about me

Architect Bob Borson with daughter Kate in Hawaii
My name is Bob Borson and I am a licensed architect in Texas. I mostly design modern residential projects but my firm also specializes in the design of lots of other project types and styles. In fact, I’d help you pick out a front door if that’s where you needed my help.
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In 2009, I received the Dallas Chapter American Institute of Architects “Young Architect of the Year” award, but it was probably for volunteering to do things that others wouldn’t, shouldn’t of couldn’t.  I started my blog on January 14, 2010 to learn the technology behind how people are starting to communicate with one another. I don’t really have a list of burning issues or a controversial social agenda to promote. For the most part, I’m just a regular guy except I put my pants on both legs at once (it’s just faster that way). I don’t take myself too seriously but I have a great deal of pride and a teeny tiny competitive streak. I actually take what I do seriously but I try to find a way to have fun while I’m doing it.
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I am fairly active in the American Institute of Architect where I am currently the 2013 Chair of the Digital Communications Committee for the Texas Society of Architects.
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Kate and Bob Borson - Halloween 2008
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I am happily married to Michelle, and I am too easily manipulated by my only child, Kate, and I can be found mowing my lawn in University Park, within the city limits of Dallas. For the most part, life is good and I am a happy guy.
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Architect Bob Borson's Desk

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  • Shelley Collora

    Hi Bob, I just found your images of the building of the Perot Museum and I am very interested in using some of your shots for the CityScape exhibit at the Dallas Galleria where there is a Lego Sculpture of the museum. Could you please contact me?

  • Lewis

    I just came across your site, and I wanted to tell you that even after just reading a few posts, I think it is fantastic. I work as an architect as well, and it’s so hard to get a good perspective on the profession, sometimes, when you’ve worked so long within one firm.

    I appreciate your take on everything I’ve read so far, and my favorite at the moment is the one on architectural fees. I actually was not aware there were so many options, and as someone who has in the past few years started moving up into higher levels and proposal writing, I have been struggling with the per-square-foot fees my firm typically charges, and how woefully “short” this leaves us. I agree with your pros and cons on each different type–I have not used any other to date, but I can see how your descriptions of the different types would lay out, and they’ve all started me thinking about the problem from new angles.

    Thanks so much for providing some much needed perspective!

  • Douglas Wittnebel

    Bob,
    Finally dropped in on your site and had a good read. Will drop in again because you have captured some very good points about our truly difficult and rewarding profession.

    Douglas Wittnebel

  • http://twitter.com/BenLogan11 Ben Logan

    Hi,
    I’m 13 years old and have a keen interest in architecture and wish to become an architect. I have a Design and Technology scholarship at my school. Some people tell me that Art is more important for architecture, but others have said that D.T. is more important. Which do you think is more important?

  • http://www.facebook.com/chad.k.martin Chad Kelly Martin

    Mr. Borson,
    My name is Chad Martin, and I won a playhouse a few years back that you may have designed for CASA, at Northpark Mall. We will soon be moving to another house from Dallas to Plano and would very much like to take it with us, since me and our children have grown very fond of it. My question is, would you happen to know of a company that could move it for us? Your help would be very much appreciated.
    Sincerely,
    Chad and Carolyn Martin
    214-938-0165

  • Larry Boen

    Question: what is considered a resonable anount of time for a residential plan of about 2000 square feet? And is it resonable to have clients run the design process out a year?

    Thanks,

  • John Panas

    Corrections: F.L.Wright, floors, took it out, less than i/4″ deep.

  • John Panas

    Bob

    I have an F.L.Right underground house in McLean Va, the froors are tainted cement.

    The previous owner prior to listing the house, covered half the house with carpet.

    I finally took out but in doing so I had to take out the wooden anchor strips plus pull the cement nails.

    That left the floor with round holes, less than a 1/4 “,

    How do I cover them and refinish the surface?

  • kseanbro

    Thank you for this Blog. I’m A Senior in HIGH SCHOOL. I WASN’T SURE ON WHAT I WANTED TO DO WITH MY LIFE , BUT THIS BLOG HAS HELP ME REALIZE I WILL BECOME AN ARCHITECT. NOW I JUST GOT TO GET INTO COLLEGE AND MAKE SOMETHING FOR MYSELF. AGAIN THANKS FOR THE INSPIRATION……
    P.S. EMAIL FOR ANY ADVICE YOU CAN GET ME, I WILL APPRECIATE ANYTHING.
    kaseank.brown3@gmail.com …have a great day.

