In this episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, we take a moment to honor the life and legacy of Frank Gehry—the visionary architect behind landmarks like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Gehry passed away at 96, leaving behind a body of work that continues to reshape how we think about buildings, space, and the creative process itself.
Host Dan Hansen reflects on Gehry’s impact and unpacks what made his approach to creativity so powerful. From embracing the unknown to challenging long-held assumptions, Gehry’s mindset offers practical lessons for anyone looking to bring more originality, curiosity, and play into their own projects—whether you're designing a home, solving a problem, or simply trying something new.
This episode explores how stepping into uncertainty, allowing yourself to experiment (and even fail), and pushing past convention can unlock refreshing and unexpected possibilities. Along the way, Dan shares examples from Gehry’s career and applies those principles to everyday spaces homeowners often struggle with.
Episode Breakdown
00:00 Introduction and Tribute to Frank Gehry
01:14 The Importance of Creativity
04:59 Frank Gehry's Early Life and Influences
09:11 The Turning Point: The Santa Monica House
12:41 The Bilbao Effect and Gehry's Global Legacy
14:12 Unleashing Creativity: What Gehry Teaches Us
18:50 Embracing the Unknown and Staying Curious
21:10 Applying Design Principles to Everyday Rooms
22:15 Challenging Assumptions in Small Spaces
23:39 Reimagining the Living Room
26:21 Experimenting with Kitchen Cabinets
29:00 Learning from Failure and Criticism
33:57 Discovering Your Own Creative Signature
37:33 How Architecture Shapes Community
39:07 Final Thoughts and Encouragement