Remember your training

At times, a client may request a curve. Stay calm. Remember your training. Calmly explain that that would conflict with the design vocabulary. Remind the client that rectilinear forms are a sign of strength, firmness, commodity, and yes, delight. Stay strong. At times, the client will mention that they have a nephew in the design field. And, maybe we should … Read More

Design explained with Bar Charts

Design is hard. If only the process could be explained using simple bar charts. Right. This isn’t that: More Design in charts – HERE, and HERE

Design Paths 2

Design is hard. The path you follow from start to finish is never a straight line. If only there were another handful of clear diagrams to explain the process. This still isn’t that: More Design Paths HERE

Design Paths

Design is hard. The path you follow from start to finish is never a straight line. If only there were a handful of clear diagrams to explain the process. This isn’t that:

Architect Valentines 2024

It’s that time of year again. The time of year when an architect’s thoughts turn to Love. Well, not really. We’re working on a deadline right now. But, we promise, as soon as we’re finished with these details, our thoughts will totally turn to love. In the meantime, here are a few Valentine’s day cards to tide you over. Enjoy! … Read More

Architect Christmas Cards 2023

It’s that time of year again when a grinches, I mean an architect’s, heart grows 3 sizes and they realize the true meaning of Christmas. Ignoring heat gain coefficients and just using all glass on the new design for Santa’s experimental workshop/atelier anyway. It’s a Christmas miracle, It’s cold, but still a miracle. It’s also that time of year to … Read More

Buildings are important

People are born in themGrow up in them Fall in love in them Get married in them Raise kids in them Grow old in them Die in them Buildings are important. People decide big things here Decide on small things too Draw conclusions inside Make plans Change plans Change our minds Make up our minds Take a stand Buckle under … Read More

How to be a better architect

Ask yourself, “Is this needed?” Remove everything that isn’t. Study the function of the building well, but don’t let it drive the design. Connect the spaces with nature. Master the use of natural light. Create a balance between public and private spaces. Organize the Floorplan. With a grid, a datum, hierarchy, balance, symmetry, order. Place your structures within a greater … Read More

GENERAL NOTES:

*feel free to add these to your construction documents

Exposure to modern design is dangerous, especially for children

The modern style of design that is prevalent in the more urban areas of the country has strayed from traditional core values and should be limited and regulated. Modern design aspires to remove ornamentation, expressing the true nature of the materials used, leaving exposed formed concrete, bare steel, and unadorned forms stripped of all details and left visible to all. … Read More

Top 10 reasons to be an Architect

10. As an architect, you will have exceptional taste in absolutely everything. Sadly, you can not afford your own taste. 9. As an architect, you will spend all day helping your clients realize their dreams. Unfortunately, your clients will be married, and you’ll spend most of your time helping them compromise with each other. 8. As an architect, you will … Read More