Art is in the Eye of the Resident

Every architect, contractor, craftsperson, and designer who aims to inspire or create something of beauty and expression is an artist.

By DAVID VASQUEZ, EPICHTX

Wait, what is that up on the ledge? Are those gargoyles or gnomes? Why does one Houston skyscraper draw inspiration from canal houses in the Netherlands? Murals on multifamily buildings? A community pool with Greco-Roman influences? These are all questions that blur the lines between construction and art.

It's winter in Texas, and a northern wind has arrived with that “chamber of commerce weather” we brag about to any Northerner who will listen. As I drive north on 288, an overpass affords me a view of Downtown to Memorial. The sometimes hazy sky is crystal clear today, and I can see midrises, highrises, and garden-style communities. All touched by countless masons, painters, tile setters, and framers. These artisans, such as my good friend Felipe have left a mark on this town. He is a man of few words, reasoning perhaps being that his hands do the talking. Felipe once built a pergola at an amenity area with a design that conveyed with its lines and charm the promise of love. The string lights and cedar sang along with the cicadas on August nights. His artistic structure had residents requesting to be married underneath, and he claims to have attended many there. Alas, he is a difficult artist married to his work, six of those weddings have been his own.

Architects and builders often draw inspiration from artistic movements, such as art deco or postmodernism, to create visually appealing structures that reflect a particular style or aesthetic. They may also incorporate artistic elements, such as sculptures or murals, into the design of a building or structure. Construction can also be seen as an art form in and of itself. Builders and artisans must have strong attention to detail and a sense of balance and proportion to create structures that are both functional and pleasing to the eye. Oxford defines art as expressing or applying creative skill and imagination, typically creating works to be appreciated for their beauty or emotional power. By that definition, every architect, contractor, craftsperson, and designer who aims to inspire or create something of beauty and expression is an artist.

We build for value, beauty, and functionality in the multifamily industry. But we use art in many ways to convey our “live here” message. Management will sometimes spend months agonizing over paint swatches and tile selections to inspire people to call their community home. The dog park strives to welcome our furry friends and their human companions in a way that says, “lay your weary head here after that doggone day.” When entering a clubroom or amenity area, the message that we didn't just construct this; we built it as a labor of love to welcome you home should be implied.

In closing, if you have sculpted the marble perfectly, painted inspirationally, and blended art and construction seamlessly, expect them to leave a deposit check.

David Vasquez, President, and Founder of EPICHTX has more than 20 years of experience in both residential and commercial construction. Over the last ten years, he has overseen and designed over sixty million in multifamily rehabs and repositioning. With an eye on value add and exit strategy, David builds with the future and equity returns in mind. In 2010, David realized he was spending more and more time walking properties with multifamily owners and brainstorming about ways to innovate and create beauty. David says he loves finding the beauty and potential in everything he sees and welcomes the challenge of finding the potential to create beauty where others see tired facades.