Archinect - Forum

New Logo Options

2024-06-30T13:05:00-04:00

Hi everyone,

New member here.

I'm a 30 year old architect, and so far I have been working for other companies. As I intend to eventually go solo, and slowly start to develop my own 'thing', I have been thinking about a new logo. I've narrowed it down to these options:

I wanted to keep it simple, preferably not too pretentious, and at the same time to relate it somehow - even if just on an abstract level - to building (structure, mass, etc). Most of them are basically my initials - PA. I'm mostly drawn to a kind of silent, "low-profile" architecture (if possible, with a twist), and my aim is to focus mainly on small scale residential projects (if you find this information helpful at all).

This is a work in progress, and any feedback would be appreciated.

What do you think?

Thank you,

This is so damn bad...

2024-06-27T14:44:51-04:00

Tom Wiscombe's Saudi Project

Russian education in USA

2024-06-27T14:08:00-04:00

Hello!

I have a Russian diploma (college) in technician with a degree in civil and residential construction.

I worked for 4 years, for 3 years I worked as an assistant architect, that is, I drew under the guidance of an architect. And for a year I worked as a design engineer, I developed drawings of reinforced concrete structures.

My first question is: with such a case, what can I count on here in the states? Now I live in Minnesota.

My second question is: Where can I find building codes here in the states? How to find drawing rules.

The third question is: do they hire people with poor English?

Thank you! And good mood to all!

Inspirational Websites

2024-06-27T12:56:22-04:00

The title says it all.

What websites do you use for inspiration in architecture? They don't have to an architectural website. Disclaimer: They do have to be safe for work. You know who I'm talking to. ;)

CEU Credits in Seattle, WA

2024-06-26T13:38:08-04:00

Hello,

I am in charge of Lunch and Learns at my firm. I was curious if anyone in the Seattle area could connect me to material reps giving CEU credit courses?

Thanks!

NYC Architects- Plumbing fixtures code question

2024-06-24T13:16:00-04:00

Hi all.

I have a project in NYC within cellar levels of housing complexes. The cellar level has multiple occupancies including Factory/Industrial, Storage, Business, and sometimes Assembly. I used the 2022 NYC BC to determine the total occupant load and 2022 NYC PC to determine the plumbing fixture counts.

Since the various occupancies have such small areas, if I use the standard method of calculating fixture totals, I end up with like 8 WCs just because I'm adding fixtures that are needed for each of the occupancies. My question is- have ya'll ever used the fractional method?

Per 2022 NYCPC 403.1.1 Fixture calculations (image attached) I took my occupant load and divided up by each occupancies' required fixture ratios in 403.1. Then I add all the fractional numbers of plumbing fixtures, then round up to the next whole number to get my total fixtures.

Attaching another image showing a sample calc - in red column the calculation using the standard method vs the last column in black...

Gridline Labelling Standards

2024-06-19T23:14:44-04:00

What is the standard for labelling gridlines? Should they be on the top or bottom of the sheet and left or right?

How do you handle small tenant fit-out MEPs?

2024-06-18T20:38:58-04:00

How do you handle small tenant fit-out MEPs?

Most of the time, these are small budget projects that may not warrant getting MEP consultants. I was going to add general notes indicating that the MEP portions of the project "shall be design-build."

I notice many architects include an RCPs with lighting locations, emergency lighting locations as well as exit sign and fire pull station and horn/strobe locations.

Do you include these? I know we can determine where we need exit signs from the IBC, however something like emergency light locations, do you like to own this? Are you actually determining the illuminance of the egress path? Why not don't show them and defer to the electrical or fire alarm design-build contractor?

Also, regarding sprinklers, if you are moving/building walls yet not necessarily creating new sprinkler work, therefor not triggering a sprinkler permit and getting sprinkler design-builder involved, do you do a double check that they are still in compliance by referenci...

Deleted News comments?

2024-06-18T19:29:38-04:00

I posted a few (snarky) comments on a news post this morning and they're now gone... has this happened to any of you?

Given the vitriol I've seen posted here I assumed there weren't any mods, haha. To be clear, I think posts should be removed as Archinect sees fit to create the online forum they want. Just an interesting editorial choice. Didn't think my comment was that rude...

How much should I charge?

2024-06-17T10:59:00-04:00

Can anyone help me figure this out? I got a referral to do a ADU drawing and permit. The project is in LA area and it is a attached ADU unit that is already built but the owner wants to get a permit for it. The original architect who worked on this project has health issues so he cannot finish working on this project. However, this project has already went thought first round of plan check and has most of the required forms etc.

Should I take this project and if so, how much should I charge? I am an licensed architect with about 10 years of experience.

How to authenticate a seal stamp

2024-06-13T01:25:00-04:00

Greetings everyone

It’s a pleasure to join here, I’m just an active in earth building.

