Building Questions
Project Acquisition Cost
on Average How much does a firm/architect spend for acquiring projects? These may include events, promotions, newsletters,yellow-pages and online listings, competitions etc. I know it will vary from project to project. But whats a safe ballpark assumption? 2.5%- 5%... Read More
While It seems to vary quite a lot from firm to firm, I have found this 'rule of thumb' to be useful for planning purposes: 1 More Answer
Rant Magazine... "Artist"/Designer? submittals
unjustifiable? of course. streamlined? even better. cutting? what would life be without it!? Contemporary spy architecture enables the ordinary draftsperson to dream of colorful Istanbul... Modern architects in cozy houses and cramped apartments can experience the e... Read More
Shock Me, I'm enjoying these mashups you're making! 1 More Answer
TidyWork
Hi, has anyone used TidyWork for their Projects costing system. Its seems quite good and remarkably cheap.
Thanks Bobby, I am looking for its use in a number of medium sized Practices in the UK, the 10- 20 staff range. I will try it out. Joe 1 More Answer
Sex Is The One Big Problem No Microhousing Architect Discusses In Microtopia
Although I enjoy a good discussion of sex, I will likely still want to see this documentary of microhousing. Microtopia Important to recognize that many cultures traditionally sleep in communal family sleeping rooms yet still manage to procreate. And many big city a... Read More
did the author of this article not live in dorms in college? 1 More Answer
March II - Gre results
Hello fellow architects! I am applying for March II programs this winter and i got my GRE results today. I would like to know how much does GRE realistically weight at the application. I know that portfolio, letters of recommedations, letter of statement are more im... Read More
Dear rob my research is more than adequate. Average score for gsd march ii was 158v, 157q, 4awa. I am seeking for the inside story here. For your information, sarcasm is the lowest form of wit 1 More Answer
kapow!
(apologize, spanish language pop music invaded my household with latin dance moves, and all this white boy is trying to do is watch Ole Miss beat Alabama) Run with it!
if you're watching the game....wtf was that? (Kelly bobbled bad snap, throws in air, bounces, ole miss touchdown) 1 More Answer
one-sided digital interview
anybody partake in one of these? Pre-recorded video interview questions - respond to your webcam - no human interaction - HR watches your responses later... recruiter no less...
I've never heard of that. I would be wary of participating in such a charade, and even more wary of any firm that would ask me to. 1 More Answer
Therme Vals
I'm leaving for Europe next week and am planning to finally visit Vals. Have any architecture fans been to the pool lately? I've heard good things, but haven't heard much practical information. Looks like you can book online, but the swimming hours for non hotel gue... Read More
You're going to be soaking in a pool and staring at an impressive mountain. You shouldn't be getting bored. It's a pretty incredible experience. 1 More Answer
Cooling a house without forced air.
I'm working on an expensive custom home that will be built in a high-end neighborhood located in a northwestern state -- meaning there really are only 2-3 warm months (at most) per year. The client intends to use a hydronic radiant in-floor heating system to warm th... Read More
you already had an air handler system for circulation yes? natural venting, what is the orientation you can cause this effect with a passive solar method if you plan ahead. 1 More Answer
Are architects and designers more snobbish than the average civilian
Good evening. I have briefly broken my retirement for a pressing question that I have been mulling over the past week. Speaking from the perspective of a student who mostly interacts with fellow students and young architects, I find that many of the people I am surr... Read More
Why? 1 More Answer
CAD drawing of a California Fan Palm Washingtonia filifera to share
Does anyone have a CAD file (2d - I use Draftsight) of a California Fan Palm they would be willing to share? I need fairly accurate leaves, mostly.
Those are pretty, curt! None are accurate enough, though. Also I'm never sure which free download sites are safe. 1 More Answer
Is architecture school the right option for me?!
So I'm about to graduate from highschool,and my career goal is to be able to design/create tree-houses and miniature houses/nooks In general. I just really like the idea of small, functional, cozy spaces. So I was wondering what type of schooling yall think would be... Read More
100K plus to get an architecture degree in order to design tree houses?? Is this a serious question? 1 More Answer
Portfolio Standards Outside the US
I will soon be applying to masters programs in primarily northern Europe (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland) and am trying to cater my portfolio to my target audience. I understand that formats and layouts vary by region and I was wondering if anyone could share thei... Read More
http://issuu.com/henrystephens/docs/gradportfolio_2014 1 More Answer
Taco Bell is Gentrifying!
http://www.wbez.org/news/visit-worlds-first-boozy-taco-bell-113054 What will those hipsters come up with next. Gentrification on the march. This seems to be a trend in fast food re-branding to be more down to earth local and hip. All a ploy to sell more stuff.
taco bell is a disgusting corporate fake food manufacturer...now they sell some shitty mountain dew margarita...who cares...they have been in the gutter for years...doesn't really have anything to do with gentrification. 1 More Answer
Arch Stamp or Butt Plug???
