Option 1: Gut instinct, emotional, emotive, missing key program elements, kind of awesome. The client loves it, then calls the next morning to ask for other options. Option 2: Reasonable, functional, includes most of what the client asked for, beige, bland, kind of sucks. The client thinks it’s “almost there”. Option 3: Drastic departure from the program, awkward, hastily rendered, … Read More
The Client Hated it
I worked on the design all night. Toiling over every last detail. Putting together a simple solution to the multi-faceted program you gave me. Working into the wee hours, fueled by passion and caffeine. The client wants their cousin, who’s in design school, to take a look at it. We busted our tail to meet the deadline today, putting extra … Read More
2023 Architect Resolutions
It’s that time of year to reflect on the last year and make resolutions to guide us through the New Year. Architects are no exception. Have a great 2023!
Needs a Cornice
Great architectural achievements as reviewed by my neighborhood design board. Overly simplistic use of materials. No sense of privacy. Roof doesn’t drain water. Needs a cornice. Ill-defined public realm. Out of context with the surrounding neighborhood. Poorly defined entrance. Looks like a gas station. Needs a cornice. Poor articulation of base middle and top. Lack of pedestrian scale. Ribbon windows … Read More
Dear Modern Santa
Dear Modern Santa, This year I want a new walnut veneer flush panel cabinet to store all my trucks in. I’d also like some trucks. Mom says I’ve been a good boy all year long. I’ve tried to keep my things balanced and organized. I’ve kept all my trucks lined up in a neat row on top of my Mom’s … Read More
Design in Charts
Hi guys, Sorry that I’ve had such infrequent content here at Coffee with an Architect. But, I’m still posting content… other places, I’m starting a new website to be a home for all the design charts I’m working on lately. Hopefully, I will pull these together as a book. Please stop by and check them out and let me know … Read More
Architecture during the Pandemic
If there’s one thing that architecture could solve, it would be social distancing. Get on it. I mean we’re up on pilotis, it’s all glass and concrete, and there’s already no furniture in here, how much more socially distant do you want? The virus already looks like something B.I.G. would design. HERE, Architects got this. We could design buildings with … Read More
Quoting Architects
You can not create the architecture of tomorrow without forgetting the architecture of yesterday. Today. Winston Churchill Ask not what your architecture can do for you. Ask what you can do for your architecture. Then invoice the client. John F. Kennedy Never in the field of architecture was so much owed by so many to so few architects with such … Read More
POST AREA RATIOS
50-99% OF THIS BLOG POST HAS BEEN GENERATED SO A BLOG POST REVIEWER CAN CHECK OFF A BOX ON THEIR FORM. THE FLOOR AREA RATIO OF THIS BLOG POST IS 19.2%. THIS BLOG POST HAS BEEN SETBACK FROM THE RIGHT OF WAY BY 26′-0″ MINIMUM. THE MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF THIS BLOG POST (AS MEASURED TO THE MIDPOINT OF THE POST) … Read More
Questions for the Architect
Last week I held open office hours so folks could ask me questions. Here’s a sample of the ensuing conversations: QUESTION – No? ANSWER – Your lack of interest in architecture does not negate the importance of architecture. . QUESTION – Why? ANSWER – architecture is not to wonder why . QUESTION – What does the sum of the parts … Read More