  • Kim

    Hi Bob,
    I stumbled across your site when searching for the proper way to build a beautiful horizontal fence that will last. Would you be able to enlighten me on what the other side of the fence looks like? I of course like being called a good neighbour, and I really don’t want any ugliness regarding my beautiful fence idea. My husband and I have extreme modern tastes, and we live in Canadian suburbia, where ALL fences are the traditional BORING vertical fence.
    Thanks for sharing what it looks like on the other side with me. Also should we be using deck board instead of fence board due to its supposed “Better quality”
    Kim

  • Robert Chickey

    Bob, You offer a full compliment of skills for your clients. It is not very often that architects have color skills. I am very impressed and wished you lived closer.

  • Greg Gobat

    This is a fantastic website. Funny I actually started a blog last semester called Life as an Architecture Student, to help open that window to the outside world to what we do. I’ll definitely be sharing your stuff often!

  • Jeanine H

    You’re very amazing at what you do. Great introduction. You can FEEL the love you have for your daughter through the computer ;) ! Thank you for being such an inspiration! I share many of your posts and blog entries everywhere, follow on all social media and just wanted to say I appreciate your work and great work ethics! Fantastic job Sir and thank you again for being such a wise inspiration, and more so, sharing all that wisdom with us is cyberspace!

  • StudentarchitectMum

    Hi, as a parent to a architect student you have made us laugh as we see these architectural traits in our son unfold. Thank you. Your blog has confirmed that he is definitely on the right path! PS you are a brilliant writer.

    • http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com Bob Borson

      Based on your comment, it seems like this is working out pretty well for all of us!

      Cheers

  • http://www.facebook.com/mariojose.gutierrezmorales Mario José Gutiérrez Morales

    i like your web, I am from Nicaragua, and I like to take conection with you. I am architect,

  • Nicole Ramsey

    I am a design at a Architecture firm in Roswell, Ga mainly focusing on graphic design but I have a background in interior architecture and art history. I came across your blog when looking for architecture blogs to show my principle to convince him that this is something we should be doing. I love it. My question for you in how would you suggest combining graphic design and architecture into a blog as my goal with our blog is to expend our graphic design department within the firm. Your blog is by far my favorite that I have come across, so if you have any time, suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

    • http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com Bob Borson

      I wouldn’t specifically do anything different. The only reason why some blogs are more successful or popular really has to do with the level of engagement from the people who visit – it’s on you to make sure that people feel welcome on the site.

      Visually I’m not sure my site is the example you should be using as I am using a generic template with minimal customization (since I do not know HTML and I did not wish to spend the money on a hobby site to have someone else customize it for me). Just find sites out there that you like and then try and emulate the things you like – in the end, you;ll hopefully have something that speaks to your firm specifically and gives some sort of peek into the culture and design ideals of the firm.

      Best of luck

  • MacyLake

    Hello!
    I am a high school student from Orlando, Fl. In my class we are doing a HUGE essay on what we want to be, what college we're going to, and how we'll get there. I have wanted to be an architect since i was in the 4th grade. i found your website surfing on google and was so releaved because we have an interview part in our essay. Not knowing any architects myself, I was wondering of you can answer 10 question that will be apart of my essay?

    • http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com Bob Borson

      Macy,
      I would be happy to answer your questions. Send them along to bob@lifeofanarchitect.com
      After I get a chance to read them, I let you know how fast I can anwser them and get them back to you – I’ll turn it around pretty quickly for you.

      Bob

  • bobborson

    Hi Stan,

    Thanks for taking time to post, I appreciate it. I am glad to hear that you think the posts I am writing are enlightening, as far as my directness and openness, that is probably a result of not having a properly installed filter between my brain and my mouth – it has gotten me in a lot of trouble in my life so I find it a little rewarding to be lauded for it now. Maybe something happens when you get older that people think you have something worth listening too (or at least will give you the benefit of the doubt and listen). I'm just glad that somebody out there is reading.

    Cheers -

  • bobborson

    Adrien,
    I am on Facebook – I finally got around to setting up a fan page a few weeks ago. you can find it here:

    http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dallas-TX/Life-of…

    Thanks for reading, I appreciate it.

  • Stan Tang

    Bob (may I call you Bob?),
    I just stumbled over your site here, and I must say it caught my eye. As an architect myself (I hope you won't hold that against me), I have found your observations and positions enlightening and delightful. I really appreciate your forthrightness, openness, and refreshing directness. (Hmmmm, having known other Texans they all seem to share those qualities . . . I wonder if its in the sun and water or if it can be an acquired characteristic.)
    I will read on, and like yourself try to find my way amongst all the electronic super-highway information overload and social media (my marketing director is really pushing for our involvement in this new wave . . . well it seems new to an old dog like me).

  • http://www.desport-architects.com Desport Adrien

    Hello Bob,
    Very nice to read your blog. Why are you not also in facebook to attract more readers ? It is through facebook (I love architecture page) that I have discovered your blog. Before I also wanted to make a similar blog to what you are making but when for a faster option (facebook).
    Anyway, great job here (and in your projects).
    Adrien