I used the service of a freelance international architect, to complete a structural design and calculation for a simple residential building. My requirement that the materials should be reviewed, approved and stamped from US certified architect.

I received the material stamped from a certified architect in California.

The international architect failed to connect me with the American architect to authenticate the stamp. I reached a conclusion that it is forged.

I need to reach to an official establishment that confirmed my conclusion, so I can settle the issue.

I appreciate if any of you can lead me to the easiest way.

Kind regards

Gensler CEO switch?

2024-06-10T15:37:00-04:00

What's going on at Gensler? I noticed they announced new CEOs last Fall. Jordan Goldstein and Julia Simet. But last week they announced a new woman is stepping in as Co-CEO with Jordan. What happened to Julia? Is the firm stable? I am interviewing for a position there now so any insight would be helpful.

Modular as a solution to US under-housing? [NYT shared link]

2024-06-10T11:04:37-04:00

Of interest to this community [this should be readable, no paywall]:

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/08/headway/how-an-american-dream-of-housing-became-a-reality-in-sweden.html?unlocked_article_code=1.yk0.ZFar.iclv18AiAAZA&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

I’m of the mind that US is too money crazy to do modular in any kind of friendly way — likely disastrous results akin to the idiotic no-window dorm proposal we saw a few years ago.

I’m open to being wrong, but my guess is that all the customization required to make modular building not terrible is exactly what will be deemed to expensive to build in reality.

Thoughts?

2024-06-08T22:43:00-04:00

https://www.bloomberg.com/news...

Mid-career pivot to Architecture

2024-06-05T17:34:00-04:00

I've seen a number of these posts but want to get thoughts. I'm an undergraduate mechanical engineer / math major from east coast target school for finance, and have worked in finance/consulting since graduation. I currently work at a hedge fund but find the work soul crushing and want to get back to the technical, physical work that drew me to engineering in the first place, so I applied to an M.Arch +3 at USC. I'm from LA, always loved architecture (would've studied that / civil if my school had -- and I get it, loving beautiful buildings is not the same as designing bathrooms for commercial boxes) and have connections in RE development, however everything I see on this forum says don't do it, the grass is not greener.

Question is this - given you can work toward licensure as a student in the program, is it really that uphill of a climb to break into the industry if I'd be starting the M.Arch program at 31? And what are the mechanisms for people to improve comp? Is it purely deve...

What are some of your favorite museum architecture designs?

2024-06-05T12:41:20-04:00

Either based on looks, details, layout, functionality, etc. Places that left an impression on you. Any museums that "stood out"?

Thank you very much.

Please review my portfolio

2024-06-04T03:08:20-04:00

Hi All,

Please have a look through and provide feedback on my portfolio.

Your feedback is highly valuable.

https://issuu.com/rishan.ahame...

Popularity of traditional galavanized vs HDG in industrial buildings

2024-06-03T14:34:11-04:00

Hello all,

Last time I came here with some market research questions and got some great responses. I'm back, but this time thinking about steel purlin usage for metal building (for roofs, primarily). I have been trying to work through how much of the market is preferring HDG over traditional galvanization processes. I had one guy in the west tell me that there split is 75% HDG, and said traditional galavanized purlins are non-existent. On the other hand, I had someone more east that said that maybe his region was about 25% share traditional galv usage, but didn't differentiate between HDG and traditional. What do you all make of this? How much of the market is truly galvanized, and how much of is HDG? I would love to hear any perspectives

plans of stairs in between floors

2024-06-02T19:11:01-04:00

hi, I hope everyone is well.

I'm not sure if this has been posted in the right place.

The stairs don't have floor plates covering them, but I don't know how to draw the stairs in between going up and going down.

1st image is of the type of stairs/building I have talking about.

2nd: ground floor stairs.

3rd: 2nd floor stairs.

4th: 1st floor (where view of stairs gos both up and down).

Painting open stud walls

2024-05-30T16:52:00-04:00

Hey everyone,

I recently saw a photo of a painted open stud garage and I'd like to achieve a similar look with mine. Before starting, I wanted to get some advice to make sure my plan makes sense.

1) Some of the wood studs are very textured and splintered. Would it make sense to skim a thin layer of plaster over these pieces to smooth them out? Not looking for perfection but just wanting to make it a bit smoother. Picture 1,Picture 2

2) I've cleaned the wood as best as I can, but there's still a lot of grime and dirt. I found a bottle of "Old English Furniture Polish," so the previous owner may have used this oil. Do you think there will be any adhesion issues when priming and painting? I plan to use Zinsser BIN primer and Sherwin-Williams Emerald Paint.

