Archinect - Forum

Take Over

2024-11-19T15:23:00-05:00

Say you worked at a firm for 15-20 years. A small (under 20) well establish firm in a rural / small city area. Everyone you work with has also worked at the firm for similar amount of time, except for 2 newer draft persons. What if you were the second last person to be informed of the firms take over by a national firm, two years after negotiations with the partners started and only 2 months before the deal is to be done. Second last of all the long standing employees. How would you interpret that? Should note that you have your own client list and one client is an international company that kept your company going during and after covid.

What type of house is this?

2024-11-19T11:48:00-05:00

I'll be detailed but discreet.

What type of house is this? One of my dad's friends owns a house like this.

It has a basement with a built in movie theatre and a basement storage room. On the main floor, it has an office room, a living room connected to a kitchen. Top floor, it has 6 bathrooms, 4 bedrooms, the master bedroom has a walk-in closet, a bathroom with a separate tub, separate shower cubicle, and a bidet by the toilet. The backyard consists of two patios: one wood deck on ground and a stone patio at the basement back sliding doors.

This is the type of house I'll need when I plan to move to another part of Canada. But is this a mansion if it's 6,795 square foot house with 6 bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms or 6,742 square foot house with 6 bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms?

A duplex would be a house that's shared between two families or parties. This type of house is meant for only one family.

International Master's Programme in Smart City Solutions

2024-11-18T07:13:29-05:00

Hello, Is there anyone who applied to this Master Program ? Could you please give me information about Master Program ?

Modern option to quarter round for wood flooring?

2024-11-13T15:02:00-05:00

Hi all - I am working on a project that has concrete flooring, and they want to put wood flooring in. The contractor has said because of the gap that's needed at the edge of the wall where the wood meets the concrete walls that he wants to use quarter-round molding at the perimeter. This is not ideal for the aesthetic we want to achieve. Does anyone know of any solutions for this situation that are a little more contemporary? Prefer not to have any traditional base molding here if possible. Attached is a quick detail. Thanks in advance for any help/tips, much appreciated.

Insulated Board Formed Concrete

2024-11-12T11:51:35-05:00

I hate to say it but I've never done a board formed concrete wall. Truth be told; I've not done much exposed cast in place insulated concrete panels.

I know, I'm worthless. ;)

I'm trying to come up with a detail for an insulated board formed concrete wall. I've included a sketch of what I'm thinking so far. Be gentle, it's just a sketch and has a lot that still needs to be figured out.

If anyone has any advice or resources regarding insulated board formed concrete walls I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!

Above Ordinary Standard of Care

2024-11-08T20:34:30-05:00

“The Architect shall perform its services consistent with the professional skill and care ordinarily provided by architects with experience practicing in the same or similar locality under the same or similar circumstances.” - AIA B101 Contract

I have been asked to be an Owner’s rep for a high-profile client and the client asked me about ways he can control hard and soft costs. One idea I had was to change the contractual obligation between the Owner and Architect to deliver documents that are consistent with the standard “skill and care ORDINARILY provided” to “skill and care provided by architects with experience and expertise in the project type for which they are contracted to design, practicing in the same same or similar locality, under the same or similar circumstances.”

I know many Architects like myself would balk at this, but wouldn’t it be nice if we raised the bar of quality documents and got paid more for having to reach that higher bar? I wonder how that would also trans...

DigitalPlanRoom.com - InterestTrial Balloon

2024-11-08T00:19:46-05:00

DigitalPlanRoom.com will be just that where Owners (governments at all levels, governmental agencies, developers, companies, tribes, individuals, among a multitude of others) can post projects, RFP's, RFQ's, design competitions to this national Plan Room at no cost - architects could post their projects to obtain bids and quotes for construction or consulting engineering services - our Bluecorn Planning & Development AEC and regional planning firm works throughout New Mexico and in Houston, TX (Harris County) - I contacted the Dodge Construction Network (old-timers will remember it as the Dodge Plan Room) who require a yearly subscription paid in advance - NM was $6K/yr. and Harris County alone was $4K/yr. which is nowhere within our budget as a small firm - the question is there significant interest for architects, engineers, contractors, etc. to develop this lead and project resource website? - thinking $85/month with no subscription requirement with a one month free trial - I wou...

