What Forts, LEGO Towers, and Architecture Have in Common

What do forts, LEGO towers, and architecture have in common?

Today I had the privilege of visiting Wilson Elementary School to participate in Read Across America with an incredible group of third graders.

I read the book Iggy Peck, Architect — a story about a young boy who loves to build and think creatively. Before we started reading, I asked the students if they had ever built anything themselves.

The answers were great: forts, LEGO towers, block structures, and backyard creations.

It reminded me of something important: architects start exactly the same way — with curiosity and imagination.

What Happened in the Classroom

After the story, we did a quick activity where the students designed their own dream houses. The creativity was incredible — everything from imaginative multi-story homes to unique designs you could only dream up as a third grader.

Moments like these remind me that every architect, engineer, designer, and builder probably started the same way: as a kid stacking blocks, building forts, or imagining something that did not exist yet.

A special thank you to my wife for inviting me to visit her third-grade class and for allowing me to be part of such a fun experience. And thank you to the teachers and staff at Wilson Elementary for the warm welcome and for the incredible work you do every day inspiring and educating the next generation.

Experiences like this are a great reminder that architecture is not just about buildings — it is about inspiring creativity, problem solving, and imagination in the next generation.

Who knows — there may have been a few future architects in that classroom today.

What was the first thing you remember building as a kid?

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