Archinect - Forum

Exposed Steel In Elevator Shaft

2024-09-12T18:01:00-04:00

We have an elevator shaft consisting of 2HR rated shaft wall and metal studs. There is hung intermediate elevator rail support steel in the shaft. Does the hung steel need to be fireproofed or clad over with shaft board, or can the steel be exposed in the shaft? Where in the code would I go to find this?

suggestions for LA?

2024-09-11T10:53:47-04:00

going to be in LA for a couple days on a weekend (driving thru), can you recommend:

1) a neighborhood to stay? [close to experiential stuff...could be beach, Broad museum, or just great sunset cocktails etc. but just there for a little over a full day...we don't need to take in all-the-things...!]

2) must see/do for modern LA [architectural or foodie] on such a short stop?

(not our first visit, won't be our last...looking for what's current from locals)

Designing a data center

2024-09-10T11:53:01-04:00

Any ideas of the best online courses to learn how to design a data center? I've seen some from the uptime institute and cnet, wondering if there are others.

2 hour wall attempt #2

2024-09-08T18:53:52-04:00

Hello All, Before I pass this along to A/E and also have the fire marshal sign off, I hope to get opinions from others who may have seen this scenario before. This is a100 unit senior living development with nine ADA units and and two elevators. Pertaining to my question is the fact that we do not want to install insulation or sheetrock until the roofing is on to protect them from the daily "monsoon" rains that we get in the afternoons and I can't see how we can build up to the roof and follow the detail S-3 to get a 2 hour rated wall.

So...my long winded question is will my mark up showing 2 layers of 5/8 GWB at the stairwell side and 2 layers at the unit side give a two hour seperation.?

...

2 -HR Wall Opinions

2024-09-08T17:58:29-04:00

So...my long winded question is will my mark up showing 2 layers of 5/8 GWB at the stairwell side and 2 layers at the unit side give a two hour seperation.?

...

EDAC or CDT or LEED AP?

2024-08-30T15:50:29-04:00

Hey, I’m trying to decide which certification to get. Please let me know if there’s any that have been useful to your resume and helped get a better pay

Thank you!

Resume/portfolio

2024-08-25T16:06:56-04:00

I’m reworking on my resume and portfolio after 6 years and needing to look at great examples to start off! Could anyone share tips or an example of a good resume and portfolio?

Thanks!

Why is Community & Regional Planning still the stepchild to Architecture?

2024-08-25T10:26:22-04:00

There has been posts where people have questioned their opportunities and their future in the profession as a registered architect - I did pass the ARE but it wouldn't transfer to my home state because I didn't have a five-year professional degree per NCARB requirements - many substantial projects come from Federal, State, Local, and Tribal governments where much project planning work (including site analysis, programming, and budgeting) has already taken place on an administrative level - I have a Masters in Public Administration and a graduate education in Community & Regional Planning and write RFP's for both architectural and planning projects - there is so much opportunity in government service especially with the American Institute of Certified Planner (AICP) designation - your most secure and creative jobs with excellent benefits come from government employment including a secure retirement - as a Building Designer and wide-area Planner I believe this aligned profession has n...

Creative Cloud in Small-ish Firms

2024-08-12T13:41:24-04:00

I’m curious how creative cloud works in other small (less than ~20 people) firms. Do you each get your own creative cloud account from the firm? Do you share transferrable licenses? I’ve worked at a few firms now ranging from 4 to 18 people and have ended up just paying for my own creative cloud account at each one for ease of use because evidently an RFP will be due when the firm account is already in use.

From my experience it seems like the principals who do not use the software don't necessarily understand how the cloud based licensing works and they assume that one personal licenses on the office’s info account (non-transferrable, ie cheaper) is enough for the whole office. This evidently becomes an issue when more people need to be using the software than there are accounts for and it seems like management has been unwilling to pay the extra $90/month/person despite several people attempting to explain the issue and how the programs work. Much of the resistance seems to be from...

AXP Setting Clarity

2024-07-29T13:08:02-04:00

Currently, I work in the design department of major university but I’m not sure how to log this experience in my AXP record. I am in a Designer role and I primarily do design options and drafting DD/CD sets, while the other members of my team are Project Managers. Usually I’m involved on each project to do design work in their place. Our part of the department handles smaller projects that don’t require outside architects so we do the design and sometimes act as GC.

I reached out to NCARB (which wasn’t very helpful), they said that if the firm is a registered architecture firm then it would be Setting A and I can check with my state’s board. The issue is Massachusetts, the state I work in, does not register companies as architecture firms they only register architects. My supervisor is a licensed architect but she is working as a Senior Project Manager.

For my experience, if under the supervision of a licensed architect, would it be Setting A or Setting O because it’s work at a Univer...

Please i need advice about floorplan

2024-07-14T13:03:00-04:00

Hello experts,

I am doing my own project and I have created the following floor plans.
I am a noob so I would like to know if you can find better ways to divide the rooms.
My intention was to build different apartments in one building so that they could be divided in the future by just building a wall.
I am open to any new suggestions please see the pictures.
It is a 3 floor building.

Gluing aluminum flashing on flat surface

2024-07-12T16:18:00-04:00

The overall design is that the front door is about 20" inset from the front wall and the sides of that inset need to be covered, ideally with black metal looking material to match the rest of the trimming around the house

I was planning to use aluminum flashing (need about 20" wide). It needs to remain flat and, perhaps, withstand occasional light bumps. I was thinking of putting some kind of hardybacker backing and then gluing aluminum flashing to it using liquid nails in order to keep it perfectly straight and give little support. But worried about the Aluminum expanding at a different rate in heat and that causing problems. Any thoughts or advice on this? is there an alternative approach or alternative material that would not be cost-prohibitive?

Where in the US can I find a custom motorized wood shutter company?

2024-07-10T13:05:27-04:00

Looking for a company that makes similar products as here: https://www.wooden-blinds.eu/products/outdoor-wooden-blinds/ Looking to embed these shutters on the exterior of full height glass walls and the slats need to be remotely operated both up and down and open and close.

Y'all really hate New Urbanism?

2024-07-08T12:38:00-04:00

A Google search brought me to the Archinect forum, where I was surprised to discover that many forum contributors have a deep disdain for New Urbanism.

This is entirely unexpected.

Enlighten me. Why do architects (seemingly) hate New Urbanism?

Career pivots and a return to architecture -- looking for guidance!

2024-07-07T10:52:58-04:00

Hi there, I'm looking on for some guidance on how to pursue the next step of my career. I have a BS in architecture from Georgia Tech and practiced as an architectural designer for about three years. In 2018 I had an interesting opportunity to get into UI/UX design and have been working in the field as a consultant now for almost six years. It was my hope getting into experience design that I would be able to leverage my background in architecture to think about space design in a different way-- incorporating more research and user centered design to create amazing physical experiences. I haven't really been able to bridge that gap despite my efforts. For the last year or so I've been itching to get back into architecture, I really miss designing spaces (since my job has been much more focused on interface design) and would really like to work on residential spaces. I'm really inspired by the series on Youtube called Never Too Small and I think I would have so much fun working on pr...

Higher Raised Heel Rafter Design

2024-07-06T13:05:00-04:00

Hi, I'm planning on building a house in near future. I want a vented attic with lots of continuous fluffy stuff(R60+) and framed rafters. Wondering if this design with possible modifications has any chance of getting approved by a professional?

The point of it, is raising the top plate for more insulation while countering the force of rafters pushing out.

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...