On Architecture

Only when we go into ourselves and attempt to be entirely true to ourselves will we succeed in making things of value, living things, and in this way help to develop a new style that is fitting for us." 

Sophie Taeuber-Arp

"It’s Not Because You Are Limited in Resources That You Should Accept Mediocrity": 

Interview with Francis Kéré, 2022 Pritzker Winner

“Everything we see in our surroundings raises our spirits a bit, or lowers them a bit.” Christopher Alexander obituary NY Times by Witold Rybczynski

". . . but I am interested in seeking the potentialities of enjoyment that arise from human activities and interactions, which include teh notino of function. . . So I start to see the potential delight in phenomena that may emerge from telescopic nesting within anohter, or how light enters. 

Sou Fujimoto: El Croquis 151, p.6

''The client's sense of well-being'' is the standard by which Mr. Alexander measures the success of his designs.

1989 NY Times article on Rebel architect

“Don’t make something unless it is both necessary and useful; but if it is both necessary and useful, don’t hesitate to make it beautiful.”

Shaker quote

“. . . the theoretical that fails in reality fails because it is not theoretical enough.” 

Eduardo García de Zuñiga - Eladio Dieste’s mathematics professor

"Architects must create rational, convenient, and comfortable homes. . . but even if it means being a little less convenient, I think “spiritual richness” is important too." 

Tadao Ando: From NHK World video interview “Tanizaki Junichiro on Japanese Aesthetics”

"For Olmstead, the creative power of natural scenery was universal." 

in A Clearing in the Distance by Witold Rybczynski

On Working with Voussoir

"What a pleasure and an honor to be able to put such complete faith in Jesse.

His eye for design, function, integrity, attention to detail, dedication and skill make Jesse an amazing partner indeed." 

2020 - Founder / donor / collaborator; collaborated on six projects over the course of years

"Still so grateful for the time you spent with us designing the barn, what a lovely structure to have gotten right.  All the best!" 

2021 - Farm owner

"I so appreciate you, Jesse! Thank you!

How do I thank thee. . . Let me count the ways…Many thanks for a most helpful conversation. . . Among your many other talents, please know your teaching skills and patience are highly valued."

2021 - New home owner

"Always nice to hear from you, Jesse, even with an invoice! Knowing you’re there when I need help is such a blessing to me."

2021 - Happy customer

"Wow! Thank you for sharing and for all that you have contributed to help make this project become a reality!" 

2022 - Non-profit grant foundation

"I enjoy reading your plans, and I know that the spaces you have imagined will bring comfort to life in body and soul. . . Design is a career choice of commitment and sacrifice. I tip my hat to you for keeping up with it."

2022 - Plans Examiner 

"I have always admired your approach to working with a disparate group of folks."

2022 - Developer; collaborated on many projects over 20+ years

"Good job Jesse you’ve nailed all of it. Keeping me on task, having some excellent resources with well established boundaries and outlines, and then all your experience and ideas.  Thanks again for all you are doing. . . I really appreciate all your vision, and thoughtfulness on my endeavors here."

2023 - Ag Building client

"You are the most helpful / resourceful / knowledgeable architect I have known!. . . I am very happy with your services and you are as competent as professional and also a very kind and well intentioned person. I am so glad that the project gave me the opportunity to meet you and interact with you.”

2023 - House re-build client

“Thank you!. .  .I so appreciate all your help and knowledge in infinite ways. . . You have been so wonderful and we are so grateful! Of everybody you have literally been the one person that has been honest and helpful and gone above and beyond."

2023 - House re-location client

"The patio is completed and beautiful.  We love it and are thankful to have gone the extra mile with everyone involved.  During the ice storm, having a covered area to step out onto as I let the dogs into the backyard was amazing.  Thank you for all your expertise and design support!  This project wouldn't have been the same without you for sure. Thanks for all your help, expertise, and guidance in this project. . . The patio is truly a beautiful addition to the house.  We still pinch ourselves when we look at it...kind of a dream come true."

2023 - Porch addition client

"I can’t say this enough you have been outstanding in this endeavor and truly a dream to collaborate with.   All your knowledge, suggestions, and passion to help bring this to fruition has kept  me focused on my mission and I can’t thank you enough."

2024 - Rural project client

"Thanks for helping me get this moving! I love your ideas and appreciate how responsive and enthusiastic you are."

2024 - Porch renovation client

"We’re loving it!! I’m headed to the beach for my bday week for a fun change of scenery but definitely debated just staying home because it’s been so nice to be in our own space together finally. Thanks so much again for everything - we really appreciate you, the house is awesome 👏"

2025 - New house client