3) The original vapor barrier (waxed paper) between the studs gets wet/moist during heavy rains. Instead of painting over it, I was thinking of cutting sheets of Tyvek or poly material from Home Depot and stapling them between the st...

nusantara / university engagement

2024-05-29T14:27:18-04:00

Curious if folks know of any English speaking architecture schools engaging with the Nusantara project in Indonesia ? Visits, studios, lectures, anything ?

any insight appreciated

CFP: International Archive of Women in Architecture Milka Bliznakov Research Prize

2024-05-28T12:50:06-04:00

The IAWA Center invites architects, scholars, professionals, students, and researchers to honor IAWA founder Professor Milka T. Bliznakov through research on women in architecture and related design
fields. This research, in concert with the preservation efforts of the IAWA, is intended to help fill the current void in historical knowledge about women’s professional achievements. The prize is designed to facilitate in-person research in the IAWA archive and produce scholarship related to the work of women who shaped the designed environment, thus preserving for posterity a record of their achievements.

The Board of Advisors of the International Archive of Women in Architecture Center (IAWA) presents this Annual Prize of $5000. The prize is awarded in two stages. After proposals are submitted and evaluated, a Milka Bliznakov Research Prize Residency Candidate will be named and awarded $2500 to facilitate travel to the Archive in Blacksburg, VA. After the Candidate has completed resear...

Seeking Feedback on My Dream Home Renovation in Google SketchUp

2024-05-21T01:21:00-04:00

I'd love to get your feedback on my home re-design. I've created a detailed replica of my house using Google SketchUp and have virtually renovated it. While I didn't stick to a budget, I made sure not to modify any exterior walls except for extending bedroom #5 past the fireplace to enlarge the laundry room.

Though this renovation is beyond my financial reach, it's been a fun project to dream about. I'd appreciate any thoughts or suggestions you might have on how I can further improve my design.

https://imgur.com/a/W2QQ6zm

Seeking Advice: TU Delft Graduates Taking the ARE in the US

2024-05-20T22:07:00-04:00

Has anyone graduated from TU Delft and taken the ARE in New York City or another state in the US?

I would love to hear about your experience with the process and the approximate timeline for completing the entire licensing procedure.

When architects make architecture, is it created for the public, yourself, or other architects?

2024-05-04T00:47:48-04:00

Certainly this question depends on the context, but this field feels narcissistic, sometimes disregarding the public just to create something different yet ugly for the sake of innovation, especially considering that uniqueness seems to be praised more than beauty in school. Yes, beauty is often subjective, but there are certain design choices that have been done for years that the mind registers as more satisfying than others, and beauty itself is a function…

Slanted Tile Floor

2024-04-28T14:32:00-04:00

There a building in Brooklyn located at 500 State St. that has a slanted Floor and I would like to know the purpose of intentionally being slanted, it is not a settling issue.

It is currently a Zen Buddhist Temple that I attend regularly. As one enters front door, the floor is level for about 10' then it slants down for a drop of 18" at a distance of 45'. The flooring is 18"x12" Ceramic Tiles.

In a google search I found out that it was built around 1875. Originally a row home then in 1924 it was combined with the home next to it to create the 'State Street Chapel' 30' wide. By 1927 the Chapel was now listed as 'Ericson & Ericson Funeral Chapel.

It was purchased by Zen Mountain Monastery in 2000. The reason it is an issue is while doing Sitting and Walking meditation for long periods of time it is very noticeable and sometime uncomfortable.

Someone mentioned it is because it was a Funeral Home and so the body can be viewed better??

I have drawn the estimated dimensions on p...

What was schooling like in the 1950-1970s?

2024-04-26T12:15:00-04:00

As the title say how was schooling during this time? What was learned? What was the general state of architecture, and how did students interact with it?

Where to find the drafters for shop drawings

2024-04-19T09:52:38-04:00

I have a project need find a drafter for the shop drawings of a floating stair. My structural engineer can review and sign the drawing, but he is can't draft. Where can I find a drafter?

I also want to know, in general, where can we find drafter even for architectural drawings. I am a licensed architect, sometimes I do need find someone draw for me to speed things up. Thanks.

General Conditions Limits

2024-04-18T18:00:00-04:00

I'm seeking a clearer definition of General Conditions that I can hang my hat on. I am an architect drafting an AIA B133 agreement, The state and federal funding organizations have strict restrictions on the construction manager's Profit (6%), Overhead (2%), and General Conditions (6%). They don't though define what they consider GC's to be. I need to , delineate what falls under General Conditions and what merits a separate line item in the construction cost (schedule of values). This poses a significant challenge. Simply including everything listed under GCs in the AIA A201 would easily exceed the allowable percentage 2-3 times fold.

Certain elements like management personnel, field office expenses, project safety measures, on-site communication infrastructure, and office supplies undeniably fall under the umbrella of General Conditions.

However, items such as permitting, bonding (given their variability from project to project), builders risk insurance, staking surveying, renta...

Has architectural school always been difficult?

2024-04-17T05:34:50-04:00

What was architectural school before the advent of computers? What has changed since then? And what is its future?