Recent thoughts from readers of the book Essential Form: Insights on Function, Aesthetic, and Building Integrity

"As a structural engineer with over six decades of experience, I have collaborated with architects and engineers across all disciplines on major projects throughout the western and southwestern United States. From this extensive professional career, I can confidently say that the insights presented in Essential Form: Insights on Function, Aesthetic, and Building Integrity are both profound and transformative. The book’s ability to distill complex principles into simple, clear terms is unparalleled. Its content is relevant and essential, and I believe it should become a foundational text taught at the university level to all aspiring architects and engineers. This would equip future professionals with a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of form, function, aesthetics, and building integrity, fostering a more holistic approach to design and construction."

— Robert A. Young, P.E. (structural)

ESSENTIAL FORM: INSIGHTS ON FUNCTION, AESTHETIC, AND BUILDING INTEGRITY by Lawrence H. Bowen IV

The author has a remarkable ability to make extremely technical and complex concepts very easy to understand! In the realm of building sciences, where intricate principles often seem daunting, clarity is essential. Bowen’s approach not only demystifies complex ideas but also ensures that both professionals and enthusiasts can grasp the deeper nuances of function, aesthetics, and structural integrity with ease.

— C.B.

VQ Design PLLC is committed to excellence as a professional architectural design firm, recognized for its exceptional service, integrity, and deep understanding of client needs.

“VQ” stands for vox quartus, which means ‘fourth voice’ in Latin. It represents Lawrence H. Bowen IV’s role as the fourth (IV) in his family line and reflects the architectural statement he makes through VQ Design PLLC.

VOX CLAMANTIS IN DESERTO

Almost all of nature’s elements contain the Golden Ratio (1:1.618). The Golden Ratio can be found in nature in everything from the structure of the universe to the human body, clouds to flowers and leaves. Nearly all of the beautiful things in the world around us have this ratio. The National award-winning VQ Design PLLC Studio reflects these proportions perfectly.

construction-design-15
iapo
  • Lawrence Bowen, CPBD
    NCBDC #03137
  • VQ Design PLLC 2025