Iceland Ski Snow Cabin competition 3rd prize winners - Karen Wang Varholick and Joseph Varholick

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 3rd prize winner of our "Iceland Ski Snow Cabin" competition – Karen Wang Varholick and Joseph Varholick from United States!

Karen Wang Varholick and Joseph Varholick from United States!

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

Varholick Architects is a design studio based in Los Angeles, founded by Joe and Karen Varholick, who both obtained their Bachelor of Architecture degrees from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Joe later pursued his Master of Architecture degree at Harvard Graduate School of Design.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

 We have completed projects ranging from houses to high-rises. We pursue projects of interest, including those of artistic, social, or cultural significance.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

 Architecture is making that transcends scale. It is a detail; it is a thousand-foot tower. Not all architecture is a 'building.' An architect has a responsibility to society, always as a steward and sometimes as a dreamer.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

 Competitions are an opportunity to explore, often in less-bounded ways, allowing new ideas to emerge.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

 Suspend disbelief.