Wolfram Putz, a founding partner of GRAFT Architects, has offices in Los Angeles, Berlin, and Beijing, but he has no favorites among them. “It’s not an either/or question,” he said. “You should organize your life with as few either/or questions as you can.” He added, “Except in relationships, of course.” Read more about Putz below.
Q. What music have you listened to today?
A. Alela Diane. I just came across her a week ago, that’s how I pick up music. I’m not a good fan to anybody.
Q. What is your favorite word?
A. Freedom.
Q. What is the last thing that inspired you?
A. The morning sunrise today from my roof terrace. If you look at the small things everything can inspire you, if you are receptive and open.
Q. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A. Chancellor.
Q. What is your favorite cocktail?
A. That’s where I’m not creative because my memory is so bad. I like long drinks more than cocktails, a gin and tonic. And it depends on the time-Bloody Marys on the Super Bowl when I’m in America, you know.
Q. What is your greatest extravagance?
A. Outdoor sports, and the equipment.
Q. If you could take only one more journey, where would you go?
A. Africa.
Q. What is your favorite thing about Los Angeles?
A. The backdrop of L.A., the landscape, the context. The proximity to really wild transitions to the ocean, the desert. If L.A. didn’t have this contrast, and the threshold to cross, I wouldn’t live there.
Q. What profession would you like to practice in your next life?
A. Politician.
Q. What is your most prized material possession?
A. Money? There’s not much attachment to anything.
Q. Who is the one person living or dead whom you would most like to meet for a drink?
A. My grandpa.
To read more about Putz’ panel on Los Angeles and Berlin, click here.
*Photo by Aaron Salcido.