SPOTLIGHT ON: JOSHUA PUTNAM
Mez Joseph
Liollio is pleased to welcome Joshua Putnam to our design studio! A native of North Carolina, Joshua completed his Bachelor of Architecture and his Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture at North Carolina State University. He also studied Industrial Drafting & Design at Appalachian State University. Prior to joining Liollio, Joshua worked as a Project Designer with Craig Dean Architecture in Raleigh NC and a Maker with ZigZibit in Durham NC. After giving Joshua time to settle in, we sat down for a little Q&A with our newest Spotlight On feature.
How long have you lived in Charleston?
I recently moved here in April, so, 7 months or so.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a small town called Dallas in North Carolina.
What is your favorite inanimate thing in your home?
Hmmm, headlamp maybe? Toolbox?
What do you like to do when you have free time?
Build things, hike around in the woods, play with the pooches. Oh, and cook.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us a bit about them.
I do. I have a 10 year-old boxer that has been with me all of her life. Her name is Manysteps Crazypaw, but I call her Zo’Dog for short. She is a seventh-generation dog whose lineage started with my grandparent’s boxers, Dutch and Dutchess. She is quite the animated character, and I couldn’t imagine what it would be like without her.
What architect or architecture firm most influenced you as a student?
Let’s see. I have always enjoyed reading the commentary and theory of Rem Koolhaas. His perspective can create aggressive dialogue, which is fun to think about. I am also a big fan of folks like Shim Sutcliffe, Lake Flato, Diller + Scofidio (and now Renfro), Mockbee, Murcutt, Williams Tsien, Frank Harmon, Wes Jones, and of course, Zumthor.
What is your favorite place you have traveled to and why?
I’ve been lucky enough to travel a good bit of places, and am also just getting started. It’s hard to say a favorite. Austrian Alps? Streets of Istanbul? Jungles of Costa Rica? Vineyards of Chianti? High deserts in Sierra Nevadas? And all the street food in-between?
What is your favorite thing about working at Liollio?
Office culture here is awesome. It’s challenging, a good comradery, and we all push one another to better ourselves and our cause. The diversity of projects keeps things fresh and challenging.
What inspires you most?
Art, folklore, & history
What style of architecture most impresses you or is your favorite?
Critical Regionalism. Lots to be learned here.
What is your favorite restaurant?
At the moment, my favorite restaurant is Bertha’s Kitchen in Charleston.
What’s your favorite place in Charleston?
I’m still discovering the town, but Hampton Park is beautiful. I’m drawn to the graveyards and cemeteries here and enjoy spending time walking through them. I spend a lot of time in the marshes in my backyard.
What is your favorite food?
Olives. I’m pretty sure I could eat my body weight of these.
What is your least favorite food?
Marshmallows
Do you play any instruments?
Not really. I’ve been known to draw on a harp (harmonica) every now and again. It’s one of those things that the more you drink the better I sound.
Who is your favorite musical artist or genre?
A bit of a loaded question, and too many good ones out there. Changes with the seasons.
Who is your favorite artist? I have many, but always enjoy Jeremy Fish. Lucky enough to have a few pieces of his artwork. My buddy Corey Mason is doing some cool work. I am a big fan.
Favorite television show?
No TV = no shows.
Last book you read?
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
Do you have a favorite book or author?
Isaac Asimov
Last movie you watched?
The new Lion King
Favorite movie or genre?
Apocalypto. This movie is badass. If you haven’t watched this movie, do yourself a favor and go watch it now.
Any random fact you could share with us?
I’ve taught primitive skills and technologies at various colleges and gatherings in the southeast.
Are you messy or organized?
I think I am a ‘tweener.
Do you have a favorite newspaper, blog or website?
Sure, www.fark.com. I guess it’s all three.
Favorite quote?
“Only do something twice, once.”
If your house was burning down, What is the one nonliving thing you would save?
Photos? Passport maybe?
Guilty pleasure?
Gas station hot dogs
What’s your astrological sign?
Capricorn. Although I read recently that they’ve had the signs wrong all this time, by design, and there are actually 13 of them. I was the last day of Capricorn, so I’m not sure which one comes next with the shift.
What is the proudest moment of your life, thus far?
Seeing family and friends succeed.
What is your personal philosophy?
Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.
What is your greatest fear?
Heights. Picked a good profession, huh?
What does true leadership mean to you?
Empowering, teaching, and giving others the tools to succeed.
If you could do another job, what would it be?
I’ve thought about this, if I wasn’t a woodworker or architect, I’d be a butcher. Or it would be cool to be a blacksmith or a leatherworker.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I am on a quest to create a delicious charcuterie board – I’ve been curing meats and fermenting plants. Now it’s a waiting game.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Learn a trade.