--- title: To Innovate, Develop a Broad Perspective & Experience the 3-Dimensional World, Says Feltoon, AIA, AICP description: Alan Feltoon, AIA, AICP and juror for IMI’s Joan B. Calambokidis Innovation in Masonry Competition offers thoughts on innovation in architecture and design. image: https://info.imiweb.org/hubfs/Alan-Feltoon-Headshot.jpg --- [![IMI_logo_primary_forweb_ret_400](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMI_logo_primary_forweb_ret_400.png?width=174&height=34&name=IMI_logo_primary_forweb_ret_400.png)](https://www.imiweb.org/) - BUILDING SOLUTIONS - SOLUTIONS - [New Construction](https://www.imiweb.org/new-construction/) - [Restoration](https://www.imiweb.org/restoration/) - NEW CONSTRUCTION ASSEMBLIES - [Brick](https://www.imiweb.org/new-brick-construction/) - [Concrete](https://www.imiweb.org/new-concrete-construction/) - [Concrete Masonry Units](https://www.imiweb.org/new-concrete-masonry-construction/) - [Plaster, Stucco, & EIFS](https://www.imiweb.org/new-plaster-stucco-eifs-construction/) - [Rainscreen](https://www.imiweb.org/new-rainscreen-construction/) - [Stone](https://www.imiweb.org/new-stone-construction/) - [Terrazzo](https://www.imiweb.org/new-terrazzo-construction/) - [Tile](https://www.imiweb.org/new-tile-construction/) - RESTORATION ASSEMBLIES - [Brick](https://www.imiweb.org/brick-restoration/) - [Concrete](https://www.imiweb.org/concrete-restoration/) - [Plaster](https://www.imiweb.org/plaster-restoration/) - [Stucco](https://www.imiweb.org/stucco-restoration/) - [Stone](https://www.imiweb.org/stone-restoration/) - [Terra Cotta](https://www.imiweb.org/terra-cotta-restoration/) - [Terrazzo](https://www.imiweb.org/terrazzo-restoration/) - [Tile](https://www.imiweb.org/tile-restoration/) - SEGMENTS - [Cultural and Civic](https://www.imiweb.org/cultural-civic/) - [Higher Education](https://www.imiweb.org/higher-education/) - [Multifamily Residential](https://www.imiweb.org/multifamily-residential/) - [Healthcare](https://www.imiweb.org/healthcare/) - [K-12 Education](https://www.imiweb.org/k-12-education/) - [Retail and Hospitality](https://www.imiweb.org/retail-and-hospitality/) - SERVICES & TECHNICAL RESOURCES - SERVICES - [Architect, Engineer, & Designer Services](https://www.imiweb.org/designer-services/) - [Contractor Services](https://www.imiweb.org/contractor-services/) - [Specification Services](https://www.imiweb.org/specification-language/) - RESOURCES & TOOLS - [Detailing Series](https://www.imiweb.org/detailing-series/) - [Software & Design Aids](https://www.imiweb.org/software-and-design-aids/) - EDUCATION & TRAINING - EDUCATION FOR AEC PROFESSIONALS - [A/E Webinars & Education](https://www.imiweb.org/ae-education/) - [Contractor Webinars & Education](https://www.imiweb.org/contractor-education/) - TRAINING FOR CRAFTWORKERS - [About IMTEF](https://imtef.org/) - [Become an Apprentice](https://imtef.org/careers/) - [Find a Local Training Center](https://imtef.org/imtef-training-directory/) - [Health & Safety Training](https://imtef.org/safety-health/) - [International Training Center](https://imtef.org/national-training-center/) - INSTALLER CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS - [Adhered Masonry Veneer Program](https://www.imiweb.org/adhered-masonry-veneer-program/) - [Advanced Certifications in Tile](https://www.imiweb.org/advanced-certifications-in-tile/) - [Flashing Upgrade Training Program](https://www.imiweb.org/flashing-upgrade/) - [Grouting and Reinforcing Training](https://www.imiweb.org/grouting-reinforcing-training/) - [Historic Masonry Preservation Certificate Program](https://www.imiweb.org/historic-masonry-preservation-certificate/) - [Rainscreen Certificate Program](https://www.imiweb.org/rainscreen-certificate-program/) - [Supervisor Certification Program](https://www.imiweb.org/supervisor-certification-program/) - [Terra Cotta Installation and Repair Program](https://www.imiweb.org/terra_cotta_installation_and_repair_program/) - ABOUT IMI - ABOUT IMI - [About IMI](https://www.imiweb.org/about/) - [Team IMI](https://www.imiweb.org/team-imi/) - [News](https://info.imiweb.org/blog) - [Contact IMI](https://www.imiweb.org/contact/) - PROGRAMS & AWARDS - [BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest](https://imtef.org/iac/) - [JBC Masonry Innovation Competition](https://www.imiweb.org/jbcaward/) - [Masonry Camp](https://www.imiweb.org/imi-masonry-camp/) - [CONTACT](https://www.imiweb.org/imicontact/) - ![](https://imiweb.org/wp-content/uploads/icn-search-nav.png) ![HEADER_Contact1.jpg](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/mosaicprint_img/HEADER_Contact1.jpg?width=2000&name=HEADER_Contact1.jpg "HEADER_Contact1.jpg") # International Masonry Institute News ![HEADER_Contact1.jpg](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/mosaicprint_img/HEADER_Contact1.jpg?width=2000&name=HEADER_Contact1.jpg "HEADER_Contact1.jpg") # International Masonry Institute News [November 09, 2017](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/to-innovate-develop-a-broad-perspective-experience-the-3-dimensional-world-says-feltoon-aia-aicp) [Leave a comment](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/to-innovate-develop-a-broad-perspective-experience-the-3-dimensional-world-says-feltoon-aia-aicp#comments-listing) [JBC Masonry Innovation Competition](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/jbc-masonry-innovation-competition) [From Restoring Historic Landmarks to Training the Next Generation of Craftworkers: BAC/IMTEF Instructor Laurie Harris](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/from-restoring-historic-landmarks-to-training-the-next-generation-of-craftworkers-bac/imtef-instructor-laurie-harris) [Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, CCM, LEED AP Weighs In On Innovation](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/architect-of-the-capitol-stephen-t.-ayers-faia-ccm-leed-ap-weighs-in-on-innovation) # To Innovate, Develop a Broad Perspective & Experience the 3-Dimensional World, Says Feltoon, AIA, AICP *![Alan-Feltoon-Headshot.jpg](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Alan-Feltoon-Headshot.jpg?width=640&name=Alan-Feltoon-Headshot.jpg)IMI recently talked with Alan Feltoon, AIA, AICP, Senior Director of Business Development at Michael Graves Architecture and juror for IMI’s* [Joan B. Calambokidis Innovation in Masonry Design Competition](http://imiweb.org/jbcaward/) *to get his thoughts on innovation in architecture and design. The conversation that follows below has been edited and shortened for clarity.* # What is Innovation? Innovation typically refers to one of two things. The first is using existing materials in a new way, or thinking about things more creatively. So, for example, taking a masonry material that’s often used for cladding and turning around and rethinking how the material can be used in and of itself. There’s often an intrinsic beauty to materials that we can miss if we don’t think outside of their typical function. The second and more traditional way to think about innovation is the use of new materials, methods, ideas, concepts, and technology. And technology is a big one. Being able to integrate technology into our work as architects really changes the game. You can take traditional materials like masonry and construct and cut the wall differently, or reexamine how the materials are made, and suddenly, they look as though you have never seen them before. # How Can Technology Help Advance Innovation? ## Freeing up Time and Space to Iterate Technology like rapid prototyping and 3D printing has taken things that were once incredibly labor intensive with multiple steps and streamlined them. I taught for a very long time, and what I saw a single student capable of doing with a computer and sophisticated software would’ve taken 20 times as long without the program, and the quality would’ve been radically different. You can test and think about so many more iterations with technology at your fingertips. I’m not taking anything away from the old way of doing things, but technology can be used as a tool of its own. ## How Frank Gehry Used Technology to Innovate I heard Frank Gehry give a talk recently. A lot of his building designs were driven and inspired by the aeronautical industry. Gehry was an early adopter of the computer systems and programs used to design airplanes and airplane wings. He saw that technology and was able to use it and adapt the shapes and ideas into structures. If he was only looking at a T-square, triangle, and pencil, maybe he wouldn’t have been able to come up with the same designs. I think that’s such a great example of how architects can use technology to their advantage to innovate. ## Individual Creativity Still Key to Innovation, Technology Aside At the end of the day, though, to me innovation is still driven by the design and creativity of individuals, which can’t be replaced by artificial intelligence or something that is perfectly defined with some kind of metric that’s just so logical. The incredible thing about design is the element of surprise…seeing