The following is an altered extract from the Art School Encounters podcast. If you want to listen to the full thing, click here.
Georgia: Welcome back to another episode of "Art School Encounters." Today, I'm so thrilled to be joined by Kate Ivinson, a creative who's navigating the challenging yet inspiring world of architecture. Kate, thank you so much for being here.
Kate: Thanks, Georgia! I’m really excited to chat with you today.
Georgia: Kate, as someone who’s both deeply passionate about design and immersed in the intense process of becoming an architect, I’m curious—what’s been your biggest challenge so far?
Kate: Honestly, it’s been balancing the artistic side with the technical demands. Architecture is such a unique field because it’s this blend of creativity and precision. I find myself constantly toggling between these two modes—wanting to let my imagination run wild but then having to pull back and think practically about structure, materials, and functionality.
Georgia: I completely get that. As creatives, we thrive in that space where imagination knows no bounds. But when you're also responsible for ensuring everything stands up and meets safety codes, it can feel like your creative wings are clipped a bit, right?
Kate: Exactly! It’s like every time I come up with something really exciting, there’s this immediate voice in my head reminding me to be realistic. It can be frustrating because I want my designs to push boundaries, but I also don’t want to be unrealistic.
Georgia: That’s such a relatable struggle. I think many of us who work in creative fields, whether it’s architecture, design, or any other form of art, face that internal tug-of-war. We want to create something groundbreaking, but there’s always that tension with what’s feasible or marketable. How do you navigate that balance?
Kate: It’s still a work in progress. I’ve started trying to embrace constraints as a creative challenge rather than a limitation. Instead of seeing practical requirements as barriers, I’m learning to view them as opportunities to innovate within those boundaries. But it’s definitely easier said than done.
Georgia: I love that mindset, Kate. It’s such a powerful way to reframe what could easily become a source of stress. Creativity within constraints—whether they’re budgetary, structural, or even self-imposed—can lead to some of the most innovative work. But it’s also okay to acknowledge that it’s tough. There’s a reason why so many creatives struggle with this.
Kate: Absolutely. I think part of the journey is learning to be kind to myself when things don’t turn out perfectly. The perfectionist in me wants to get everything right the first time, but I’m realizing that the process, the trial and error, is where so much growth happens.
Georgia: You’re so right. Perfectionism is something that plagues many creatives, myself included. It’s easy to get caught up in wanting everything to be flawless, but sometimes that pursuit of perfection can actually stifle creativity. There’s so much freedom in allowing ourselves to experiment, to make mistakes, and to learn from them.
Kate: Yes! It’s all about finding that balance. I’m still figuring it out, but I think it’s important to keep reminding myself that the process is just as valuable as the end result.
Georgia: Kate, I think your journey is one that so many of our listeners can relate to. Whether they’re just starting out or are seasoned professionals, we all face that push and pull between creativity and practicality. Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences with us today—it’s been such a thoughtful conversation.
Kate: Thank you, Georgia. It’s been really great to talk about these things with someone who understands the ups and downs of the creative process.
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