader came to you and said, “I want to do exactly what you do”, what would you say?
Are you out of your mind?!?!
Seriously, I would say that there are many aspects to being an architect / designer and numerous career paths. They must explore the greater concept of what being an architect actually means and be open-minded to where that may lead them.
Yes, we design buildings, but great architects are so much more than that. Architects must understand and consider the environment, public behaviors, social issues, the spaces between the buildings (public realm), transportation (in the broader sense), technological innovations, and more. We are always curious and thirsting for a greater understanding of… well… everything!
We use both sides of our brain on full-tilt. We must be creative and innovative while also understanding codes, budgets, schedules, and the technical aspects of how to build a building. In order to do all of this, we must also be great salespeople. It takes a great deal of nuance and finesse to motivate people to appreciate new ideas. It’s a very exciting profession with many avenues to explore to find one’s niche.
What excites you most about where this next generation is going in terms of health and sustainability?
The younger generation doesn’t just consider more important matters than my generation (when we were their age), they demand it. They understand the grave importance of treating our planet, each other, and ourselves with care and respect. Starting from a baseline that all of this is a basic human right (as opposed to an option or choice) will materially move the needle for generations to come.
How are you best able to make a difference in the world with your career? Tell us about it!
Dave ideating in his HASTINGS office
Architects have not only a tremendous opportunity, but also a profound responsibility to improve the world through the built environment. Buildings contribute nearly 40% to global Greenhouse Gas Emissions, so our designs and how they are constructed HAVE to be mindful of materiality, energy consumption, durability, and the impact on human experience and quality of life. Additionally, the design of buildings and their associated public realm have the power to encourage inclusion, the celebration of diversity, and equitable experiences. And finally, I believe that as designers of “functional and occupiable sculpture” (as I like to think of it), we have the ability to inspire through the art of architecture. Architecture is the ultimate manifestation of the power to inspire and change through design.
What has been your favorite speaking engagement?
…anytime I am speaking to students, young people, or citizens unaware of the power of design. It’s invigorating to see the lightbulb of inspiration flip on when people begin to understand that fearless, creative problem solving is nothing to be afraid of, rather, it’s a mechanism for change, making our world a better place.
Who is the most inspiring or influential person you’ve ever met?
I have 4:
Becca Stevens – Thistle Farms
Renata Soto – Conexion Americas/Casa Azafran and Mosaic Changemakers
Cori Anne Laemmell _ The Theater Bug
Rene Copeland – Former Artistic Director of The Nashville Repertory Theatre
Who is your favorite author? Why?
Carlos Ruiz Zafon. He weaves a dark, rich tapestry of noir fiction in his 4 book series “The Cemetery of Forgotten Books”. In a stroke of mad-scientist genius, he created this series as a loop where you can jump in with any book, producing a different experience and perspective depending on where you start. He strokes words like an impressionist painter, making you want to read more slowly to absorb every morsel. He also describes Barcelona in gorgeous detail, bringing to life that storied and multi-layered city.
Tell us about an unsung hero from your city!
Cori Anne Laemmell. The work she is doing at The Theatre Bug is both beautiful and vitally important. Besides the fact that she is a terrific playwright and director, she has created a safe environment for our city’s youth to face critically important issues head-on. She brilliantly navigates topics that most people avoid while simultaneously creating delightful, fun, engaging works of art. Her plays invite Nashvillians of ALL ages to participate in non-threatening discourse that we all desperately need.
Have you ever attended a community meeting? Yes.
What was your experience? Varied
What is the first word you think of when you hear…
Community? Eclecticisms
Equity? Overdue
Design? Imagination
Give us an example of equity in design that has recently inspired you.
Working with Hal Cato and Becca Stevens on Thistle Farms and their Café, and with Renata Soto on Azafran Park, were both inspiring in similar ways. Designing spaces where all communities are welcome that also benefit non-profit initiatives is gratifying at the deepest level.
A view inside Thistle Farms’ production facility. Thistle Farms works to help and heal women survivors of trauma and hardships.
Who is your favorite designer or architect?
Honestly, I don’t have a favorite designer or architect. I am more inspired by artistic innovators in other creative mediums such as musicians, painters, authors, sculptures, photographers, playwrights, etc. If I am looking for inspiration, I put on certain music by pioneering artists, or watch a documentary on a painter, or go to a museum or a play…
What was the best thing you have taken away from the pandemic?
More time with my family!
What do you think is going to be the most powerful change from 2020 to 2021?
Nashville’s increased appreciation for our parks and greenways. Hopefully this will result in a renewed interest in more greenways and pocket parks, interconnecting our city’s pedestrian network.