Months ago, amidst my move from NYC to Europe, I reflected on the enduring power of love when things come to an end.
This insight led me to ponder how we, as designers, can shape the conclusions of our endeavors. “Ends” encompass a myriad of experiences — projects, travels, jobs, relationships, and ultimately, life itself.
We often lavish attention on beginnings, which ignite motivation and drive. As an architect, the enthusiasm I pour into envisioning a new project fills me with boundless energy. Similarly, embarking on a vacation or nurturing the early stages of a relationship brims with plans and excitement.
In embracing the beauty of endings, we lay the groundwork for a brighter future, whatever it may hold.
Conversely, when things draw to a close, we tend to withdraw, retreating from sharing plans and emotions alike. Endings are frequently marked by resentment or frustration, as we seek to sever ties swiftly and move on to the next chapter.
Yet, by neglecting the conclusion, we unwittingly succumb to a disposable culture, where experiences are consumed without assimilation. My contention today revolves around the notion of intentionally designing endings — investing effort, time, and motivation into the final stages of our endeavors.
Such an approach may feel counterintuitive; after all, why invest in something that is ending? However, by doing so, we not only honor the past but also demonstrate self-respect. Whether bidding farewell to a city after two decades or concluding a cherished project, I found solace in crafting a beautiful finale.
Leaving behind my beloved NYC, where I raised two daughters and founded several companies, was an agonizing decision. Rather than succumbing to the melancholy of departure, I chose to savor every moment by transforming a modest apartment into a sanctuary, symbolizing the culmination of my New York experience and signaling a new beginning.
In embracing the beauty of endings, we lay the groundwork for a brighter future, whatever it may hold.