things and discovering things you wouldn’t have thought about. That’s what differentiates a designer from everyone else. # Do you have any tips to help architects and designers tap into innovative thinking? ## Develop a Broad Perspective, Read, and Know History It’s really important to read and develop a broad perspective, rather than being narrowly focused on our own interests. Architects and designers tend to read a lot of professional journals, but we should also be picking up *Fortune, Forbes,* and the *Economist* to be more informed and incorporate new ideas into our thinking. And always know your history. Architects have been tackling issues for decades that are still very relevant today. Good architects have been innovating since the beginning of our profession! ## Experience the Physical World I also think it’s incredibly important to see things. Architects deal in a 3-dimensional world, and the result of what we do…it has volume, it has size, it has color, scale, texture. You can’t just see that on a computer screen. I think when people think they’re going to research buildings, and they go online, they’re really doing themselves a disservice. You have to visit, to be in a place, to understand the physical attributes of what make it important. At the end of the day, looking at something on a computer screen is looking at a 2-dimensional representation of something 3-dimensional. You can’t experience it the same way. So, if you want to innovate, go out, look at things…look at buildings that are innovative and try to understand the qualities that make them so. *Are you ready to innovate? The Joan B. Calambokidis Innovation in Masonry Design Competition is still open for submissions, with $30,000 in prizes up for grabs. If you’re an architect, designer, engineer, or student,* [*register for the competition today*](http://imiweb.org/jbcaward/)*!*   [JBC Masonry Innovation Competition](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/jbc-masonry-innovation-competition) [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Fto-innovate-develop-a-broad-perspective-experience-the-3-dimensional-world-says-feltoon-aia-aicp%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Fto-innovate-develop-a-broad-perspective-experience-the-3-dimensional-world-says-feltoon-aia-aicp%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Fto-innovate-develop-a-broad-perspective-experience-the-3-dimensional-world-says-feltoon-aia-aicp%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Fto-innovate-develop-a-broad-perspective-experience-the-3-dimensional-world-says-feltoon-aia-aicp%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=To%20Innovate%2C%20Develop%20a%20Broad%20Perspective%20%26%20Experience%20the%203-Dimensional%20World%2C%20Says%20Feltoon%2C%20AIA%2C%20AICP) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Fto-innovate-develop-a-broad-perspective-experience-the-3-dimensional-world-says-feltoon-aia-aicp%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Fto-innovate-develop-a-broad-perspective-experience-the-3-dimensional-world-says-feltoon-aia-aicp%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Related posts [![JBC Masonry Design Competition Winners Redefine Innovation](https://info.imiweb.org/hubfs/Cream%20Modern%20House%20For%20Sale%20Facebook%20Post.png)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/jbc-masonry-design-competition-winners-redefine-innovation) ##### [JBC Masonry Design Competition Winners Redefine Innovation](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/jbc-masonry-design-competition-winners-redefine-innovation) The winners of IMI’s 2024 JBC Masonry Innovation Award Competition boldly redefine design and construction practices now and... ![International Masonry Institute](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hub/431585/file-2156342204.png) By [International Masonry Institute](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/jbc-masonry-design-competition-winners-redefine-innovation/author/international-masonry-institute) - October 21, 2024 [Read More](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/jbc-masonry-design-competition-winners-redefine-innovation) [![2022 JBC Masonry Innovation Winners Showcase Inspiring Possibilities for Design and Construction](https://info.imiweb.org/hubfs/st-josephs-arrupe-hall.jpg)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/2022-jbc-masonry-innovation-winners-showcase-inspiring-possibilities-for-design-and-construction) ##### [2022 JBC Masonry Innovation Winners