I understand that, today, some developers are asking architects to design eye-catching, iconic buildings. Fortunately, I've not had that kind of client so far.
Fumihiko Maki
Jason Fung
Founder of JFA | Founder of J Fung Studio | Co-Founder of JF Design | Scholar at the Ryerson University Department of Architectural Science | Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry | Maker of Things and Eater of Food
Jason, tell me about yourself
I was birthed in Toronto in the mid 1980s. My mother was a chef, and my father was a musician. They were never paid for those occupations as they each worked full time at their day jobs. Honestly? Okay, fine, my mom cooked for the family and my dad knows how to play the guitar. Both of them instilled in me that I should reach for the stars – and that it may hopefully pay the bills.
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I studied architecture, desperate to construct a project of my own. My first opportunity came when I was 17 years old in the form of a bathroom space. My mother noted the paint was peeling and that I had to fix it. Working closely with different paint swatches, and making sure to pair the colour well with the existing tile, I finished the job over the course of two weekends.
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The bathroom looks purple, still to this day.
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That taught me two very valuable lessons. First: check the paint colour on site. Second: hire a painter.
Designers are meant to be loved, not to be understood.
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Fabien Barral
