Lev Libeskind: Five Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career As An Architect

Pursue Your Own Unique Vision: Finally, cultivating and sticking to your unique architectural vision, despite the challenges and trends, defines your signature in the field. This authenticity attracts clients and projects aligned with your values and artistic sensibilities, paving the way for a fulfilling and distinguished career. The last thing one wants as a creator is that one’s work is indistiguishable from others (“cookie-cutter architecture”) or — God forbid — from the algorithms of some faceless AI design.

As a part of my series about the ‘Five Things You Need To Know To Create A Highly Successful Career As An Architect,’ I had the pleasure of interviewing Lev Libeskind.

Lev Libeskind is an innovative American architect known for integrating cultural and historical context into his transformative urban projects. As the son of renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, he has carved out his own niche in the field, emphasizing the emotional impact of architectural spaces. Lev currently leads Libeskind Studio Design, with offices in Rome, Milan, and Pheonix, focusing on projects that enhance community interaction and push the boundaries of architectural design.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us the “backstory” about what brought you to this particular career path?

Thank you for having me! My path to architecture was largely shaped by my father, Daniel Libeskind, a profound influence in my life and career. Growing up, I was often by his side, even sitting on his lap as he worked on his designs. This early exposure to the world of architecture, watching him draw and create, deeply instilled in me a passion for design. This environment nurtured my curiosity and ultimately guided me into architecture, a field where I continue to find inspiration and challenges.

Can you share with our readers the most interesting or amusing story that occurred to you in your career so far? Can you share the lesson or take away, you took out of that story?

One of the most memorable and amusing incidents in my career unfolded when I first met my business partner, Zac Cohen. We were invited to Switzerland by a mutual friend and were looking forward to a luxurious stay, expecting to meet at a five-star hotel. Upon arrival, it was revealed that we were staying in an isolated yurt, without electricity and running water, but with a stunning view of Mt. Matterhorn. What did we do? We decided to make the best of it. We shared a bottle of cognac by an open fire, discussing everything from the alpine vistas to the ‘architecture’ of the unusually-shaped Matterhorn mountain to the need for our field to reconnect with its roots in nature. This unique setting, removed from the trappings of civilization, was not only inspiring for both me and Zac, but also reflective of our shared desire to think outside the traditional confines of architectural design. This experience taught us that great ideas and meaningful partnerships can flourish in the most unexpected places. It reinforced the importance of embracing the place and the moment, regardless of its initial unfamiliarity. This principle of openness and adaptability has shaped our approach to architecture and continues to influence our collaboration..

Do you have a favorite “life lesson quote”? Can you share a story or example of how that was relevant to you in your life?

One of my favorite quotes is by Winston Churchill: “We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.” This idea reflects a core principle: architecture is not just about buildings, but about the ideas and the stories they tell and that people tell about them. It speaks to the fact that architecture is not just functional nor decorative but an artform that appeals above all to emotions and to memory. Every line and curve in a design has the potential to influence how people feel and interact within a space. This notion is what drives my passion for creating architecture that not only serve functional purposes but also enrich people’s lives in meaningful ways.

Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help people?

Absolutely. Several of them that you’ll hear about very soon… One we are spearheading is a masterplan that intricately blends green spaces with public art. This initiative is aimed at transforming the urban environment into a hub of well-being and social interaction — it’s also a Health Blue Zone. By integrating natural landscapes and cultural elements within the city’s infrastructure, we are crafting a sense of place that we hope will serve as a cultural linchpin for the city. This project is designed to make urban living more engaging and sustainable, promoting a deeper connection among residents and enhancing their daily experiences in an exciting urban plan. The intention is to foster a community that isn’t just a place to live, but somewhere life thrives in harmony with nature and art.

What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?

We don’t design buildings in a vacuum or abstractly but rather conceive them as part of a larger story that includes the needs and aspirations of the the people that live and work there. Each project begins with a deep dive into the site’s history and cultural significance. Our studio is I think quite unique when it comes to our process. For example, I’m curently designing a private museum in Italy, and the client sent us all the documentation of the site — including a drone video — and on the basis of that we made some initial sketches the client liked, but they were missing something, some ineffable magic. So, I insisted on bringing our whole project team from our Rome office to the site so all our architects could see it in person. They walked the site extensively, took photographs, and we even had an impromptu picnic there! This field trip resulted in a completely new and better project that the client and city authorities love. It goes to show how architecture, as the art of space, is primarily physical: it’s not an abstraction, because the sense of a place can only be experienced firsthand.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

The person I am most grateful to is my father, Daniel Libeskind. The very first project I was ever involved with was the World Trade Center master plan, a profound and complex undertaking that my father led. Working for him on such a significant and historically impactful project was not only a tremendous learning experience but also a master class in understanding how architecture interacts with community, memory, and resilience. This experience under his guidance was instrumental in shaping my own architectural path and philosophy. His mentorship has been invaluable, providing me with the foundations upon which I’ve built my own studio and approach to design.

Another person I’d single out is my wife, Chava. We’ve been married for seventeen years and beyond being my companion in life, I trust her architectural instincts: I pass every project by her and always heed her good advice. There’s no greater compliment to my work than her nod and smile!

You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

The three traits that have shaped my approach to architecture are: curiosity, perseverance, and humility:

My inherent curiosity has led me to visit innumerable factories across the world that create everything from façade elements to steel beams to crystal tableware and to furniture, etc. I never would have guessed how much I’d come to love factories, their sounds and smells, the incessant bustle of activity, and the feeling you get of the innate creativity and productivity of humanity.

