In this interview, Brian Korte discusses the design philosophy of his firm, Clayton Korte, emphasizing a focus on celebrating the human experience and connecting people to their environment. He highlights the importance of patience and adaptability in architecture, as projects often involve long timelines and unexpected challenges. Korte also shares insights into the firm's approach to sustainability, material reuse, and small-scale projects, showcasing the Saxon Vineyard Equipment Barn as an example of their innovative use of salvaged materials and passive design principles. Throughout the conversation, Korte emphasizes the significance of relationships, mentorship, and continuous learning in his career, reflecting on his proudest moments and the importance of staying nimble and resourceful in the face of setbacks. As Clayton Korte evolves, they remain committed to a design-first mindset, embracing new technologies and expanding their capabilities to meet the changing demands of the industry.

Photo courtesy of Clayton Korte

Aaron Prinz is the host of the Design:ED Podcast and holds a Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He was born and raised in the rural Northern California town of Red Bluff, just two hours south of the Oregon border. After one year of college, Prinz relocated to San Francisco to pursue a career in stand-up comedy. At age 26, he began studying architecture at Portland State University while interning at Studio Petretti Architecture led by Amanda Petretti. His professional contributions while at Studio Petretti were focused on a portion of the new Multnomah County Courthouse which is a prominent addition to the Portland skyline. He currently resides in Austin, Texas with his wife Roxanne where he continues to work as a designer.