Welcome to this episode of Architecture, Coffee, & Ink! That being said, I am excited to show and discuss the photos all provided by Caleb Brackney from his website. Edit 12.07.2021: This article is going to be re-edited, and reuploaded over the winter break, as the transcription service I was originally using is currently having a lot of issues, so while I shop around, I will be changing it over the winter break myself once I am done with my finals this week.
You can find his work at https://calebbrackney.com/, https://roameroutpost.com/.
Grab your bag and pack the bus-It’s time for Architecture, Coffee, & Ink!
30 second Intro song
Hello, this is Hollywood C. and you’re listening to Architecture, Coffee, & Ink. A podcast dedicated to introducing concepts, detailing out designs, and tackling the architecture you might not realize the meaning behind. I’m your hostess and I am here today to start introducing you to the designs that make you wonder why.
tag line: So I ask you to brew your coffee, grab your sketch book and pen, and let’s begin.
So Happy Halloween! Unless you are listening to this episode in a few weeks or catching up on the back log, in which case, I hope you are having a happy day! Today we are going to be interviewing Caleb Brackney and the Roamer Bus! We are going to be discussing what lead to the creation of the bus, what goes into the design, and where he is going next. But first, let’s talk about this idea of Nomadic Revival. Or what I have moniker as Nomadic Revival-I haven’t seen any official names for it, other then ‘Skoolies’, and the phrase ‘Skoolies Solution’ reminds me way to much of primary school, what I am referring to is the more popular upswing in trends to convert to either small off the grid housing or making ‘skoolies’ into homes. So overall, you can find references to this trend for several decades. Or at least, I did, by going to my favorite search engine and typing “history of home buses” and “bus/small home movement”. I eventually ended up on a website from the Simmons College Library and Information Sciences website, where I was able to rabbit hole into a series of articles and events. Including a mention of one of the first buses the ‘Further’ that apparently traveled in the 60s. As always, the links and information will be posted on my blog page under the corresponding episode post, if anyone is interested. But what is interesting is despite the fact that the tiny movement has been around for so long, the pandemic is really what kicked off the most recent trend. While everything I read shows that this has been around for a while, it seems like the isolation and distance that has been created, has really boosted the desire for travel, and a shift in the values of society. Like I mentioned in the interview itself, you should really check out the Primitive Hut Reading by Marc-Antoine Laugier, to rediscover the age old argument of what exactly constitute Architecture?
Now before this interview kicks off, I do have to disclaimer, that if you hear any ‘voices from beyond’, it’s not a Halloween joke, the third Dual, or musketeer of our group came in part of the way through the interview. I am afraid that the only thing he haunts is the fourth floor studio.
(Insert Interview Transcript here)
Thank you once again for tuning in, Once again a big thank you to all my listeners! A quick call to action: Please rate and review, share with your friends, neighbors, and family, your professor-whomever you think needs some architecture in their life. We again have a Facebook page and private group, both of which are under the same name: Architecture, Coffee, & Ink. The answer to the question-who is the host-is Hollywood, like the city. And second question is just your opinion, and I might just use it as a recommendation for a show with a little shout out. If you want to either be featured, or have a case study suggestion or perhaps just want to share a story of your favorite design or experience, you can either find me at Architecture, Coffee, & Ink the website is: https://architectureink.design.blog/ .
My twitter is @hollywoodconrad and insta is hollywood.conrad Everything will be linked in the show notes, including my incredibly long URL. You can also email me at architecturecoffeeandink@gmail.com all spelt out without the ampersands or commas. The theme song, is by me in Garageband. The other music is also from me in Garageband, and everything is credited along with the sources on the blog.
Just remember, today is a double feature! If you want to enjoy a second BONUS episode that is entirely Halloween Themed, and slightly different from your usual does of me, Check out my BONUS: Halloween episode that I am actually releasing at the same time. It will be more thematic, and if it goes over well, might be something I would consider doing occasionally.
But either way, Happy Halloween, All Saints Day, All Souls’ Day, Guy Fawkes Night, Mischief Night, Samhain, or El Dia de los Muertos whichever you celebrate.
May your coffee mugs be full, and your ink wells never run dry.
60 secs end song re-looped.
SOURCES:
Google search. Google. Accessed October 31, 2021. https://www.google.com/search?q=Murder%2Bhotel&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS910US910&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj14rLbhPXzAhVaQzABHQzcBLoQ_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1536&bih=722&dpr=1.25#imgrc=sO0uYwCKLBuzHM.
Google search. Google. Accessed October 31, 2021. https://www.google.com/search?q=world%2Bfair%2Bchicago&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS910US910&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjGgffQk_XzAhXXRzABHXvdA58Q_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1536&bih=722&dpr=1.25#imgrc=5pcqBG8hmBQ6pM.
Marks, Ben. “Hippies, Guns, and LSD: The San Francisco Rock Band That Was Too Wild for the Sixties.” Collectors Weekly. Accessed October 31, 2021. https://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/hippies-guns-and-lsd/.