The "trophy"Â I have been so worked up about, the prize at the end of the NCARB's, the icon that distinguishes Architects from interns - is a butt-plug? I would say this is very anti-climatic, but for some it's surely the reverse. If it ever goes missing from the o... Read More
i could sure use one of those... 1 More Answer
Commercial windows on residence ?
What are some of the pro's and con's of using typical commercial windows on a residence? It seems(?) to be the cheapest up-front cost as a way to get large expanses of glass, but am not sure about long term cost, user friendliness, etc. ...?
Yep -- that's the stuff. 1 More Answer
Word for indoor balcony?
What do you call an indoor balcony that is on the second floor? You know, where part of the second floor is cut away so you can look down and see the first floor? Examples :
Atrium? 2 More Answers
How good is MIT's undergraduate architecture program?
Is MIT's undergraduate track quality? Is it worth doing the 4-year track or should I just do a normal 5-year bachelors degree?
It's terrible. You should check out bunker hill comm college instead. 1 More Answer
Revit Training and Resources
Hi Archinect, We (small res firm) are transitioning from ACAD to Revit. If you have recently (~18 months) gone through this process could you please advise on any resources you've utilized for the transition? I have personally used Linda.com for video tutorials and... Read More
The three-day intensive in-office training is very useful due to the ability to tailor it to your specific template, families, project processes, and hardware. After that the Lynda is useful because the users can refer back to the lessons at any time. 1 More Answer
Portfolio review
I am applying for MArch II in the USA and have an urgent need in critique for my portfolio (I am applying for a scholarship now). Could you please review the document and share with me your opinion? http://issuu.com/veronikavolkova/docs/veronika_volkova_portfolio_is... Read More
Your portfolio looks like a school portfolio. I don't see any glaring issues although its a little gray. I like the style but it doesn't jump out at you. 1 More Answer
Which Summer Program is better? AA or Career Discovery?
Hi. I am halfway through my undergrad and working on a non-architecture degree. I am looking to go to summer school to obtain some things from my portfolio. I was wondering which summer program would be better to aim for. AA in London or Career Discovery at Harvard?... Read More
I can only speak to the Career Discovery program but it was really great. You'll meet awesome people at both programs and likely become thoroughly exhausted and frustrated and excited at either. But just look at the schools - they are totally different! Which school's thesis projects speak to you? What professors are aligned with your interes... 1 More Answer
Career Choice
Question Inquiry: I'm currently studying Computer Science 2nd year at Birkbeck University, I'm thinking about changing and going to Architecture do you think it's possible?
Finish your com sci degree. Make money for a few years. Then do a degree in computational design at the AA or elsewhere. Programming is such a big area of research in architecture. Also in professional practice offices such as Kieran Timberlake and others are always looking for programmers. 1 More Answer
"Gin Fizz Urbanism"
Recently I used a term I made up; "gin fizz urbanism," alluding it to urban developments based around urban shopping centers replacing truly open public spaces. What else this terminology could mean?
http://archinect.com/forum/thread/10160482/gin-fizz-urbanism 2 More Answers
To design a bridge
As an architect i am working on a project of a bridge which will really be materialize.I would like you to give me some good ideas. To start my bridge must be built as an ecological road,its materials must be ecological materials.
what will you give in return? 1 More Answer
English speaking grad schools in Scandinavian countries??
I'm beginning to look for graduate schools and would love to do something different and look in scandanavia somewhere to go to school. I am looking for a program where a B. Arch is not required, and more focused on design. I know there will be extra steps once I com... Read More
I am not an expert in that, but I can say for sure that even if can't find one it should not be an issue. Everyone speaks a perfect English there. 1 More Answer
Architectural Image Copyright - Europe
wow, just read this about architectural copyrights in France, Belgium and Italy. Unlike the US, images of built architectural works (even publicly visible) remain under the copyright of the architect. Anyone here ever do any buildings there - have you figured out a... Read More
Hmm I guess it was a naive question. Obviously just need to remember to make the gift shop big enough for everything you'll want to sell! 1 More Answer
"Cala-fucking-trava!"
