April 2009

Integrated Architecture has established a reputation for award-winning, sustainable design. The Grand Rapids-based architecture, engineering and interior design firm could also be known for its fast-paced marathon runners: interior designers Kyle Baker and Amorena Wojciakowski. The two sustainably focused designers balance their creative profession with their running passion, often finding inspiration in the middle of a long run.

Both Baker and Wojciakowski are running in the upcoming Boston Marathon and relate five basic principles of design to Monday's Boston Marathon: Balance, Rhythm, Repetition, Scale and Shape.

1. Balance.
The balance between work and play, profession and passion is strengthened by running. Work simply goes better when there is a run before work or during the lunch hour. Running can also balance interpersonal relationships. "For me, running is both a social activity and a competitive one. I run with my friends and I run against my friends," Wojciakowski explains.

2. Rhythm.
Rhythm creates the order necessary for the development of a design's pattern and progression. In a race, the establishment of the proper rhythm, within the first five miles, creates the order required to maintain composure and complete the race. "If you don't find your rhythm early, all bets are off," Baker states.

3. Repetition.
In the same way that successful design often uses the repetition of evolving elements, the successful marathon is also a repetition. Months of training, of constantly putting one foot in front of the other, culminates in the completion of the 26.2 mile-long marathon run. Each step, essentially the same as the last but uniquely different, resolves the design at the finish line.

4. Scale.
Scale is less about size and more about relationship and how well things work together. The scale of the Boston Marathon demands close attention to relationships of speed, hydration, tactics and even mental toughness.
Baker explains. "If a runner tries to run fast, the marathon shows no mercy, and Boston is no exception. Of my 7 marathons, I only consider 1 to be a success, and the result was not an accurate reflection of the training or the time I spent getting prepared."

5. Shape.
In a marathon shape is neither organic nor geometric. Shape relates directly to the runner's basic fitness. Wojciakowski reports she has been training since February. Baker admits that it could be a long day...

See the Fox 17 WXMI news story at www.wxmi.com/sports. Go to the "Sports Video Player" and click on the "Boston Marathon Runners - 4.17.09" video.

Amorena Wojciakowski


Kyle Baker