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

*feel free to add these to your construction documents

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

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

Granted, 33% of global energy-related greenhouse emissions are caused by buildings making Architecture the number one emitter of greenhouse gases. Sure, 82% of all global fossil fuel consumption is accounted for by buildings. And yes, 55% of the energy used in construction is dedicated to the extraction of new materials. Landfills are full to the brim with discarded construction materials … Read More

We knew the budget would be tight for the regional central bank branch but everyone was surprised when the bids came in 20% over budget. Fortunately, the low-bid contractor came forward with a bold proposal to save costs: Removing the architecture from the building. “The architects have done a great job on the design for the bank.” said Sid McCallen … Read More

Day 234 – Today, I worked on the building sections and section details. When I was finished, Thomas redlined the progress set. He gave me his marked-up set at 6:30. Most of his notes were simply question marks with arrows pointing at the detail. I decided to go home and deal with it tomorrow. Day 235 – Thomas had me … Read More

Where’s the entry? Oh, the entry is around on the side. That’s right, I put the entry on the corner. BOOM. Architecture. Sure, the stairs move you from floor to floor, but the important part is they “moved” you. The elevator lifts your spirits. And they’re not floors. They’re levels. BOOM. Architecture. Sometimes, a window is more than just a … Read More

For days you’ve climbed the mountain to seek understanding and knowledge from the great Architectural Sage. Finally, you’ve arrived, breathless, you enter the temple. There, resting crossed-legged on the floor in front of the altar is the old Sage himself, wearing a turtleneck and tunic. What wisdom will he impart? The most important part of the door is the hinge. … Read More

It’s that time of year again, the time of year when architects express our love for, ummm…, architecture, and, perhaps, for each other. Here are some cards to share with your design-loving loved ones.

I’ve been experimenting with artificial intelligence lately to generate architectural images. The results are impressive, odd, disquieting, and fascinating. Take a look at a few examples. All images are generated by Artificial Intelligence using Dall E What do you think? Are we excited about the potential with Ai or just terrified for our future? I can’t decide. J