This article is fabulous. I usually view FastCo as borderline clickbait, but this was worthwhile in many ways. I guess Calatrava's isn't the kind of hand drawing Graves appreciates.
I'm sorry, but I've never liked this guy, or his work. He's the Yanni of the architecture world. I'll take Karim Rashid over this Cala-fucking-trava! 1 More Answer
Why does OMA produce successful offspring? What is their secret?
It is like OMA has monopolized the field. If you don't work or have close connects at OMA the odds are stacked against you. What kind of ritual witchcraft is going on behind the scenes there specifically? There is such a long list of successful OMA alumni. You don't... Read More
It has more to do with the people going in than what they are doing to them there. 1 More Answer
Which Firms Are Doing Summer Hours?
Hello. New to the boards here. I am trying to find a place to ask the question of which firms are doing summer hours. In the spirit of the continued work/life balance discussion in relation to Architecture, I believe this to be a valid one. Anyway, I am looking to r... Read More
Summer hours...ha! move to France. 1 More Answer
Karim Rashid - Karma's a Bitch!
Remember that Karim Rashid article a while back...this one...where he was all like "I'm not a licensed architect, but I'm so awesome I'm designing 11 buildings? Well, according to this article today, maybe he should rethink that a bit: The Department of Buildings au... Read More
Unlicensed designers haven't cornered the market on such problems. Same issues happen with licensed "architecters" every day. 1 More Answer
favorite artists who paint architecture...?
de chirico, Escher, Dali, Woods??? whos your favs.
Dr. Seuss 1 More Answer
Chicago massing/base map needed.
Hello architects- Can someone please share a dwg file of downtown Chicago with me? I am a thesis student in Boston at the BAC and am seeking a 3D sketchup massing or 2d line drawing of the streets and building footprints around Michigan Ave/Columbus Ave. and the riv... Read More
Hi, would it be possible to send me the file too? I'm also doing my thesis in a architecture and finding it extremely difficult looking for a plan of the goose Island area. Any help would be immensely appreciated. 3 More Answers
Students - Whats missing from the commercial side of your training?
Hi, I am just starting to prepare some material for lectures to UK Part 3 students on the Financial Management of Practices and Projects. This is an area that I have always felt is undervalued in training - and indeed the whole profession. For the Profession to thri... Read More
should also show them how much you can go into the red by under estimating the time/fees involved in a project...there is an art to feeling out how much hand holding specific clients may or may not need and to plan accordingly. 1 More Answer
M.Arch after Bachelor in Interior architecture ?
Hi everyone, So I have a bachelor in Interior architecture, and I need to get a master in Architecture since this is what I wanted in the first place. What masters are offered in architecture for a person coming from an interior design background. What degree option... Read More
Sounds like something I need to know too! 1 More Answer
Street Widening and Lot Area
The City (Los Angeles) is asking for 5' of street dedication and I can't figure out if my maximum residential floor area and percentage of lot coverage allowed is based on the lot square footage before my people give the City 250 s.f of their lot or the lot size aft... Read More
You could try arguing that the 5' dedication is a hardship and that you should be allowed to count that square footage as part of your RFA. your plan checker can grant that depending on why the city wants the 5' dedication. Otherwise you are probably screwed. My next question would be, can you deduct that 5' dedication from your prevailing se... 1 More Answer
What type of house do we have?
Architecture Pros, We moved into this house last year, but have no idea what style of house it is. Can anyone shed any light? Thank you SO much in advance! Best, Jay
probably somewhere in one of these: 1 More Answer
Help identifying the style of this house!!!
I've found a house that I really like, and was trying to find the exact style of the house so when I speak with other architects they understand what I am looking for.
One of thousands of varieties of the Turn-of-the-Millennium Home Developer Mishmash Pretension Style. Perhaps in the future it will be referred to as American Late Elizabethan II Style. 1 More Answer
A swimming manatee
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Get the ball boy. 1 More Answer
SCI-arc Director Search Questioning Committee
SCI-arc Student Body: In both the immediate SCI-Arc community and Architecture as a whole, a condition has emerged where all those involved have become a shattered group of individuals, unable to join cohesively in order to communicate about the issues directly at h... Read More
Specific language please?
Needing help identifying the architectural style of this house -
I'm sorry for the naive question but I am new at this and would like to research this home a bit more. Does anyone know what style this house would be considered? It was built in 1915. A big thank you in advance!!
why are people obsessed with this question. who cares? 1 More Answer