State of the Architectural Umion

The architect walks slowly towards the podium, clad in black, waving, and smiling. *crowd bursts into applause* Good evening my fellow architects. I stand here before you all today to say, proudly, that the state of our architectural umion is strong. *pauses for applause* The economy has continued to climb, inexplicably, upwards, lifting all boats, and firms, and “ateliers” in its … Read More

Tips for Architectural Marketing

Try to write your firm descriptions in as esoteric language as possible. If the potential client doesn’t need to use a thesaurus at least once, you don’t need them anyway. Show your work, including some sketches from your undergraduate school days at RISD. Show only work that has won an award. Do not point out that the award was given to … Read More

Absence

Sometime in 2014 I just stopped writing. Actually, I started to fizzle out a few years before. I started to lose my focus I think. When I started this blog I was not in the best place. I had lost my job. I was floundering to find my way in a new economic climate. I was still idealistic about my … Read More

20 Things to do to it with the architecture

Align it. Simplify it. Order it. Place it on axis with it. Remove the barrier between the interior and the exterior of it. Repeat it. Repeat it. Refer to that thing that someone else did to it sometime before in Norway, probably. Establish a datum line through it. Make a half-hearted and somewhat esoteric reference to the context in which … Read More

How many architects does it take to screw in a lightbulb?

How many architects does it take to screw in a lightbulb? 21. Apparently the answer is 21.   One to sketch out the concept; One to model it in Revit; One to question the concept… “Does it have to screw?”; One to write an addendum informing the contractors; One to find the spec section and ASTM standards for screwability; One … Read More

Not in my neighborhood

  The following is an excerpt from my neighborhood list serve:   …………………… From: Traditional Home <xxxxxxx[at]aol[dot]com> To: Modern House <xxxxxxx[at]squarespace[dot]com> Cc: ‘CityHall’ <info[at]nimby[dot]gov> Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2014 1:05 PM Subject: Re: Suggestions for your facade Dear Modern Home, l realize that your home design across the street from me may be a commentary on the current state of … Read More

Sketches of Venice

I went to Venice, Italy last week and took along my sketchbook. These sketches were all done quickly, mainly because I was usually leaning against a wall, being bumped by swarms of passing tourists. I haven’t sketched from real life like this in a while, and I was surprised by how it changed the way I looked at the city. … Read More

ARCHITECT VALENTINES 2014

Architects are a romantic bunch. But, we tend to be busy. We know we should stop working on this design for a while and go buy some flowers or chocolate or something. We know that. But, we have a deadline. Maybe we can pick up a card from the internet on the way home. Here you go. You’re welcome:   . … Read More

Wishing you an even more awesome 2014

Hi Guys, First of all THANK YOU! I just wanted to take a minute and say thank you to all of you for making 2013 the best year ever for me here at Coffee with an Architect (you can imagine me typing this from my secluded evil liar headquarters perched over a majestic cliff edge, at least that’s how I … Read More

More Christmas cards from the Architects

It’s that time of year again, that festive time of the season when architects all over the world put down their felt-tip pens just long enough to wish you and yours a happy holidays. Then they pick up the pen again and resume work. Merry Christmas from the Architects. . I think my heart just grew 3 sizes this day. … Read More

Merry Christmas from the Architects

It’s possible that I’m experiencing a small amount of Christmas spirit. Mostly because of the ghost of Christmas future just showed me Le Corbusier’s grave. I think he designed it himself and it completely freaked me out. I’ve learned my lesson spirit! I will keep the spirit of Christmas in my heart all year long. Starting now. Someone fetch me … Read More