As a student, I hadn't really been interested in architecture at all, but when I started teaching, it grew into me - rather than me growing into it.

The quote by Elizabeth Diller — "As a student, I hadn't really been interested in architecture at all, but when I started teaching, it grew into me — rather than me growing into it." — offers a revealing insight into her unconventional entry into the world of architecture. Diller confesses that her initial experience as a student did not spark a deep passion for the discipline, suggesting a detachment or ambivalence toward architecture in her formative years. This contrasts sharply with the celebrated architectural career she would eventually build, underscoring how interests and callings can develop in unexpected ways.

The turning point came when Diller began teaching, a role that reversed the traditional expectation that one must first master a subject before passing it on. Instead, it was through the process of teaching—explaining ideas, questioning assumptions, engaging with students—that architecture began to resonate with her. The phrase “it grew into me” poetically suggests that the discipline took root within her, implying a gradual, organic relationship rather than an immediate passion. This speaks to a kind of intellectual curiosity and openness to transformation.

Her journey highlights the dynamic nature of learning through doing, particularly in the academic environment where reflection, critique, and experimentation are encouraged. Teaching became a catalyst for Diller to see architecture not just as a technical or aesthetic practice, but as a conceptual and cultural discourse. This aligns with her later work, which often blurs the boundaries between art, architecture, and performance, and challenges traditional norms in the field.

The origin of this quote likely comes from interviews or lectures where Diller reflects on her personal and professional evolution. As co-founder of Diller Scofidio + Renfro, she has been a trailblazer in redefining what architecture can be. Her candid admission in this quote makes her story especially relatable to those who may not find immediate passion in their field, reminding us that interest and inspiration can emerge over time, often in unexpected roles and contexts.