Professional Studies Capstone

2024-11-07T18:56:44-05:00

As part of wrapping up and completing a bachelor's degree, which itself is a "professional studies" degree which incorporates my prior education in architecture, historic preservation, and so forth:

1. I am working on the capstone project class beginning this week and that will span 10 weeks. It is the only class I am taking so I would have potentially more hours over the 10 weeks than than I may normally have under full-time enrollment. However, I would need to keep the scope within reason to be done in a compressed time line than it might be in some capstone/thesis project in architecture school.

You might wonder, why am I thinking of architectural thesis/capstone project in this? While there are broad general deliverables framework, in a professional studies background, the capstone needs to be adapted to each student's professional studies and career field track so a capstone for someone pursuing a marketing director career would be different than someone in an architectural care...

Thesis Inquiry - AI and Emotions

2024-11-07T16:36:32-05:00

I am looking to talk to a professional who leverages AI in the design practice and would like to get their opinion on how they think it will impact the occupant's architectural experience. Do you think it has a positive or negative impact? Any opinions would be much appreciated!

Stuck (Tired of 'production' work)

2024-11-07T10:43:00-05:00

Hello,

I have nearly 7 years of experience in the field, of which the latter years I've focused on residential (single family) architecture. Although I have gotten to do more sketchup modeling and rendering lately, my primary expertise is in production on Revit. I am T I R E D - primarily of being on the computer for most of the day, doing the same kind of work over and over again, like a machine. I feel as if I was losing my humanity. I started painting classes on the weekends, enrolled in online art courses at nights, to get in touch with my more artistic/free/creative side. It has helped, but I still feel stuck. I like the work we do at my current firm, but there seems to be no real opportunities for growth.

I am a registered architect, and I even have enough savings to quit my full-time job and sustain myself for some months. I've thought many times of finally going solo, thinking I could hire out the drafting work on Fiverr (or similar platform), but my CA experience and code ...

Detail

2024-11-06T23:39:00-05:00

Hi, first post.

What is the architecture names of the elements with the red marks, I have the names for everything else. It's Niall McLaughlin's Bishop Edward King Chapel.

thanks

The DEATH of the United States...

2024-11-06T20:41:57-05:00

On November 5, 2024, 10-14 Million cowards (the difference between the number of voters that voted for Joe Biden in 2020 that were a no show in 2024). had decided to throw away and fuck all Americans by not voting for America's future. Coming January 20, 2025, United States as a free country of democracy will be officially dead. On January 20, 2025, every American will officially be a slave under DICTATOR DONALD JOHN TRUMP. We will no longer have rights. We will be officially slaves. All our wives and daughters will become sex slaves for Donald Trump and his regime to rape at their pleasure.

To overthrow this regime, we would have to go to war. Millions will die in the process of maybe winning or losing. Other options that MIGHT result in less deaths is many states seceding from the United States either to become new nations or maybe join with Canada. Everyone who is a registered democrat is at risk of being systematically killed under Trump's regime.

I'm now going to have to play ...

Feeling Guilty Over Not Having a Master's

2024-11-06T20:10:00-05:00

Hello all,

This is my first post here. I felt compelled to post here because I just can't take it anymore. I need some kind of answers or advice because I surely couldn't ask my co-workers. To start, I am an aspiring architect in the US. I currently hold an Associate's of Applied Science and a Bachelor's of Science in Architecture. I earned the former at a community college and I earned the latter at the state university I transferred to. While in school, I studied feverishly (not much different than anyone else I suppose) and earned academic honors each semester. I honestly felt great about myself. Now, it has been two years since I graduated and I do not feel compelled to return for my master's degree. I honestly feel like I have just started to live my life now that I'm out of school and I frankly do not want to go back. Moreover, I had gone to University during the Covid-19 pandemic, so it was a really isolating and dreary experience. I much prefer working and I have been employ...

Active Listening

2024-11-04T13:45:00-05:00

As architects part of our responsibilities is to listen to the client and our team to determine the best possible solution for a design.

