Of course they wouldn’t, that’s why they are referred to as fake supporters by others, since they only show up during a good season or leave the stadium before the end of the match ;-)

fuck tom brady, man...

By footy I meant soccer ;)

oh, right... I guess that's an ok game to watch but only world/euro cup matches. Maybe premier league, If I'm in a scottish pub in france. That last one happened once and it was wonderful.

watching soccer is like "oh, ho hum this is cool I guess." 

Watching soccer in a pub in Europe/ open air street café/ Bulgarian dive bar is a life-affirming experience and the first time I really "got it."

I dunno, if the game itself doesn’t inspire you...maybe you just like going to high energy parties

Football either separates people or greatly unites them. It's the last vestige of nationalism where Europeans (and South Americans, two continents that understand the game) can express their nationality or pride in their home without being looked down on. EU, being what it is, sort of discourages people from waving their flags, figuratively speaking, in public. So, football is it. Better than lobbing shells onto your neighbours as was gone in the past. In addition, it's the best sport ever invented by people. Unfortunately, hooligans tend to be the by-product of it. But, in reality, football is not to be blamed for it - hooliganism is an illness of a society.

Nah, there's something pretty special about the experience of seeing a proper derby play out ...

I am an avid football fan following most of the major European leagues regularly. In the Netherlands, I root for Ajax since the Johan Cruijff days. They revolutionized modern football and made it a very instinctual, brainy, and creative game that is fun to watch. Of course, there's the South American game which is played with pure talent and artistry.
It's one sport that unifies the entire world.

There I agree with you.

If possible, football should be watched in the stadium though...

^regurgitating.

The thing about conversations is that we were talking about the Dutch, so your protestation rings like a hollow defense that didn't need to be made.

Personally I don't care how much history of racism a country may have had - they are still fuckwits for continuing to practice it.

Ctrl+Z

yeah, maybe I should just turn the whole computer off. Can't concentrate worth anything today.

tintt that was me yesterday. Doing better today. Will have to make up some time this weekend though lol, yay, WFH

.

Yeah and I have a conference call this evening. Forgot to pick my daughter up from school again today. Maybe I need to retire.

the therapeutic 'throwing computers through windows' is just another thing ruined by working from home, thanks covid!

"operable windows"

When I arrived at work this morning I had one major thing on my to do list. I worked my butt off all day, but that one major thing is still not done LOL

I'm going to start tracking shorts! Is wework still going...[asking for a friend.]

Since their entire job is basically gambling, I am having a really hard time feeling bad for them. They can stand to lose some sleep.

I agree w/ WG but am dismayed that troll culture seeping into the real world is getting a pat on the back

Over the hedge was a cute movie. I liked the bear, even though he was the villain. Is this the same hedge you're talking about?

I'm almost certain that's exactly what everyone is talking about NS. I think the bear also plays video games though.

balls. of. steel. assuming it's a guy, but hoping it's not.

Good point, my 401K dropped 3% this week. But it went up 6% in the last two weeks so I'm not worried (yet). I don't know if my investment company, American Funds, participates in shorting stocks or not, but I would assume they do.

Pretty dumb system we got here, if you ask me.

Well, yes and no. If you know what you are doing or hire someone who does as an advisor, you could stay ahead of the inflation or make a few pennies. If you don't, you'll lose your shirt. It's, essentially, legalised form of gambling. One of the keys to investing is knowing when you should cash in, and get out or put your earnings into something else.

Just because some people win doesn't mean the whole thing isn't real dumb. In fact, when you look at who seems to win the most often, it seems dumber.

@WG - most mutual fund companies don't engage in shorting.

I mean, I know this would mean substantial liability for the architect but it seems like someone should be subject to a class action lawsuit for selling people dangerous buildings?

Someone correct me if I'm wrong (I'm US-based!), but my recollection was that the UK didn't have codes prohibiting the use of these materials (in conjunction with certain insulation) on buildings of this height and type, like we do in the US (specifically NFPA 285). The manufacturer, though, did have "fine print" warning not to use the material on a high rise, but this was apparently ignored over there (or not clear). So, they now have a huge stock of buildings that are clad similarly to Grenfell and the gov't must have made it mandatory to remove the materials (retroactive code, almost!). I didn't realize residents now had to foot the bill... NFPA 285 has been in the code for a long time, but it's only really in the last 5-10 years where it really came under the spotlight over here. My previous firm definitely had a bit of a "panic" moment where we were checking all of our projects for any errors.

what do you mean Donna? The architect should be sued with class-action lawsuit for pretending this building was safe? If so, yeah that totes makes sense. The shit they did on this project is crazy as hell.