Showcase Inspiring Possibilities for Design and Construction](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/2022-jbc-masonry-innovation-winners-showcase-inspiring-possibilities-for-design-and-construction) The winners of IMI’s 2022 JBC Masonry Innovation Award represent the full breadth of possibilities for masonry design and... By [Elizabeth Kekeris](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/2022-jbc-masonry-innovation-winners-showcase-inspiring-possibilities-for-design-and-construction/author/elizabeth-kekeris) - September 30, 2022 [Read More](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/2022-jbc-masonry-innovation-winners-showcase-inspiring-possibilities-for-design-and-construction) [![Winners of Inaugural Joan B. Calambokidis Innovation in Masonry Competition Offer New Design, Construction Possibilities](https://info.imiweb.org/hubfs/jbc-innovation-in-masonry-competition-winners-with-calambokidis.jpg)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/winners-of-inaugural-joan-b.-calambokidis-innovation-in-masonry-competition-offer-new-design-construction-possibilities) ##### [Winners of Inaugural Joan B. Calambokidis Innovation in Masonry Competition Offer New Design, Construction Possibilities](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/winners-of-inaugural-joan-b.-calambokidis-innovation-in-masonry-competition-offer-new-design-construction-possibilities) From colonizing space with new masonry units, to creating 3D-printed evaporative façades, and inventing movable brick, the... ![International Masonry Institute](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hub/431585/file-2156342204.png) By [International Masonry Institute](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/winners-of-inaugural-joan-b.-calambokidis-innovation-in-masonry-competition-offer-new-design-construction-possibilities/author/international-masonry-institute) - March 7, 2018 [Read More](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/winners-of-inaugural-joan-b.-calambokidis-innovation-in-masonry-competition-offer-new-design-construction-possibilities) Search ### Categories - [Training (27)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/training) - [Sustainable Design (23)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/sustainable-design) - [Energy Efficiency (21)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/energy-efficiency) - [Conferences and Events (16)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/conferences-and-events) - [Tile (15)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/tile) - [Apprenticeship (10)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/apprenticeship) - [Structural Masonry (10)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/structural-masonry) - [Historic Masonry Restoration (8)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/historic-masonry-restoration) - [Instructor Certification Program (ICP) (8)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/instructor-certification-program-icp) - [Masonry Camp (7)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/masonry-camp) - [masonry (7)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/masonry) - [Member Spotlight (6)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/member-spotlight) - [JBC Masonry Innovation Competition (5)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/jbc-masonry-innovation-competition) - [Stone (5)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/stone) - [Apprentice Contest (4)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/apprentice-contest) - [Building Code (4)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/building-code) - [Project Feature (4)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/project-feature) #### ![logo-ftr-1](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-ftr-1.png?width=200&height=41&name=logo-ftr-1.png) BAC/IMI International Training Center 17101 Science Drive Bowie, MD 20715 [Privacy Policy​](https://imiweb.org/imi-privacy-policy/) | [Contact Us​](https://imiweb.org/contact-imi/) **Related Organizations** [International Masonry Training and Education Foundation](https://imtef.org/) [International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers](https://bacweb.org/) [International Council of Employers of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers](https://www.icebac.org/) [Tile Contractors’ Association of America](https://www.tcaainc.org/) ### Sign up for updates from IMI © International Masonry Institute. All Rights Reserved.