Anthony Candido was my first studio professor at The Cooper Union. The projects he gave shaped my understanding of architecture and pedagogy. I remember being at my desk and suddenly realizing that he was standing next to me as I worked. His presence disappeared into saying what was necessary to induce contemplative practice.

It started like this: “2 posts (8” x 8” square; 12’ long). Span them. Brace them.”

At first, I contemplated (and tackled) a structural problem. Then I contemplated  a construction problem. I contemplated form. When one spans and braces two posts, there is a portal: a here and a there and a through. That was when I understood, for the first-time, what architecture is. I’ve returned to that moment throughout my education and my career, carrying forth these lessons.