Class action lawsuits may work differently in UK than they do in USA. From what I've read about this, there is a whole lot of blame to go around, from the architects to the manufacturer of the insulated panels (Celotex/Saint Gobain) to building authorities to the contractor(s). In North American parlance, a total, and complete clusterfvck!

In the UK, some leaseholder contracts stipulate that any major building works require a contribution by the leaseholder to an agreed sum £. This is in addition to any ground rent that they already pay.

knock a few of those dividers down and build yourself a fort.

I would but I'm boxed in.

Cubically Contained

I should of seen that coming . . .

this is luxurious compared to my nyc sized desk (equivalent to the single space where the screen is located). hasn't been a problem of late, but i would kill for some privacy.

I do a lot of sketching, model building, and conceptual design. For me that requires a bit more room and at least 30" deep desks. It's a pet peeve of mine - if you have 24" x 36" drawings you need a 30" deep desk. If you have 30" x 42" drawings you need a 36" deep desk. No architectural workspace should have desks less than 30" deep - it's just stupid.

As for the privacy - I prefer collaboration and open communication.  This is probably because again, I do a lot of conceptual design and find it helpful to be able to actually speak and sketch with others in the office.  

me at 10:30 Saturday morning

That’s a strange coffee mug.

Non, my theory is that the 8-minute productivity came at least in part from whatever mental stretching might have happened during that pre-dawn session. At least that's my frequent experience: seemingly mindless, multiple dead-ends at my desk, then a useful thought occurring to me in the shower or on a walk that might not have come without the earlier head-scratching.

Wishes for fun and learning for the kiddo!

NS - my schedule is sort of like that too, except my kids are in person two days a week and remote the rest of the week - and I don’t get my chunk of time on the remote days until after 9pm (and I’m usually exhausted by then). The rest of the day is grabbing 30 minutes here, an hour there. Also one of those in person days is a half day and I have to pick them up. Unfortunately what I’m doing right now is a lot of paper pushing and people are getting pissed off that I’m not as responsive.

Very good observation. I was racking my head over a elevation design all week and getting frustrated that I could not get anywhere within the 2ish hour blocks I worked. Then as I was driving around for errands on Saturday, It all came together and in 42seconds, a dozen frustrated hours came to fruition.

Axo, I know exactly what you mean. These last few weeks would have been much more mangeable if I were doing CA or drawing reviews... but so far 2021 is bringing me only design. A welcome change, but man is it hard to get that type of work done in a piece-meal schedule.

Daycare opens next week, am delighted...

Rando, how long have daycares been shut?

2021 is bringing me a lot of clients that are ridiculously happy with the designs and project management but who want to pay about $14/hour for me to bring them that happiness and who want to text message me 6 times a day to get updates and who also don't feel like paying even though they are perfectly happy with the work, it's just that they are paying for all this other stuff (construction) so money is tight and maybe I can be of a help that way by not being paid and asking me if I can just take this one on for fun, for my portfolio. 4 non-paying clients at once can really make me think twice about what the f I'm doing here. Might have to get a hot dog cart to supplement the income, lol.

Tintt, can you at least carry spicy Italian sausages?

And as per your story:

I'm withholding, yes. But sometimes they can wait for weeks or months and therefore I do too. Getting three checks today and the fourth later this week thank goodness. Still really hurts the cash flow and lots of time wasted to remind clients that this is a job for me, that I really do need the money and I'm not charging them to be mean. One of my clients is in the hospital with covid. His son found a post-it note that said to pay me and I'm actually getting paid for that one which was one I was considering letting go so that's nice. And yes, spicy italian sausages we will have. 

NS, daycares were closed in March for 2 months and since December until next week...

All this talk of at home learning, daycare, and the general weirdness of kid learning makes me glad that I have no crotch fruit.

Rando, ours shut down march-july(ish) then again for january.

Hopefully this was it, with vaccinations taking off etc. (knocks on wood)

Have you gotten a vaccination yet rando? I'm not sure what it's like in your country but here in 'Murica the distribution process is not going well . . .

We're the slowest vaccinators in the EU, only 1% (positive estimate) of the population got their first shot, mostly healthcare workers or managers and support staff in hospitals and some elderly and people in a risk group. Not sure when I'll be eligible, have to wait and see.

I've been chewing on old pizza boxes and reciting my rosary to fend of C19. So far so good, so it must work, right? I'm "expecting" the shots mid to late summer since I'm in the last group but I have a few family members (medical fields) who got it . I think my wife is in the 2nd group and may expect in come spring. I believe my province is completing the old-age home shots this week (or starting them, not sure, it's complicated).

Don't feel bad. I'm a type 1 diabetic with asthma and I'm lumped in with group 4 of 4 for getting the vaccine. I was told expect 9-12 months before I can get it.

Hopefully you're immunity will last until then...