“School Bus.” LibGuides. Accessed October 31, 2021. https://simmonslis.libguides.com/skoolies/culture-history.
Transcript
Grab your bag and pack the bus-It’s time for Architecture, Coffee, & Ink!
30 second Intro song
“Hello, this is Hollywood C. and you’re listening to Architecture, Coffee, & Ink. A podcast dedicated to introducing concepts, detailing out designs, and tackling the architecture you might not realize the meaning behind. I’m your hostess and I am here today to start introducing you to the designs that make you wonder why.”
tag line: So I ask you to brew your coffee, grab your sketch book and pen, and let’s begin.
So Happy Halloween! Unless you are listening to this episode in a few weeks or catching up on the back log, in which case, I hope you are having a happy day! Today we are going to be interviewing Caleb Brackney and the Roamer Bus! We are going to be discussing what lead to the creation of the bus, what goes into the design, and where he is going next. But first, let’s talk about this idea of Nomadic Revival. Or what I have moniker as Nomadic Revival-I haven’t seen any official names for it, other then ‘Skoolies’, and the phrase ‘Skoolies Solution’ reminds me way to much of primary school, what I am referring to is the more popular upswing in trends to convert to either small off the grid housing or making ‘skoolies’ into homes. So overall, you can find references to this trend for several decades. Or at least, I did, by going to my favorite search engine and typing “history of home buses” and “bus/small home movement”. I eventually ended up on a website from the Simmons College Library and Information Sciences website, where I was able to rabbit hole into a series of articles and events. Including a mention of one of the first buses the ‘Further’ that apparently traveled in the 60s. As always, the links and information will be posted on my blog page under the corresponding episode post, if anyone is interested. But what is interesting is despite the fact that the tiny movement has been around for so long, the pandemic is really what kicked off the most recent trend. While everything I read shows that this has been around for a while, it seems like the isolation and distance that has been created, has really boosted the desire for travel, and a shift in the values of society. Like I mentioned in the interview itself, you should really check out the Primitive Hut Reading by Marc-Antoine Laugier, to rediscover the age old argument of what exactly constitute Architecture?
Now before this interview kicks off, I do have to disclaimer, that if you hear any ‘voices from beyond’, it’s not a Halloween joke, the third Dual, or musketeer of our group came in part of the way through the interview. I am afraid that the only thing he haunts is the fourth floor studio.
Audio file
Episode 5_All Roads lead to Roamer Bus_mixdown 1.mp3
Transcript
So, I ask you to grab your coffee, grab your sketchbook and pen and let’s begin.
So first and foremost, happy Halloween, everyone. Unless you’re listening to this episode in a few weeks or catching up on the backlog, in which case I hope you’re having a happy day. Today we are going to be interviewing Caleb Brackney and the Roamer bus. We are going to be discussing what led to the creation of the bus and what goes into the design and where he is going next. But first, let’s talk about this idea of Nomadic revival or what I have mongered as Nomadic revival. I haven’t seen any official names for it other than Schoolies and to be honest with you, the phrase schoolies solution kinda reminds me way too much of primary school. But what I’m referring to is the more popular up swinging trends to converting to either small off the grid housing or making schoolies into a home. To clarify, when I’m saying Schoolies, that’s the term for the idea of the school bus being converted into the home, so it’s being slammed as school leaf. Just for those of you who don’t know. So overall you can find references to this trend for several decades, or at least I did by going to my favorite search engine that I don’t have permission to say and typing quote history of the home buses and quote business slash small home movement. I eventually ended up on a website from the Simmons College Library and Information Science website where I was able to basically go down a rabbit hole into a series of articles and events, including a mention of one of the first buses that is documented. The further that apparently traveled way back in the 60s. As always, the links and information will be posted on my blog page under the corresponding episode post. So, if just in case anyone is interested. But what is interesting is, despite the fact that the tiny movement has been around for so long, the pandemic is really what kicked off the most recent trend. While everyone I read. Or everything I read shows that this has been around for a while. It seems like the isolation and the distance that has basically been created has really boosted the desire for travel and has created a really big shift in the values of society. Like I mentioned in the interview itself, you should really check out the primitive Hut. Reading by Marc Antoine Leger to just rediscover the age-old argument of what exactly constitutes architecture. I myself am going to go into a pretty deep dive on it. I think a little bit later. Maybe an additional post? Now before this interview kicks off, I do have to disclaimer that if you hear any quote voices from beyond, it’s not a Halloween joke. That third dual or the Musketeers, however you want to call it up, of our group came in part of the way through the interview, so I’m afraid the only thing that he haunts is the 4th floor studios. All right, in this week’s episode, I’m excited to introduce my guest Caleb Brackney designer mastermind and now Esty store owner of the Roamer bus, a traveling home. First thought of in February 2020 when Caleb is currently one of the tools I go to school with one of the three of us in our cohort, but he also has a background in an interior design. Before pursuing his current role of a Master of Architecture and Master Landscape that we both are pursuing. So welcome to the show, Caleb!
