When was the last time you really took a vacation?
While some architects say that they work fairly normal hours, others report something vastly different. At Architecture + Business, for example, the consensus is that no matter what the billable hours total, architects are known for working well over 40 hours per week. It’s time for a vacation.
At home or abroad, travel can be a glorious way to spend time away from the office. Most architects have a love of architecture. Go figure. That’s why Travel + Leisure gathered a selection of incredible, and incredibly expensive, vacation rentals that could make almost any architect’s heart sing.
Imagine spending some time at one of these locations.
Twin Palms, the Frank Sinatra Estate
Ol’ Blue Eyes had a thing for living well. His 4 bedroom, 6 1/2 bath mid-century Palm Springs estate, built by E. Stewart Williams, is pristine, right down to its immaculate swimming pool. You can practically hear the cocktail glasses clinking.
Cost: About $2,700 per night booked through Tripping.com
Schwartz House, a Frank Lloyd Wright “Dream House”
The Bernard Schwartz House, also known as the Dream House, also known as Still Bend, is up for rental. That is, of course, if you’d like to live for a time inside walls that one of America’s most famous architects designed. Situated on a river that flows into Lake Michigan, this 1938 masterpiece has 4 bedrooms and sleeps 8.
Cost: About $25 per night, booked through Airbnb.
Morerava Cabins, Easter Island Environmentally Friendly Retreat
Situated on Rapa Nui, the Morerava Cabins won a 2013 Architeizer A+ award for sustainability. The cabins “combine the concepts of ecology and exquisite rest,” says the Morerava website. They’re built “kind to the environment,” and let you take in the peace and beauty of the island.
Cost: About $130 per night, booked through Morerava website.
Vacations aren’t just good for relaxing, they can also be inspirational.
Free Spirit Spheres, Qualicum Bay, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Imagine a treehouse that’s shaped like a sphere. Or maybe a beach ball that’s suspended from trees. Free Spirit Spheres were the brainchild of Tom Chudleigh, a biologist and son of a millwright. Choose from the tiniest sphere that sleeps one to the largest of the three that sleeps three. You’ll have modern amenities situated on 5 acres of private land.
Cost: $175 – $314 per night, booked at Free Spirit Spheres website.
You’ve worked so hard all year long. Isn’t it time for a getaway? Not just any vacation, though. Instead, one that sparks your imagination, settles your curiosity and gives you the chance to spend time in a structure that’s unlike anything else.
If you can’t get away, then perhaps a staycation is in order. Maybe you can squeeze in an hour or two with a coloring book made for architects! If you can’t visit, at least you can de-stress and dream about far off locations.
PDH Academy helps architects like you fulfill your professional development hours requirements so you can keep on burning the midnight oil. Check out our courses for architects when your next credit hours are due.