What stratagems do you implement to engage in active listening to your client and design team?

Statement of purpose for M.arch at UT austin

2024-11-02T13:40:49-04:00

Hello everyone,

I am applying to UT and am currently working on my Statement of Purpose, which is a critical part of the admissions process. I would appreciate any feedback or comments you might have.

Here is the essay:

The world through an architect’s lens is a captivating fantasy where each form and space crafts a unprecedented experience. From a young age, I have been aware of how architecture shapes & forms our lives. Growing up in a traditional row house in Ahmedabad I always pondered how a central courtyard influenced our daily lives.This curiosity matured into a deeper passion for architecture during my undergraduate studies at Sal School of Architecture. Throughout those formative years i resonated strongly with the quote “ Architecture is a visual art, and the buildings speak for themselves”. This connection intensified while traveling across India, observing the rich visual arts and architecture shaped by its inhabitants. One important example was the Bhunga houses of Kut...

How do you communicate consistently during a project?

2024-11-02T10:01:00-04:00

Help needed, you guys.

I became a manager at my job last January. I've apparently been too easygoing with my team (formerly peers, now my staff) because I'm getting phone calls from clients that my folks are not meeting deadlines and aren't communicating. I know, I think we all know, that staying in GOOD communication with clients is the most important thing to avoid issues.

I've said many times that we need to touch base with clients weekly at minimum. But getting anyone to actually DO it seems impossible. We're all so busy doing the work (and trying to get new work) that the communication - updates, draft deliverables, answering emails - falls by the wayside.

I want to offer a carrot not a stick. Has anyone come up with a strategy to ensure that my folks consistently:

1. Answer every email within 24 hours

2. Send a weekly update email stating status of the work

3. Follow up on requests for information that the client have not responded to yet

4. ...etc.?

I swear this shit was ...

A Design Child Of Art

2024-11-01T21:22:00-04:00

Architects, you design buildings. I’m interested in tiny ones. Tiny houses to be exact and I’m gauging interest from those who could design them.

I am purchasing land and am going to start small as the property manager with a few investors for 2-3 tiny homes that are experiential in nature.

But this is not my dream, my dream is a true experience from start to finish in a beautiful location. This will require an architect and an artsy one at that. I would like to offer different locations on the property to different who will design and capture a feeling or essence in their creation. It could be a part of your portfolio and you can receive all profits from your designed space.

This is a dream in the making and will require significant capital. I’m just gauging interest

To all the disappointed students

2024-11-01T17:18:00-04:00

Last year MArch student here, and let me tell you, it doesn’t get better—just clearer how disappointing architecture school really is. I entered with no architecture background and had to teach myself everything, from design approaches to software. The instructors, mostly relics, hold pointless desk crits three times a week without bothering to teach or prepare lectures. They seem to believe that their years in the field somehow qualify as knowledge that can be passed on purely through “critiquing.” Bear in mind, most of them haven’t even practiced architecture!

Best,
A thoroughly disappointed student from your prestigious Canadian architecture school

UK Practice Legal Responsibility

2024-11-01T14:39:56-04:00

Can anyone translate how criminal charges can be brought in a case like this? The operable portion of a window vent on a tower under construction fell out and hit and killed a pedestrian.

Do UK architects have liability exposure for site safety?

Foster + Partners court appearance over 2018 tower death is delayed

Architecture Competition Discussions

2024-11-01T13:36:00-04:00

Hi, I want to start a thread to talk about current competitions. Which ones do you feel like participating in, any of them free of fees, or other things you want to talk about?

How to get started to do some side gig - design or non design related

2024-11-01T11:57:00-04:00

Hi, I have been working in NYC with an 8 years of experience specializing in multi-family residential buildings. It has been okay but now I am in my early 30s and the salary of an architect is just not sufficient to start a family in a way that doesn't feel like a struggle. This has taken a toll to my life as my wife is saying she feels insecure with what I am making. She is not wrong, i feels the same way as I see in the past couple years many talented people with over 20 and 30 years of experience got laid off. How do people here get started? How do you find clients? How to get the right consultants with reasonable pricing that won't scare away the clients? Which field of practice would be an easier start? I need to do something or I felt like my life will fall into crumbles really soon... I am registered and I just need to find a way to make money with it.