Caleb
And thank you so much for that introduction. I’m excited to be on here and participate in this podcast and excited to share part of my story with you.
Hollywood
Today now, for those who may not know or maybe don’t follow you on social media, can you explain in a little more depth what the rumor bus is? Just basically pretend I’ve never stepped inside this building or inside the bus Before in my life or ever heard of it, it said on your website it was sparked by a friend of yours right? They did a similar project.
Caleb
Yes, so I did interior design for my undergrad degree at Harding University. And really studied interior design so I could prepare myself for landscape architecture school and while I was there, my mentor who was, I think three years older than me. Before he went on to architecture school, he built a tiny house and was actually featured on the HDTV on the DIY Network. So, there’s a really cool. Project to see someone kind of in my shoes a couple years older than. They succeed like that, and you know, for me, that’s kind of what it took for me to get the confidence to think I could do something like this. I could make an impact. I could use my passion. My, you know education up to that point to do a cool project. So I went down to Austin, TX to tour his tiny house, also to tour the University of Texas at Austin’s Architecture School. And really was inspired through that. Of course, obviously chose the University of Tennessee, the better UT for grad school, and I have loved my time here. But that was the project that inspired me to do the school bus and the school bus came up about because I was. You know, looking for rent or looking for a place to rent and do not want to have to, you know fork out $700.00 a month or $1000. Whatever it is. And thought if I have two more. Years of grad school left.
How can I use that money to invest in something for my future, but also to you know, maybe practice the skills I’ve been learning in school and prepare myself better for the future? So, in February of 2020 like you mentioned, I have found an old school bus on Facebook marketplace and bought it and took six months to convert it. Of course, it’s a challenge. You know, staying within the budget, you know finding the time to do it. But quarantine really worked out to be the perfect time to do that, because, you know, people aren’t hanging out all the time. I was able to have a more flexible schedule. And yeah, that’s basically what the bus says. It’s just a school bus. Tiny House I converted last year, and I’ve been living in it for. Think about going on 15 months, that’s wild.
Hollywood
Wow, that is quite a long time, I haven’t. I haven’t realized. That it’s been that long since 2020, I mean. So, you said that it’s basically like a a little home for you. So would you. How would you describe your favorite part if you had to pick only one aspect of your design that you had to describe, what would you say?
Caleb
Well, that’s a good question. I think it’s part of the joys of designing and creating my own house. Have been that the whole space just fits really well with my lifestyle. With the way I like to spend my time and that’s one reason why tiny living I think is so inspiring to a lot of people because it’s so. Uhm, flexible, and what you can do, but my favorite part would probably just be the open space inside. You know, a lot of times people think of 220 square foot tiny house. It’s going to feel like a small studio apartment or like in a school bus. They’re gonna think it’s just a really hot space, you know, ’cause they get flashbacks from being a third grader riding in the. Back of the bus. You know in the summer. Or near the. So, I think just the open space and having all the windows which I really. It’s yeah from the very beginning, was willing to sacrifice the thermal insulation and keeping all those windows which are just single pane windows, but that light that lets in I can open a lot of the windows and and let breezes blow through, and so I think that openness as far as the design side of the ghost is. My favorite part.
Hollywood
No, I couldn’t. Understand, so you decided to sacrifice the thumb. Paint the double pane instead. Was that a decision that you consulted somebody on, or something that you were just? Thought through on your own.
Caleb
So, I I really just thought to that on on my own because a lot of people who do bus conversions, they’ll either cover up the windows and put insulation and then you know drywall or wood or whatever on top of that, but a lot of people take those out and just put a few double paned windows, and that’s for the insulation quality. But I think one of the most iconic parts of living in a school bus is that you’re living in a school bus. So, I thought, why would I sacrifice? You know the aesthetic of it. Everyone knows the school bus because of all the windows because of. You know that. That layout. And for me, that was worth being a few degrees colder in the winter and a few degrees hotter in the summer. And I really don’t regret it. I’ve spent a winter and a summer in it and it’s it’s nice. I think my body kind of adapt. Into it. And thankfully, my dog has adapted to it also and she seems to love it.
Hollywood
That’s going to be my follow-up question is what Ivy does, think about it. That was my favorite photo that you have online. I was when I was researching the episode. I saw Ivy like sprawled out across the bed. So just a quick follow-up question that was interesting to me and kind of what I was interested in with your thesis or with my thesis in your project is when you were transitioning into living into the rumor bus you mentioned a few times that space was extremely important. How would you say that your understanding of spaces has changed because of your living situation?
Caleb
Oh, that’s a great question also. I think space is so important to all of our lives because everything we do happens in a space. If that’s you know, you go back to the theory of three places where there’s work. There’s home, there’s play, which can be like entertainment or public parks. And things like that.