As for perseverence — which includes patience and resilience — this is one of the most important qualities in an architect. Every project presents challenges that can sometimes seem insurmountable but instead of raising your hands and giving up, one must always go back to the drawingboard and find a solution that assuages the concerns of the city, makes the building cost-effective and profitable for the client. Often, these constraints make the building better. A notable example is the CityLife Masterplan in Milan. After Studio Libeskind won the competition in 2005, I collaborated with my father on this project from my Milan office. The comprehensive scope of the project, under my dad’s tutelage, which was recently completed, underscores the perseverance required to see through such a large-scale endeavor.

Lastly, and perhaps surprisingly, I’d say humility is necessary for an architect to be successful. A lot of people think of architects as solitary visionaries but nothing could be further from reality: architecture, like theater or cinema, is an ensemble artform and a building is the work of hundreds of hands — from the architects in the team to the developer to the consultants and engineeers, general contractor, city officials, neighborhood activists, and of course the construction workers and machinists actually doing the work of building. So, an architect must be humble enough to listen and defer to others, to incorporate unexpected ideas, conform to regulations, and surmount obstacles. For example, the current master plan I’m designing went through at least a dozen iterations based on the input of various stakeholders in order for it to become realistic: this is not unusual for a project of this magnitude in my experience, and requires the humility to adapt to changing exigencies and circumstances.

Ok. Thank you for all that. Let’s now jump to the main core of our interview. Can you share 3 things that most excite you about architecture and the Real Estate industry in general? If you can please share a story or example.

In architecture and real estate, the three things I’m most passionate about are: the pursuit of sustainable innovation, the profound ability to shape daily life through thoughtful urban planning, and the transformative potential of integrating technology into our built environments.

Sustainable innovation opens doors to designs that coexist harmoniously with the environment, promoting a greener future. Urban planning goes beyond mere construction; it involves curating community spaces that foster healthy social interactions and enhance collective well-being. Lastly, integrating technology transforms buildings into dynamic entities that respond intelligently to human needs, making everyday life more enjoyable and interconnected. These three elements collectively sketch a future where architecture not only serves functional needs but also enriches lives and sustains the environment. I see them all as a single method: architecture as a source for inspiration and artistry.

Can you share 3 things that most concern you about the industry? If you had the ability to implement 3 ways to reform or improve the industry, what would you suggest? Please share stories or examples if possible.

The three primary concerns I have about the industry include the slow adoption of sustainable practices, insufficient community engagement in planning, and the rising challenges related to maintaining affordability in urban developments. Each of these issues requires a strategic response:

First, the adoption of sustainable practices needs to be accelerated. While awareness is increasing, the actual integration of these practices lags behind what is necessary to address our current environmental challenges. When designing a new project we always try to research the latest advances in materials and building techniques that could drive a more sustainable and healthy building.

Second, the lack of sufficient community engagement in the planning stages of development projects is problematic. Greater involvement from community members could lead to more successful and accepted outcomes. In all our projects, we actively seek-out neighborhood partners and stakeholders to solicit their opinions about the design, and try our best to incorporate their feedback in the end result.

Lastly, the issue of affordability continues to intensify in many urban areas, making it difficult for a diverse range of people to reside within city centers. This trend threatens the vibrancy and dynamism that define successful urbanism. To this end, we always advocate for greater density in the urban cores, which makes for better cities both environmentally and culturally. We also try to introdcue ample public space designed for leisure, engagement, fun and families. I have three kids and I always think of them when I design something.

Can you please share with our readers the “Five Things You Need To Know To Create A Highly Successful Career As An Architect?”

1. Cultural Literacy: Understanding the cultural, historical, and social context in which you work is crucial. This depth of knowledge ensures that your designs are not only relevant but also resonate deeply with the community and environment they are part of.
2. Technical Mastery: Proficiency in the technical aspects of architecture — from materials and construction techniques to the complexities of building codes — is fundamental. This mastery allows you to transform creative visions into tangible, functional structures.
3. Embrace Technology: Staying abreast of technological advancements can significantly enhance your design process and final products. From BIM software to sustainable tech and material innovations, leveraging these tools can set your work apart in both efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and creativity.
4. Networking Opportunities: Building a strong professional network can open doors to collaborative projects, new clients, and fresh ideas. Networking is vital in understanding industry trends, finding mentors and clients, and creating opportunities for professional growth.
5. Pursue Your Own Unique Vision: Finally, cultivating and sticking to your unique architectural vision, despite the challenges and trends, defines your signature in the field. This authenticity attracts clients and projects aligned with your values and artistic sensibilities, paving the way for a fulfilling and distinguished career. The last thing one wants as a creator is that one’s work is indistiguishable from others (“cookie-cutter architecture”) or — God forbid — from the algorithms of some faceless AI design.

Because of your position, you are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

If I could, I would inspire a movement to empower architects and developers to create spaces that evoke deep emotions, embracing the truth that architecture is the mother of all arts. This movement would focus on the transformative power of architecture to enrich and uplift human experiences beyond mere functionality. By advocating for buildings and spaces that inspire awe and provide a sense of place, we can enhance everyday environments in meaningful ways, impacting society as Churchill said, “to shape us” for the better.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

Libeskind.it and @libeskindstudiodesign

LINKEDIN, INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE, FACEBOOK

Thank you for your time, and your excellent insights! We wish you continued success.