User:Nicola Linza

Nicola Linza trained as an architect, working during college at the Office of Charles and Ray Eames - Eames Office directly under Ray Eames and Sam Passalacqua in Venice, California and was a student of legendary Italian designer Lorenzo "Renzo" Mongiardino and the distinguished American art dealer, scholar and collector Robert Hatfield Ellsworth. Linza has comprehensive and authoritative knowledge of Ming dynasty furniture, modern Chinese painting, Chinese mirrors, and neolithic jades. Linza mentored under world renowned mathematician and polymath Dr. Nikos Salingaros, known for his work on urban theory, architectural theory, complexity theory, and design philosophy.

Linza is an Eamesian designer with a process of problem solving based on Charles Eames' theory of working with constraints that a design is dependent on the sum of all constraints. This can range from considering the complex pre-1880 historical norms and 20th century modern precedents from The Staatliches Bauhaus and French Arts Décoratifs of L’Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes – 1925 Paris or the 1950’s mid-century modern of America ...and beyond. He solves problems by executing with extreme mathematical and scientific precision by bringing together materials and parts as learned at Eames Office. Charles Eames said, “When you think about design as the bringing together of a number of materials and parts, letting them interact—and not as the expression of your own personality—the demand must be made that it answers the purpose, no matter how complex.”

During studies at the Otis Art Institute of the Parsons School of Design, Linza trained in human factors engineering and technology under Judith Wachsmann wife of modernist Bauhaus architect, Konrad Wachsmann. He holds a scholarly knowledge and interest in early modern and art deco architecture and design, algorithmic sustainable design, and is a specialist in the historic interiors of England, Wales and Northern Ireland with emphasis on the English Country House and London Townhouse. He graduated magna cum laude with a BSc in Environmental Studies.

Linza served three years as a distinguished American Institute of Architects Board Director and was selected as an AIA Award of Merit Jury Board Member. He is the 1997 recipient of the AIA Merit Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Membership of the AIA American Institute of Architects, Palm Beach. Linza also served on the President’s Businesses Strengthening America Best Practices Research Subcommittee and was presented with The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award 2001 for International Service, Civic and Community Leadership, and Contributions to Arts and Culture.