And so, space to me. It’s so important because that’s kind of where I feel control. Because the spaces I’m in, I want to, especially the ones that I own, or I occupy a lot of the times. To me I’m less stressed I’m I just feel more at peace. If I feel like I have a good like grasp on the space and so. Being able to use like 1 space for multiple different purposes and having it being really flexible because you know you only. Realistically, only cook food maybe twice or three times a day. You only eat two to three times a day other than snacking. Uhm, you know there’s a certain amount of time. I do homework, there’s a certain amount of time I watch TV. Or exercise, and so realizing that a lot of those things could overlap in the same space and having control of that, you know knowing where everything is not having too many things to wear, spending your weekends trying to organize. But that you know whenever you’re ready to like, drop everything and go hike or go camping or do whatever like you don’t have to spend the weekends looking for things. So, space to me is like so important because that’s. Kind of like where obviously that live life, but also I think the space you live in reflects kind of some of your characteristics. And really you know how you treat what you live in. I think reflects yourself and so that’s kind of how I’ve lived and that’s why I try to stay organized and. Get rid of a lot of stuff. Makes it a lot easier to stay organized ’cause you know instead of ten plates. I have two plates. You know if I have more guests over, I can always, you know, grab a few plates, or have people pick some up, but I think that’s. My stance on placemaking in space.
Hollywood
I feel like I need to have you come look at my closet and throw stuff away for me But uhm. So I feel like you kind of already answered my next question. I was going to ask about space and the human body, but I feel like you covered that pretty well. So how pivotal was understanding and reassessing the layout in your design? Would you say that flow played a huge role? I was talking with my class at ITA and trying to explain. Now, like in landscape, we’re really obsessed with the flow. As we move through space, not as much in architecture. We are obsessed with the flow but at different level and different values really. So how would you feel like that played into your design?
Caleb
Well, I think having my background in interior design influenced a lot because as you mentioned, landscape architects think about flow with sparse circulation and people and interior designers do also.
And that’s because interior design and landscape architects often deal with people where architects deal with projects. So you know architects are more focused. In my experience on more technical details. And it’s not as much about place making, which there’s you know, beauty to both sides. Both are equally important. So blow for me or you go back I guess to your original question about. But how does the layout? How did that really impact the bus and to me I started with just wanting to do something different than I’ve ever seen. So if you type in school bus tiny house on Pinterest or in Google or instead. Graham, you’ll find. You know dozens and dozens of different homes and a lot of them look very similar. If you can, you know not see like the patterns or the textures, or the colors, or the carpet or whatever they use, but the layout is really similar. And yeah, it’s cool. That’s kind of what inspired me, but I thought there’s got to be something else that I can think of, especially having my background in design as a response. Mobile designer, I thought, what if there’s a way I could just kind of blow this out of the water and just kind of rethink how space could function inside of you know 7 1/2-foot-wide school bus. So, I started taking inventory of what I do often like and I realized I’m in the kitchen. A very small amount of time of the day. And I’m in the bathroom. A lot of a very small time of the day, so I wanted those two spaces to be out of the way. And if you look online, most school buses have the kitchen in the middle and then the bathroom right in the middle before the bedroom. And I thought this doesn’t make sense. Why would I want to walk through two spaces that I don’t use that much and I don’t want to be tempted to grab a snack out of the fridge? Or, you know, if you see. Chips in the cupboard. So for me the living space. I wanted it to be the main part and I think it’s really that idea in that concept has really taken off because I’ve sold hundreds of copies of the Roamer bus floor plans on Etsy. Because people realize wow like there’s something special about this and it’s not necessarily the exact layout that most people want. Like I said at the beginning, you know everyone is different. Everyone has different priorities in their life. And different lifestyles? But I think it’s just kind of showed a way to use space differently, and if I did it. Again, you know, maybe my life now is a little bit different, and I would. Change one or two things, but for now it seems like it’s working great.
Hollywood
Alright, so uhm. Moving on to what I’m really interested in. Not that I haven’t been interested in the past. That’s on an absolutely horrible. I’m really interested in the changing values of ownership, particularly, I feel like the bus and as a whole the whole nomadic lifestyle. Really shows that we’ve kind of changed our values as society. I’m going to call it a revival, nomadic revival, basically.
Caleb
I love it.
Hollywood
So, let’s start teaching that in class, but. How do you feel that the buses allowed you this freedom? Or to experience that change, I mean. World War Two. We kind of switched over to the picket House and the fence and 2.5 kids. So, what do you think the bus states about that?
Caleb
Well, I think that’s one of the most exciting things about. Modular infrastructure and taking that over and repurposing it or rethinking how the home functions or the house functions, not the. State of the home. And that’s why I think it’s taking over the Internet on Tik T.O.K or YouTube or whatever, you know. Wherever you get information from. And especially with the pandemic hitting and people being able to be more flexible with work schedules or being able to, you know, do what we’re doing now, like having a podcast virtually. It opens up a lot more opportunities for people to travel. I think you know, in American Society like exploration and travel has always been exciting. Like people always go to the beach or to the mountains. Or breaks it seems. But a lot of people just couldn’t afford that. Due to like schedules being really tough with school or work, so nomadic cultures kind of Uhm, offered a really unique opportunity. And then at the same time there’s the intersection of the housing market right now, being crazy and you know young adults. I mean, most people can’t afford to buy a house right now. If you can even find a house. If especially out West. I mean like in Colorado it. Basically, anything other than a starter home starts at like 6 or $700,000 and. As a middle like a mid to upper 20-year-old. It’s overwhelming thinking of making a commitment to buying a house, but it’s going to take you a long time to pay off, most likely. So Tiny living has really opened the door. I think for people to realize I could spend some time and small financial investment and own something and kind of figure out. You know what city do I want to live in? Well, I could park the bus, you know, in a city. And if I don’t like it in a year, I’m not tied to a lease or I’m not tide to making. You know mortgage payments. And I think that’s really attractive to a lot of people. It’s certainly attractive to me. And it was another reason I wanted to, you know, have a tiny home that. I could move. Because, you know, that’s another part of the freedom.
