FRESH ARCHITECT

Peggy Rubens-Duhl

“FRESH ARCHITECT”

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN THE DIGITAL WORLD: DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT Peggy Rubens-Duhl OF FRESH ARCHITECT

The Maker Creator Series is my monthly series of candid conversations with artists, interior designers, architects and creators I admire, and have the opportunity of meeting through my business. Today, we’re chatting with Peggy Rubens-Duhl, an artist who not only creates this amazing photography collection from her travels around the world, but she also has her own Architectural Design firm, Fresh Architect.

Meet Peggy Rubens-Duhl

To kick things off, I’m so excited to share with you Peggy Rubens-Duhl. It felt like the perfect interview and partnership to share her artwork, since I’m already a big fan on Instagram and in person, and I have one of these lovely pieces on order for my “Zoom Backdrop”. (that’s a thing now)

Bokeh Ferris Wheel Carnival Wild Ride

This designer juggles multiple projects:

Even though this busy architect has an A list of demanding projects and clients, this season she’s going to make more time to feed her creative child, and create more photography, collages and drawings.

Who is she to me?

Peggy is a badass artist and a licensed Architect. She is also a supportive friend. The first time we met we discovered were neighbors from a long time ago, and that we both reign from Rochester, NY, the land of Kodak and RIT. I rarely meet someone from Rochester, let alone in the design industry so we formed an instant kinship right away.

As a registered architect in CT. since 1991, Peggy has the clarity and mission that has taken her to win many awards and her work is found on the covers of magazines such as the WSJ + CTC&G and more.  Fresharchitect.com is known for designing, creating and building beautiful homes nestled perfectly on the shorelines and in the mountains. 

Did you always want to be an architect? How did photography become a hobby for you? 

Since 9th grade, I knew I wanted to be an architect. My interest in math, science and art drove me in this direction.  My Dad used to make detailed building models for fun and I found it fascinating. I did an internship in an architecture firm my senior year of high school and then applied strictly to 5-year architecture schools. I lived in New Orleans for many years before moving to Connecticut and that's where my photography started. I was riveted by the colorful buildings, details and creativity (and food).  I photographed a developing area of New Orleans called The Warehouse District and my minimalist photos were published. DVD: New Orleans is the perfect place to find your artistic aptitude.

What’s your signature touch in your home or your personal style?

Always a fresh and clean aesthetic, balanced with beautiful natural light.  The design and placement of windows and lighting often distinguishes the project. Dialogue between inside and outside spaces is another important feature in my designs.  

Heavenly Colorado Gondola Dreamy Cosmos

How did your education or past work experience give you the confidence to go out on your own as a small business owner?   

When I was in architecture school, I felt strongly that someday I wanted to open my own architecture firm. I worked in two architecture firms, primarily on large scale institutional, educational and corporate projects. I was curious, focused and motivated to learn everything about architecture to the highest standard. For most of those years, I was the only registered woman architect at the firms and I had to work incredibly hard to prove myself. Both of those firms appreciated the craft of architecture and art which resonated with my own interests. I had three children, a strong underpinning of knowledge and creativity and decided it was time to forge my own path and open my own firm which is going into its 15th year. 

What is your favorite part of the creative process? What inspires you and why?  

PRD: Collaboration! My favorite part of the process is meeting with clients and learning about who they are, what are their priorities and dreams and equally, what's not important to them. The relationship with my client directly reflects on the beauty and functionality of the design and the success of the project. I want to create meaningful places both inside and outside for their new home or business.   I like figuring out puzzles which is a daily part of my practice, from zoning codes to kitchen details, you must be able to envision the big ideas and address the smallest details.  DVD: When I build a house, I want you to be my architect. You really are a true collaborator on a variety of levels.

What’s next for Fresh Architect, an Art Show? 

PRD: For the past 5 years, I've been experimenting with minimalistic, highly colorful and edited photography. My interest started with buildings and everyday objects, such as light poles, bridges and flowers. I started posting these candy colored photos to my Instagram account @fresharchitect interspersed with my real architecture projects.  Often I would saturate the colors,  change the hue to something unexpected and work with the negative space. I loved having the complete freedom to create without any boundaries. More recently I have been photographing dreamy pastel landscapes which take on a heavenly quality through my editing. The photos exude delight and an uplifting vibe. The editing apps I use are @acolorstory, @snapseed and @picsart. Some of my photos have been installed in my clients’ new beach homes or offices. I am slowly starting to sell these photographs and a goal would be to start a retail component. My only challenge now is that my Instagram feed isn't highlighting my first and truest passion of Architecture! DVD: Yes you do have dual personalities, but that’s what makes me love you even more.

Thank you so much for your time, and for sharing with us your creative path and vision.  

I look forward to hearing more about your art and architectural creations and hearing more from you on a future Art show here in Fairfield, CT.

You have truly inspired us and continue to show us the creative mind of an architect and artist.  I am constantly inspired, and I am so pleased to share you with my readers.

xoxo

Deborah

Giveaway Set 1: Bokeh Ferris Wheel and White Barn

I’ve partnered with my good friend Peggy Rubens-Duhl during this time to GIVE when we know

people need it the most! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

We're reminding everyone that facing things alone has its limits, but doing it with community, is limitless.
Take a look.

Giveaway Set 2: I Parked on Pink, and Chicago

GIVEAWAY: WOOHOO!

(giveaway is now closed)

We are giving away (2 ) 20” x 20” prints to (1) lucky reader.

“Fresh Architect” creates these happy photographs, beautiful art for any home or office. Enter Our Reader Appreciation *Giveaway*! This is the EASIEST giveaway you’ll ever enter! One winner will receive (2) Photography Prints by Fresh Architect! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOT SPONSORED. It’s our way of thanking you, my reader. I want to wish you GOOD LUCK because I love ya tons!!

Free set of (2) Design Prints, size 20” x 20” : Fresh Architect

NOTE: Winner will be contacted by email. If a winner does not respond within three days of being contacted, another winner will be selected. 

Winner chooses (1) of these pairings

Each is 20” x 20” unframed

Giveaway Set 3: Birds on a Wire and White Barn

Giveaway Set 4: Miami Palm and Orange Boat

Giveaway Set 5 : The Chrysler Building and The Boardwalk

Fresh Architect on Instagram

To learn more about Peggy, and the world of art and design visit " FreshArchitect" on Instagram to see the world through her colorful glasses, and inspiration today!

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Maker Creator Series: Peggy Rubens-Duhl the Fresh Architect. Women Entrepreneurs in the Digital World: Artist Spotlight Fresh Architect