1) At what moment did you decide that maybe architecture was the right career for you?
It’s a funny story; I actually wanted to be an artist.  But my dad was like “nah” and pushed me towards architecture instead.  So it was really because of him that I went to architecture school, and I sort of learned to love it.  Architecture is the coolest art because we work with other different types of artists, and I realized that I like working with different ideas- it lets you learn more things.
2) What do you enjoy most about what you do?
I get to learn about other people and cultures, and get paid for it.  I get paid to learn about these amazing places and cultures and that’s what I like-  it is never boring.
3) Where do you find your most profound inspiration?
My clients and the culture of my clients.  My influence comes from our clients
4) What have you come to appreciate most as an architect?
I’ll say, how diverse we all are.  You know, it’s interesting to work with people different from yourself.  That applies to the clients and the people who work on the building you designed, it teaches me so much.
5) If you could go back in time, would you change anything in your career?
No. I don’t believe in that. I try to do the best I can even if I’m having a bad day.  Even through all of my mistakes, because we learn from those.
6) When you are designing, what exactly do you aim for?
I try to think more about what a building or place can do, or should do, and less about the building as just a building.​
It’s more about the people I work with and my clients, than me and what I like.  Buildings should have a purpose and meet the needs of the clients, church, or school so they can be a better church or school.  I don’t see architecture as an idea of a building or solution, but more of helping the client have a better life.
7) How do you know when you have created the “perfect” design? Is there such a thing?
I don’t think there is, but I won’t know until many years after the building is finished because only then will you know if the building is fulfilling its purpose.
8) What drives you?
Working with people in the office. I enjoy working with them, and the clients too, because they’re all different, and I learn new things from them.  Also, I need to make a living, even if it’s not always fun.
9) Is it ever hard for you to get up in the morning and go to work?
Sure! It just is.  I think it happens to everybody though, or at least I hope so.
10) What is your favorite thing about Dallas? What makes this city unique and sets it apart from the others?
It certainly has a unique energy-  it is very fast-moving, and the interesting thing is that history says that there is no reason for Dallas to be here.  Fort Worth was a fort, Houston was a port, and Dallas was just another series of crossroads, but it grew, and it became important.
​I think Dallas wants to be an important city, and I like that.
11) In terms of food, what would your life be like most- PB&J or enchiladas?
Definitely enchiladas. The subtle flavors, homemade, and every time you make them, it’s different.​

Gary Cunningham

Gary “Corky” Cunningham is the founder and president of Cunningham Architects. He began his career in architecture in 1976. He occasionally gives lectures on the work of Cunningham Architects and his interests in the details of architectural technology, and architectural design. He grew up in Dallas, Texas and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin.  The projects and buildings he has worked on have ranged from department stores, to schools, to private homes. He is widely recognized for his experimentation with materials, and also for his active hands-on engagement in his projects. He is a strong advocate for the environment- and, he rides his bike to work every day.