It goes back to a previous question you asked, but having the freedom to move and not be tied to a certain place. And you know, maybe I feel more tide to like relationships and experiences instead of like an actual home or a front yard so. That’s that’s, I think why it’s so attractive nowadays.
Hollywood
I guess the next question is what is next for the rumor bus? Where are you moving forward still?
Caleb
Yeah, so yeah, I get that question asked alot ’cause people. Are always thinking about what’s next, what? What would you do different? What’s your next remodel going to be or whatever? And I think I really want to try to focus on getting solar like putting a solar system in like on the roof. Just for power, because that’s one thing I’m conscious of is I’m still using, you know. Like I have to be plugged into like 30 or 50 amps or the bus has to be running for me to power things in inside the bus and I do have a solar generator with 200 watts of solar power, but I would love to bump that up. You know, like five or six times that so I could be a little bit more off grid and not be as tied to having to stay somewhere with hookups, especially in weather. That’s a little bit tougher. You know, like this time of year in October, it’s pretty easy not to use a lot of power. ’cause I’m not running the air conditioner or you know, heat. But in the summer, it’s I’m definitely aware that I’m using the air conditioner a lot. You know part of it’s because I have a dog, so I have to keep her cool throughout the day. But I think power is a big one and then I guess, but my next project, if we want to transition to that is converting a like an old pontoon boat into a tiny floating houseboat. So that’s and that’s really addressing. You know, kind of hoping that the inspiration that I feel like I’ve given to this community through the bus I can start moving it into a direction that I see our future heading as a country. Because with sea level rise with you know people, the challenges of finding land. You know there’s a lot of water out there, and if there’s a way to have villages of nomadic communities. Able to move around on the water. That could be a really cool opportunity and maybe now it’s not the time that everyone is going to do it. But at least you know in a decade down the road or whatever. zYou know people can start looking back and thinking, oh this was a project that was really cool. Let’s you know, mimic something like that to do an affordable floating tiny house. And hopefully that can address issues of density in cities. And even if it’s temporary housing due to natural disasters. Or, you know, ways to house homeless people on these, you know, cool villages that are floating. They they can move seasonally, you know, so you’re never dealing with really harsh weather. And I still have a lot to research and. Learn about that, but I think. You know providing some education and information and inspiration is where I see my trajectory going.
Hollywood
Well, that’s very inspirational. Uhm, I was going. To ask if you were going to come. I guess focus on. A whole new set of issues with the instead of the tradeoff of You know the. Amount of thermal between the windows. Now you’ve got to worry about hurricanes and see what does it see sprouts up. Waterspouts, Oh my goodness. I can’t believe I forgot what that is called. But is there anything about both projects? That you feel like nobody asks you and you are dying to answer.
Caleb
Oh, that’s a good question. ’cause I get a lot of questions that. I mean, I get some questions all the time that are the most ridiculous questions, but I think how are people wasting their time asking me this? Such as you know, people will ask me what side of the bus is the freshwater tank on? And I’m like, well, it’s on, you know like the left side of the bus and they they ask, does the bus like tilt that direction or do you feel it gets hard to drive ’cause there’s more weight on that side? And I’m thinking this is a £30,000 vehicle A 50-gallon freshwater tank does not weigh more than you know 10 athletes like, I mean, think of all the lakes. There’s 65 people on a bus. Is is there ever like the perfect amount of people on the left? And right side like no. It can take the weight, so questions like that. Drive me crazy. ‘cause that just fills my DMS and I’m. Having to filter through. But a question. That I’m dying to answer that I don’t get asked ever. It’s like I’ve never really thought about that. That’s a really good question. Uhm, I would say you. Would do something along the lines of…I really don’t get questions asked a lot about sustainability, I think. You know, a lot of people are interested in the like practicality of it and aren’t really considering going tiny to leave like a smaller footprint. OK. A lot of times. Maybe they’re trying to live more minimal, but that’s just due to. They’re tired of like I said earlier, sorting through things on the weekend or organizing. But there’s not. It doesn’t seem like at least that in my experience, a lot of people are interested in how can we use like recycled things for a sustainable purpose instead of just budget? And I would hope in the future that starts becoming. More on people radars. Because for me, learning how to be more sustainable was a big part of it also. Obviously budget was a huge hurdle. I had to get through just doing that whole thing for $10,000 and that was really only thanks to sponsors who’d send me products. To put in it. And it’s constantly, you know, the bus is looking more beautiful every day. Just thanks to things being sent to me. So, it’s still within the same budget, but it’s like upgrading just due to people sending me things. But yeah, I would say regarding sustainability, and I hope through the boat project I can have that more on the forefront of what I’m doing. And maybe speak more to the benefits that recycling and upcycling things have on the design instead of it just being. You know, nice to the wallet.
