Early in my career, I was introduced to the word parti—a decision taken, the big idea that anchors a design. Buildings and lives both unfold through phases: concept, design, construction, and use. Details may shift, but without a true parti, neither a building nor a life will stand the test of time.

What if the life you’re looking for isn’t something to find, but something to build? This is a reflection on beauty, happiness, usefulness—and living by design.