Conversing about design

If you want something done, you have to do it yourself.

So in spring of 2003, when three northern Nevada architects realized no one was talking about the value of design in the community, they decided to start that dialogue themselves.

Thus the Black Rock Design Institute was born.

The founding architects were Don Clark of Cathexes, Brad Van Woert of Sheehan Van Woert Bigotti, and Jack Hawkins of Hawkins & Associates.

"We felt we were losing some of the fun of, and the intellectual stimulation that comes from, listening to good designers," says Van Woert."We got together to try and perpetuate that, and loosely put together an organization."

Black Rock Design Institute, its founders decided,would be about creating more rigorous discussion about the important design issues of our time and heightening awareness of design in the community.

It isn't just about architecture it's about all kinds of great design, because the designed environment affects everyone.

That's why Lee Felch, creative director of the Reno graphic and web design firm Octane Studios, joined Black Rock Design Institute.

"What intrigued me was the concept of educating people rather than complaining," says Felch."Actually bringing out discourse about what we value about design, and showing what good design really is."

This rogue group arrived at a four-pronged mission for BRDI:

* Public awareness, which means lectures and symposiums designed to lift people's awareness about progressive design.

* Education, which in the future might mean a school of design.

* Public service, or affecting public policy.

* A physical presence, which in the future might mean a gallery of design.

Since 2003, the group has accomplished its first goal with a series of four lectures.

Speakers have been Lorcan O'Herlihy, a cutting-edge residential designer from Los Angeles.; Stanley Saitowitz, a long-time talent from San Francisco with innovative ideas for multi-family housing; Brad Cloepfil, a Portland architect who was commissioned to remodel the Museum of Art and Design in New York City; and Carlos Zapata, the architect now charged with the new high-rise condominium towers planned near Second and Lake streets in downtown Reno.

Included in the lectures, which cost about as much as the price of a movie ticket, are free beer from Silver Peak and oneon- one conversation with the designers themselves.

Although only architects have been featured as speakers so so far, the Black Rock Design Institute is looking at bringing in engineers or industrial designers in the near future.

But as Felch points out, architectural speakers can be useful to other segments of the design community.

"With Carlos Zapata's work, I saw elements of fringe graphic design as well.

The way he works with shapes is relevant to what we do as well.

So I think everyone who goes gets something out of it," he says.

It's not just designers who attend, either.

The group's intent was to attract everyone from bankers to real estate agents, city planners, students and anyone interested in the built or designed environment.

The public's response has been tremendous.

With very limited marketing, the 185-seat lecture hall at the Nevada Museum of Art has nearly filled several times, and demand keeps growing for more speakers.

Admission charges help Black Rock Design Institute pay the expense of speakers.

The organization has also received a Nevada Arts Council grant to support more lectures.

Black Rock Design Institute has gained strong community support, too, from organizations such as the Nevada Museum of Art as well as Stremmel Gallery and the University of Nevada.

And the institute recently brought on its first (albeit minimally) paid, part-time staff member, Executive Director Baron Hershberger.

"So now we've got some momentum,we've got some funding, the lectures are up and running," says Hawkins."Now we want to work on those other objectives as well."

The next lecture from 4-6 p.m.

Nov.

10 at the Nevada Museum of Art features features Bay Area architect Jim Jennings.

Call NMA at 329-3333 or the BRDI at 328-1010 for tickets or information.