Hollywood
So would there be something that you would want to target, particularly in sustainability, like a particular aspect or? Uhm, maybe just like you were just really driven about either water conservation or cycling, or just if you had to pick one.
Caleb
I’m so I’m a huge relationship person. As far as I think relationships for me, you know help. With life it’s anxiety or like stress levels and. Just being in contact with people and I know it’s it’s hard now that a lot of people are still working remote or doing things like that. But I think. The part of sustainability I appreciate the most is recycle. Like repurposing materials that are already being used. Because our landfills are just full of different products that you know, people get tired of. Or it’s the wrong season. So they get rid of. And I mean I love like the Facebook marketplace community because you’re able to buy things one a lot cheaper. So that’s attractive, but two when you go pick up things, you get to meet really interesting people, and I’ve met dozens and dozens of people from Facebook marketplace. You know that’s where I bought the bus. That’s where I bought the boat. That’s where I bought a lot of the things inside of it. And I think you know sharing your story and people really get excited about passionate people. And there’s so many different things I’ve bought on Facebook marketplace that I showed up to the person house. You know, kind of introduced myself, told them kind of what this product is going to go into, and they’ve been like just take it for free. I’m so happy to be a part of your journey. You know, like I’ll make sure to follow along. And I think that community building makes. That aspect of sustainability. Like full circle for me because it’s not only taking care of the environment, but it’s also taking care of each other and. I think by far like my favorite. Aspect of it.
Hollywood
So when you’re talking about community and networking, would you say that it has allowed you a lot of freedom having a? Start to your conversations like you have. You have something to bring people over in your passion that you kind of mentioned before. So using that as a branching off point has that made it a lot easier to find people. Do people find you or is it more you reaching out to people or? Kind of a mixture of both.
Caleb
And you’re talking in regards to
Hollywood
Just like next no, no not sponsors. Like shots, food. Just like getting to know people network a larger community of people as you kind of travel through the bus, not not sponsors and.
Caleb
Yeah, no, that’s a good question too. I think by far it’s helped my confidence with approaching people because it’s a cool story that a lot of people share some interest then and most people don’t have really hard feelings against it because, you know, at this point it’s still trendy. It’s you know, it’s kind of like a cool thing to do. And it’s really opened up a lot. Of doors, especially traveling this past summer because I would be, you know, going through Las Vegas or going through Colorado and put on my story. Hey I’m you know, stopping here for the night. If anyone wants to, you know, show me around or grab a drink. Or get some food. Food and people. Would you know just DM me back and be like oh I live 20 minutes. From there. I would love to show you around and then spending, you know days with strangers in a way when I first meet them. And how quickly the connection comes because. That type of lifestyle is so. Contagious in a way, and you know, there’s a lot of story telling that takes place, and there’s a lot of really good people in the community and. It’s I mean it’s helped me tremendously with UM networking, because now I know people and probably all like 50 States and around the world. Due to it and it’s, you know they’re acquaintances. Some have turned into really good friends who will still text. And you know, if they’re traveling through town, I’ll see them. But it’s all just because of the school bus and.
It’s crazy to think that you know state of strangers houses. Because they followed me on social media and I needed somewhere to. Crash for the night. But I think it proves that most people are a lot better than you know what we may expect. Yeah yeah, no doubt.
Hollywood
So I guess I have to ask this question. What is your favorite place that you have ever traveled to?
Caleb
With the bus, so I really don’t travel with the bus that often because one diesel is pretty expensive and the bus gets like 6 or 7 miles a gallon. And and really, since I live in it every day, there’s not as much of a draw of like, let’s take it to the mountains for the weekend, ’cause I already stay in it every night. So if I. Go to the mountains. It’s fun to go tent camping or get an Airbnb or stay with friends. So I would say that I mean. I think my best stories of traveling with the bus or just going to friends houses like and. You’ve been a part of some of those are probably all the parties that we’ve had where, you know, we’ll take it or I’ll take the bus to your friends house and stay there. And it’s, you know, been really fun to have people just like come together and you know, it’s just a piece of it, but it’s it could also be a piece that. You know, maybe like invites a few more people and then in turn there’s like better community and. Yeah, so I think it’s more about people than places as far as traveling in the bus, but also love traveling obviously so.
Hollywood
Did you know that when you were going? To be designing the bus that the community was so important. That that was going to be your primary focus? Or is that like an inadvertent side effect?
