Architecture and design are more than just form and function. They are two parts that make up one whole that comes together as a great work of art and beauty. Sure, buildings provide shelter from the elements, but they also provide beauty. The blueprints and dimensions are tributes to the imagination of humanity and are lasting monuments to the imagination of mankind.

Architecture is way more than simply the way a building looks from the outside. A large part of the pleasure that people get from buildings comes from interior design. It may be the outside that gets people to enter, but it's the interior that they will remember for its beauty and functionality. Stone, wood, and metal buildings have been seen throughout history as amazing works of art, especially when there are incredible details and intricacy in the outer portion. Intricate details, however, are not limited to the exterior.

A good architect knows that architecture and design must go together. The clean lines of a modern building, the delicate arches and stone apertures of medieval architecture, even the tall columns of Ancient buildings all have elements that transfer the beauty and form of the exterior into the designs found within the walls. Both work in harmony together to create a building that stands apart from the rest.

Function is the more important element of a building. Builders can easily construct an edifice that has function and form that protects while providing space and shelter. But that is not always enough. Meeting the need for shelter is not the only function of architecture; aesthetic concerns are equally valid. Four walls and a roof is not the limit of what a building can be.

A building should inspire every inhabitant and visitor with its visual beauty and clever, comfortable design. In other words, there should be a high level of architectural style. You can appreciate greatness, so you shouldn't have to settle for mediocrity in your surroundings. True beauty is deeper than skin or, in this case, wall.

Once more architects begin to embrace architecture and design, you will begin to see a rebirth in the styles and different shapes of buildings. Homes will begin to lose their "cookie cutter" shape and begin to be different. A drive down a suburban street will reveal homes that embrace different styles. It will be a world where differences are celebrated and people can do more than simply live in a home; they can own a unique piece of history, a showcase of a living art.