design speak

Inside the Design Studio: A night with architectural icon Dick Clark

On Thursday night, the design cognoscenti of Austin gathered at the Lytle Pressley Contemporary art gallery for a glimpse into the mind and practice of venerated local architect, Dick Clark. The atmosphere was warm and congenial as the smartly dressed crowd filled the sold out space in anticipation of Clark’s candid interview, conducted by Pressley himself. Less of a dialogue and more of a pointed Q and A meant to get at the workings of Clark’s creative brain, the session lasted about 45 minutes before it was opened up to the larger group for questions.

“Go travel” was the most important piece of advice that Clark had for others in the design field, clarifying that it’s not so much about seeing iconic buildings, but rather observing how the structures impact the people who interact with them on a daily basis. In other words, he recognizes that the most effective and beautiful architecture first and foremost has a function, and facilitating human interaction of some kind is almost always the key component.

When asked about his thoughts on the future of downtown Austin in particular, Clark had the audience laughing when he reminded them that there was a time not too long ago, when finding a downtown parking spot was easy — it was finding something to do afterwards that was difficult.

All jokes aside, however, he was quick to acknowledge with hopeful enthusiasm that “most of the world is realizing that it’s fun to live downtown — to walk out your door and have choices.”

But how does he envision that paradigm shift in the context of Austin?

“We don’t want to be New York City, but rather just a tiny Chicago — with better weather. The whole mentality of the city is maturing.”

The conversation flowed from Clark’s personal recollections and stories to Pressley’s reading of a list of opinions shared by friends, coworkers and employees (current and former) of Clark’s. The event, which was the first in a series of five, gave attendees a very intimate and personal look at the things that inspire Clark while also granting him a unique stage to discuss his career — in all tenses — from oblique angles.

As he discussed the three evolutionary phases of his decades-long career — raising local awareness of contemporary architecture, downtown revitalization, philanthropy — he was asked the inevitable question of how he’s able to maintain a fresh approach to his design work.

“Architects have an eye that just never shuts.”

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Inside the Design Studio is a new monthly series hosted by Lytle Pressley. The second installment will take place on Thursday, February 9, featuring a candid conversation with Larry Speck.

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HAWT COUTURE

Central Texas designers dazzle in avant-garde sustainable fashion show

Photo by Ima Shoots

Alive by Benjamin Medina's "Placebo" collection.

The members of the design collective Bloodbath Studios have a knack for showcasing visionary fashion in unconventional settings. In 2022, they combined queer representation and Americana at Willie Nelson's Luck Ranch. This December, it sent models down the aisles of Austin's Central Presbyterian Church.

The spectacle was part of Metanoia, an avant-garde fashion show documented by local film director and producer Hannah Varnell. As usual, she teamed up with Bloodbath's resident designers, Danielle Shephard, Benjamin Medina, and Navarr Gonzale s, who are creative directors of all the collaborative's shows.

The presentation broadly explored rebirth through the lens of sustainable fashion. Shepard tells CultureMap that her collection used 100 percent natural materials like wool, linen, metals, and leather for the first time.

Contrasting with the harder-edged pieces shown in 2023's Veneration show, Metanoia introduced ethereal elements like feathers, blurred animal prints, and soft draping. Even the more armored pieces featured a new lightness. A chained dress from Medina wrapped the model's body like gossamer, and a fierce metal bandeau from Shepard was paired with a wispy skirt.

In addition to showcasing work from Bloodbath's members, Metanoia made room for other underground creators. Conceptual artist Melanie Alva and ecologically minded brands Prior Waste and Sommestella presented mini collections.

The core designers led CultureMap through the inspirations of this season's designs.

Flamer by Navarr Gonzales

"FLAMER is inspired by all the different forms and curves of each body the brand dresses," writes Gonzales. "Pulling back all the layers and reforming them to emphasize the true form of the wearer. Leather is the core material used and a foundation of all my inspirations. I pull from subcultures within the queer community. The hidden corners of our experiences that are enticing and sensual."

Flamer by Navarr Gonzales A dramatic feathered piece in the Flamer collection.Photo by Ima Shoots

Flamer by Navarr Gonzales A ghostly vision in the Flamer collection.Photo by Ima Shoots

Alive by Benjamin Medina, "Placebo"

"Placebo embodies the quiet, powerful shift that occurs when belief is the only thing standing between stagnation and transformation," writes Medina. "Placebo is not just about change—it's about strength in the face of it. It's the unspoken force that drives you to rebuild, even when you can't see the path ahead."

Alive by Benjamin Medina Draped chains create the illusion of fabric in the Placebo collection.Photo by Willie Wang

Dashe by Danielle Shepard

"Personal style can also be a type of armor," writes Shepard. "This collection drove that home while also putting superior materials and couture techniques on the front lines. My aim is to create personalized heirloom pieces to combat the abysmally expensive cost-per-wear of cheap, poorly made fast fashion garments."

Dashe by Danielle Shepard Shepard says she considers individual clients' styles when creating designs.Photo by Ima Shoots

Dashe by Danielle Shepard The work in the Dashe collection is meant to lastPhoto by Willie Wang

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