Caleb
It was the best side effect ever though, because when I started the bus I kind of had to motivate myself to work on it. Because, you know, people were interested in it. But they thought you know what are you doing? Buying an old school bus? It’s just you know, it’s about 25 years old and. You know you don’t really know what you’re getting yourself into. You don’t know how to do all the different projects that it’s going to take. You don’t have the materials. I think so. The momentum started by myself just being really motivated, but then after a few weeks or after a few months and people really started to get excited about it, I used that momentum to power me through to finish it because it’s hard to keep up your own. You know, along with other responsibilities you have in life and relationships. It’s hard to keep up with. Uhm, you know that passion and that motivation to work on it every day. So I really just. Used other people. I guess excitement for it to power me through. And that’s another part why I love the community so much, because it’s really. Like a team. Lifestyle and you know the bus. Maybe it’s like my bus right now, but it wouldn’t be my bus if it wasn’t for other people sharing their passions or coming and helping me for a day or asking me how it’s going and which you know, helped me finish it.
Hollywood
OK, so another aspect that I was really interested in is. Probably driven by our professor, who I will not name because I Don’t have their permission. They were talking about the relationships between human and nature and like we was, we read the primitive Hut by Laker in 1753 or whenever the date. ’cause we’re talking about. The shift in how we kind of like. Moved into design and how this kind of relates architecture and I’m pretty sure it caused a rift well. Is it between the utilitarians and the rationalists? I don’t remember, please don’t ask me if I’m wrong guys, but basically it’s just like breaking down architecture into its most basic form. So if we had to boil down. Everything into solely human needs, which is like you know food, shelter and warmth. How do you feel that the roamer or your future project is going to handle this?
Caleb
Awesome, excellent question. I think. Well, it’s that’s really well said. I think fennel and I’m going back to like these thermal qualities that benefit my life, especially knowing that you know my ritual now is opening like the side door and then opening a window across from a delighted cross flow in. And you know, opening the curtains because light is huge for me. And light and ventilation I think are two things that all humans need to. Really be able to function to their potential. I mean, there’s activities you know if it’s gaming or other things that may not need as much like light, for example. But I think the Romard has done a really good job of providing. I think essential human needs of light and then like circulation, air space. And I hope my future. I’m able to provide that in all the spaces I design and all the parks I create. Or maybe the tiny houses I build because I think. Those are just huge psychologically, but then also physically I just feel more at peace. I feel more motivated, I feel more. Productive if I’m in spaces that. I have white and ventilation, so I’d say those are the two even more than like temperature more than. Uhm, other things I could go into, like how textures and colors affect mood and affect productivity also. But at the core. Light and ventilation.
Hollywood
I’m kind of imagining you sitting there. With a bunch of like color samples, just like pasted against. The wall.
Caleb
I would love to.
Hollywood
With all these notes, so I guess a quick follow up that I was thinking of when you mentioned the city on the water as a potential like solution for homelessness. Quote unquote. I know that homelessness is an issue that we will. It’s a very, very complex issue. That has a lot more to it. But in a theoretical thought experiment, try boy. How would you see a series of boats coming together at houseboats just for lack of a better phrase? Like could you describe how you need? What areas you would target to help people with through this?
Caleb
Yeah, now it’s a good question too. So with the DIY culture being so inspired by like people own passion, I see it. You know there’s I see it happening the same way these gatherings happen out in the desert or in Florida, where a lot of van life bus life. Communities come together and everyone parked up next to each other. People are touring each other homes. People are sharing food together. People, it’s very community based where you know some people may be good at. You know some things and some are good at other things and they just share and so I think. The aspect of design comes in by providing.
If it’s like a layout, or if it’s the opportunity for people to park next to you know, park their houseboat for we’ll just use like that terminology. Next to each other and then having public spaces between them that when you feel safe but you also feel connected and involved with people because. You know there’s so many. Health and then also emotional. Uhm, implications for being in a community. I think that’s why you know people are involved in gyms or in church or in. You know it’s still even like if your kids play sports like there’s a network there of like families who are connected in each other’s lives. So this could be a way. Right? That you know, maybe you can like move your boat and move around. It’s not necessarily like a static, but it’s also like a breathing community that you’re moving around. You’re you know meeting people, experiencing life with them, but then you can move to the next village or to a different part of the village. And you’re not tide to space. Or like there’s not trees. You’re having the. You know, dodge around, but it can be more. Orthogonal I guess. So that’s kind of where I see it going, but I still have a. Lot to think and read about before. I make that decision.
Hollywood
So where would you? Take your designs. If you in the future get your license, get practiced, have $1,000,000 to do your dream ideal firm. Set it up the way you want with you in control. What would you? Like to put this on.