I regret that over the years I haven't build much connections beyond my corporate job and had a hard time getting access to ...

Job opportunities abroad post-graduation? Italy to be specific....

2024-10-31T17:50:00-04:00

I've read extensively about the challenges of finding architecture employment in Italy after graduation. As a non-EU citizen with a U.S. B.Arch degree, I’m aware that securing a work visa could be difficult, especially in a job market that may be saturated with recent Italian graduates.

Currently, I'm employed post-graduation, but I'm interested in hearing from anyone who’s made this transition. If you're willing to share your experiences and any challenges you faced, I’d love to learn more, as it’s something I’d like to pursue in the near future.

My portfolio: https://issuu.com/nathanhbach/...

Helpful Resource for Dutch Architecture Painters and D5 Render

2024-10-31T14:12:14-04:00

A video about Dutch Architecture Painters, Rhino 8, and D5 Render.

UT Austin M.arch application

2024-10-31T12:04:00-04:00

Hello everyone,

I’m applying to the M.Arch program at UT Austin for the upcoming semester and would love to hear from those who have applied or have relevant experience. I’m an architect from India with a five-year bachelor’s degree and three years of experience at Footprints E.A.R.T.H., as well as another firm.

I’m particularly interested in insights regarding letters of recommendation, statements of purpose, and portfolio reviews. What do you think makes a strong letter? Are there specific qualities or experiences that should be highlighted? Also, I would appreciate any advice on how to effectively convey my passion for architecture and my fit for the program in my statement.

I’ve included a link to my portfolio below, and I would be grateful for your honest feedback on its content and presentation.

https://issuu.com/salonishah28...

Thank you in advance for your help!

Best regards,

Saloni

Email resources--Architects Newspaper, Dezeen and ?

2024-10-30T10:02:26-04:00

I'm teaching studio in the US for the first time and I'm realizing my students don't look at a lot of architecture. I'm working on showing them more in studio and giving them specific precedents.

I'd like to find some resources that will essentially appear in their inboxes. I'm a bit out of touch but am wondered what I can suggest they sign up for or follow on Insta. The obvious ones to me are The Architect's Newspaper and Dezeen. Are there other's you would recommend? I mostly want them to regularly see good architecture from all over.

Competitors to issuu.com for sharing portfolio

2024-10-28T12:00:37-04:00

Hey everyone,

Does anyone else feel as though issuu.com gets a bit laggy? Are there any good competitors out there?

Thanks!

Should I get a master degree for algorithms-aided-desigh to get a better pay?

2024-10-23T11:22:00-04:00

Hi evertyone!Well,I hope you have a good day.I want to hear some different sounds from the architect seniors over the different country.I want to get a algorithms-aided-design like itech in University of Stuttgart.Could someone give some advice about the decision and how do you view the prospective of Advanced Architecture.Could I have a nice return?I am glad to hear any advice and appreciate.Thanks!

Client refusing to pay

2024-10-23T07:43:00-04:00

Hi everyone.

I'm looking for advice on a contentious issue.

I've got a client who, after seeing three bids come in 100k over his 450k budget.

His rationale for not paying is that since he can't afford to build the project, the drawings are useless to him.

I offered to get another bid for him, and then if it still came in too high, I offered to 'value engineer' the project to lower the cost and hopefully get it closer to his budget.

Fortunately, I do have a signed contract with the client, and nothing in the contract says anything about guaranteeing him that the project will meet his 450K budget, or any budget for that matter.

I've never had to sue anyone, but am thinking I may not have a choice here. The balance due from the client is 9K. For me, it's a lot of money that I really can't afford to walk away from.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? And if so, do you have advice on how to proceed from here? I haven't yet responded to the client, since he emailed me that he wa...

What did you learn from studio?

2024-10-21T23:15:00-04:00

What did your school’s studio class teach you that you still apply today, whether in practice or in your way of thinking??

Fundamentals of Architecture

2024-10-21T23:13:33-04:00

What do you believe are the fundamentals of architecture as a profession?