What Architects Like Frank Gehry Teach Us About Seeing Spaces Differently

Architecture shapes the way we move through the world and, as photographers, the way we see it.

With the recent passing of Frank Gehry, I’ve been reflecting on how much architects influence the creative process behind every image I make, whether I’m photographing a Vancouver interior, a commercial renovation or a building halfway across the world.

Gehry’s work has always stood out to me because it challenges the expected. His buildings feel alive (twisting, bending, breaking rules)... reminding us that space isn’t static. It’s expressive.

To honour that spirit, I pulled together three images that continue to shape the way I look at design and composition.

1. Emily Carr University: Vancouver Creativity in Motion

The Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Vancouver. © Anica Pommeray Photography

Walking past the Emily Carr University of Art and Design, I’m always struck by its clean lines and sharp architectural geometry.

It’s a reminder that creativity isn’t only found in iconic buildings, it’s part of everyday Vancouver life.

Angles, repetition, contrast... these are design choices that quietly guide how I frame interiors and real estate spaces for clients across the Lower Mainland.

2. A Close-Up of Frank Gehry’s Work: Beauty in the Unexpected

Museum of Pop Culture, Seattle. © Anica Pommeray Photography

Gehry’s architecture refuses to sit still. Even up close, small sections of his buildings look like sculpture. His work encourages photographers to embrace irregularity. To look for tension, curves, and the moments where form becomes emotion.

This close-up captures exactly that: a reminder that sometimes the most interesting stories live in the details others walk past.

3. The Oculus: Movement Carved into Architecture

The Oculus, New York City. © Anica Pommeray Photography

The Oculus, at the World Trade Center, is one of my favourite examples of architecture that feels like it’s in motion. Its sweeping lines and dramatic structure draw the eye upward, creating a sense of rhythm.

When I photograph interiors or commercial spaces here in Vancouver, I carry this idea with me: spaces aren’t just functional, they’re meant to be experienced. And great photography should capture that feeling.

Closing Thoughts

From Vancouver’s own creative institutions to Gehry’s iconic designs and the sculptural forms of global architecture, these spaces remind me to stay curious. They push me to look for movement, emotion, and story. Even in the most familiar rooms.

As a real estate and interiors photographer, architecture continues to be my greatest teacher.