Caleb
At this point, I think my niche is definitely. The tiny home community because. One I have a lot of connections with within it. I have connections to a lot of. Uhm, companies and brands that are marketing towards that community. And then also people who. Are you know working into becoming, you know, building their own brands to cater to the community, which is kind of what I’ve done with the Roamer bus. So just because I feel like that’s kind of my like specialty at this point, and I feel like I’ve had a decent amount of success. In it, in this last year and a half. It’s, you know, I think confidence, and then seeing some success really helps and. Yeah, that may. That might. It’s going to shape my future no matter what. But I think that’s probably the niche I’ll go into is creating. Highly functional living spaces and it’s not maybe just for DIY nomads. It could be for other people who. You know, if they’re just traveling into the states or, UM, building cities that can, you know house more people that house them in better ways. If it’s moving into the water, or if it’s. You know, even moving upwards. Just having a better understanding of how space effects. You know, one relationships like we’ve talked a lot about today, but also access to like light and ventilation and other things that contribute to a productive life.
Hollywood
Before we sign off the interview, where can everybody find you, your store or your socials if they want to learn more about the rumor bust and the future of it.
Caleb
Sure, so on Instagram and Tik T.O.K, it’s at Roamer bus. That’s ROAMER bus. And then, if you’re interested in seeing the floor plans or how I did the electrical or plumbing, or if you want to. See, you know like a materials palette or a schedule of you know the order. I did the bus in and even some social media tips are on there. You can find those on Etsy. Just by searching Roma. Plus you can also type in just to Google like University of Tennessee College Student school bus and it’ll. Pop up there too. But I love and you know, getting DM’s and answering questions for people. And also I’ve got a website, roamerbus.com. It’s also Roamer Outpost com where you can see a lot of different pictures and different products I use in the bus. And hopefully that you know may inspire you or just educate you more on some of the benefits of this lifestyle and how you can live better with less things. And you know, aspire to live a life of no roots and no limits like I’m currently trying to do.
Hollywood
Well, thank you once again and thank you for talking about the nomadic revival. I’m going to make that a thing. Uh, as always, I’ll make sure to take links for everybody in the show notes, just in case anybody wants to follow up with that up. So everyone I. Highly encourage you all to take a peek and. We look forward to following you as you complete this new project.
Caleb
Thanks so much I have last. Talking to you today.
Hollywood
Thank you once again for tuning. Once again, a huge big thank you to all of my listeners and a quick call of action. Please rate and review. Share with your friends, your neighbors and your family, and your professor, whomever you think needs some architecture in their life. We again have a Facebook page and a private group, both of which are under the same name, Architecture, Coffee, & Ink. Just come give us a like this stop by to kind of check out some of the episodes. Answer to the question who is the host? If you would like to join the secret Group is a Hollywood just. Like the city and the second question is just your opinion and I might just use that second answer as a recommendation for a show with. A little shout out. If you want to either be featured or have a case, studies suggestion or. Perhaps just want. To share a story of your favorite designer Experience you can reach me at architecture, coffee and ink. The website is Architecture Inc dot Design Dot blog and my Twitter is at Hollywood, Conrad and Insta is. Hollywood dot Conrad. Because I live to make everyone’s life very difficult. Everything will be linked in the show notes, including my incredibly long URL. You can also email me at architecture, coffee and eating at Gmail, all spelled out without the ampersands or the comma. The theme song is again by me and GarageBand. Just remember today is a double feature, so if you would like to enjoy a second bonus episode that is entirely Halloween themed and slightly different from your usual dose of me, check out my bonus Halloween episode that I am actually releasing at the same time. It will be. A little bit more thematic, and if it. Goes over well. It might be something I would consider doing. But either way, happy Halloween, happy All Saints Day All Souls day, Guy Fawkes Night, mischief night. Darwin or LD deal as Mortis Day of the dead. Sorry about that pronunciation, whichever you celebrate.
May your coffee mugs be full and your inkwells never run dry.
60 Seconds Song Theme song Re-looped.
Thank you once again for tuning in, Once again a big thank you to all my listeners! A quick call to action: Please rate and review, share with your friends, neighbors, and family, your professor-whomever you think needs some architecture in their life. We again have a Facebook page and private group, both of which are under the same name: Architecture, Coffee, & Ink. The answer to the question-who is the host-is Hollywood, like the city. And second question is just your opinion, and I might just use it as a recommendation for a show with a little shout out. If you want to either be featured, or have a case study suggestion or perhaps just want to share a story of your favorite design or experience, you can either find me at Architecture, Coffee, & Ink the website is: https://architectureink.design.blog/ .
My twitter is @hollywoodconrad and insta is hollywood.conrad Everything will be linked in the show notes, including my incredibly long URL. You can also email me at architecturecoffeeandink@gmail.com all spelt out without the ampersands or commas. The theme song, is by me in Garageband. The other music is also from me in Garageband, and everything is credited along with the sources on the blog.
Just remember, today is a double feature! If you want to enjoy a second BONUS episode that is entirely Halloween Themed, and slightly different from your usual does of me, Check out my BONUS: Halloween episode that I am actually releasing at the same time. It will be more thematic, and if it goes over well, might be something I would consider doing occasionally.
But either way, Happy Halloween, All Saints Day, All Souls’ Day, Guy Fawkes Night, Mischief Night, Samhain, or El Dia de los Muertos whichever you celebrate.
May your coffee mugs be full, and your ink wells never run dry.
60 secs end song re-looped.
