Investigating seemingly unrelated topics while solving the programmatic requirements of a design problem, more often than not, provide some unexpected insight and character to the final product.  Regardless of scale - from complex master building planning to small decorative containers - program alone cannot breathe life into the work.

In direct contrast to my work as an architect, I like to begin building with the intent of discovering and improvising some details.  This allows the piece to grow and change according to the over-all concept and gives intuition a chance to reveal itself.  

Willingness to participate in a meditative deliberate action without knowing "the whole picture" allows room for the most appropriate resolution of design problems.