I have no idea. I'm still wearing a mask and all that. People around here are actually asking my why I'm still doing these things because they think I can't get infected or infect others. Morons.

Chad, I was just on the state's website and it looks to me like you are in group 2 with rollout this spring. I don't even see a group 4.

Chad, look at this https://coloradosun.com/2021/02/02/colorado-coronavirus-vaccine-priority-guide/#Q105

Sorry, I meant group 3. I was told by the state because of my overall healthiness I'm in the last group. I don't know if I should be happy or upset.

I know the quiz says I'm group 2 however the state health department said nope, you're group 3 because you're in better shape than most 'normal' people and we don't have enough vaccines.  

Well see if you can get heart disease or some other comorbidity and you'll get bumped up.

I (jokingly) keep telling my wife to stress out about the vaccine rollout more so she can add hypertension and anxiety to the list of health issues so she might get bumped ahead in line.

I could always try and get both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

That's the spirit!

I was supposed to be phase 1c of Chicago’s plan, but the surgery got rid of all my previous co-morbidities. I’m last in line now.

only two levels?

God damn that is excellent. 

Brilliant.

Well one one level it's a perfect skewering of the "outside" dining solutions popping up around the country. And on another level it absolutely nails archi-speak. There might be other levels as well.

This might be implicit in the archi-speak level, but I also liked the level on which it was all to post-rationalize and give meaning to the decisions made which largely had no thought put into them at all.

"My process for this piece was thoughtful yet improvisational, driven by curiosity and discovery. First, I imagined my ideal restaurant. Then, I built a smaller, more ramshackle version of that, and put it in the street. That was pretty much it. Unless you consider writing this statement part of my artistic process, which would be fair since the elaborate act of justifying why all of this is okay takes about as much energy as the rest of it."

It's what I felt like in most of my art and design classes.

There's also the (political?) satire level:

"Finally, I would be remiss if I did not thank the government for failing to provide this restaurant with the help it would need to simply stay closed through this pandemic. Their lack of support makes my art possible."

Thanks for sharing, I really needed that...working on a teaching and research statement and could really use some inspiration!

Well, I had to change my password so it looks like liberty bell is dead now.

long live the queen!

.

Gunned down in her prime.

Aw, that makes me sad. May she rest in piece.

NOT. ON. MY. WATCH!!

Donna has better hair.

it looks awesome

I'm all about seedy rep experiences. Gotta take your perks where you can get them in this business!

Orange Converses? Nice.

Nice! A brewery client just dropped off a couple cases of craft brew for us this afternoon. Cheers!

I don't know, that has Sex Wagon vibes.

an intern.

Interns and lasers... is there anything they can't do?

so, these interns come with lasers now...? huh

looking at that ^^^ ... i think just the laser is gonna be cheaper

Is that how laser cutters work. I keep hearing the interns talk about them . . .

we use a consulltant to do the building survey drawings. building survey is a direct contract from consultant to owner.

flatroof are you wearing your mask(s) while seated at your desk?

We have to wear a mask if we leave our desk area

Even though we can take our masks off at our desks when in the office, I still keep it on.

What about pants?

I never wear pants - they infringe on my liberties and personal freedoms. 'MURICA!

I do wear a mask though because I'm not a selfish asshole.

Briefs: like a n95 mask for your butthole.

cropdusters scoff

I’ve gotten into Kilts lately, although they are most certainly NOT SUITED for Chicago winters.

Maybe. As a former design manager and before that as a construction manager, I can say that it's no fun to have to cater, cajole and bribe employees to do what they should be able to do on their own. It takes a lot of time and mental energy that should be spent elsewhere. But I'm sure the phrase has been misused as well.

Lol… agreed. I get that on employee reviews. To them ‘self motivated’ appears to mean, I’ll assign you a project, without any additional support and do the same for all your co-workers. Then you’ll better be ready for a Hunger Game’ish environment fighting, forming alliances, etc. to secure resources and staff to help you. I also need to “step up” which is essentially to climb over and beat down lesser PM’s taking more of the staff to meet my deadlines thus showing I'm not only motivated, but a fierce PM worthy of patronage of the game host. If I do really good, I can be paraded in front of clientele like the prized PM I am; my costume this year might have a bowtie :P

^ Only the bowtie; nothing else ;o]

mightyaa, you're hired!

The other red flag is 'dedicated'. You don't think someone is dedicated who became an architect? Oh you mean willing to work long hours for no additional pay. Yeah fuck off.

"Take Ownership" is a huge red flag to me... as in "Please take ownership of ____," despite clearly having no ownership stake.

The misuse of that phrase is abundant, and the guilt lays on those in power. I think a well run organization is one that sets the flag in the ground, and allows those with the skills to realize that vision, to have the autonomy to do it. Lead, and get out of the way.

+1 shell. these are all euphemisms for opportunities of exploitation.

That’s seriously impressive. I wish I had that kind of free time, though.

Wonder how much of that was bought from Lester Freamon.

obscure wire reference ftw.

Classic. You are likely correct.

is that a dig on the drivers?

cuz VW headlights are stoopidly inaccessible

that happens often on my projects with one particular contractor. I guess placing "must submit shop drawings prior to fabrication or installation" notes on every sheet is not enough.

Submittals are not to double check our drawings, they're to double check your sub's reading comprehension.

Haven't seen it from the AHJ, but have been seeing it on drawings I'm reviewing. "Primary" bedroom, etc.

I tried to make my project switch to Primary or Owner's bedroom but that didn't really work out. Oh well. Got bigger fish to fry.

I do my best to be sensitive to those with experiences different than mine, and when I heard about the movement to stop using "master" for bedrooms and bathrooms I got on board. Upon further review I'm not sure it's really warranted but I don't have strong feelings about it. So now I just ask my clients what they would like to call it--it sets the stage that I'm a sensitive new age guy but not rigid in my approach.

Currently I have several Master Bedrooms, a few Primary bedrooms, a few Principal bedrooms, and several that are just numbered bedrooms. Personally I like the idea of using numbers the most. Especially since many of my clients sleep in separate rooms, though they are usually loathe to admit it.

While I support the cause, having the AHJ call it out seems extreme to me.

um... define crazy cold? -21c the other day and we went to play outside in the snow. Anyways, there are cold-weather admixtures but typically when I've had concrete poured in our winters, they cover the slabs with blankets and pump heat in. It's not cheap tho. I had one project a while back where the masons thought it was a good idea to lay the brick in january. The workers were in t-shirts thanks to the many propane burners inside their little work tents. Side story, ever have to discuss the load-bearing properties of river ice for movable cranes? I have.

When working in Duluth MN I've had to discuss the forces generated by shore ice and ice from noreasters.

Also be careful with those cold weather concrete addmixtures if you're going to be doing staining and / or polishing - they can impact the quality of those processes.  

What was no big deal, though? The shaving or the groin? Absent any evidence to the contrary I think you're fine.

I've been shaved there 2 times, for my bachelor party and for my vasectomy; the big deal comes after the shave.

Itchy AF for a while.

Great news, Chad!  I do find it odd when I go in for a back adjustment, they say I need my groin shaved =O/

That's great Chad, I hope it helps. The groin comments remind me of the doctor who gave a prostate exam. He said, "don't worry, an erection is normal." The patient said, "I don't have an erection." Doctor said, "I wasn't talking about you." Happy Friday.

Oh my god the itching.

The contractor I noted above, has me banging my head. 

Every time I do a new set of drawings, I take the lessons learned from the last time, and try to make the next set better. This last set of drawings is the best set I've put together. Thoroughly detailed, clearly delineated information, pretty damn good. So how do I end up with the dumbest mf? Why is there tile in places not drawn, or listed in the schedule? Why am I not getting samples or draw downs of paint per the schedule....? 

You know what, I'm going to better on the next set, and then I'm going to be the contractor, so that way when he fucks up, my boot will have less distance to travel.

Beato is a cool dude.

I only recently stumbled across Beato. Great stuff.

I just wish he'd quit trying to tame his amazing hair. That, however, is my cross to bear.

They've got you pigeonholed, eh?

Everyone has their role. Mine comes with a bottle of maple syrup.

Have you stepped on any pieces while barefoot yet? (I haven't heard any swearing from you....)

Just finished the shopping street set with my oldest (its the one with a cargo bike and a very narrow bike lane). These sets are very different from what I remember when I was growing up. There are a lot of fun little hidden details.

We have a huge collection of hand-me-down lego, and this is was the first set we bought. I had forgotten how satisfying a new set is - and both my kids were enthralled by it (and I enjoyed helping out). I have definitely been eyeing the more “adult” sets. The colosseum looks pretty cool.

Hey, at least we know that's one wanker who won't be able to come after our jobs.

continuum?

yes, this guy

Sounds like you successfully hired someone then?

That's what they say. Starts next month.

uh... congratulations?

Does Brad know about this?

#stillgotit

#puttingthehotinhotflashes

Was that you?

I sorry, not sorry.

Wait... isn't that the guy who stole all of that nice lady's money? ;o]

Either:

1) It's a hyper-realistic miniature of the kind built by Toni Collette in Hereditary, and there's only 4 inches from floor to rail; or 

2) It's the first built project complying with the updated Calif Bldg Code requiring "full-time, on-site guardrail nanny to patrol all floor offsets, and paid prevailing wage (including overtime for nights and weekends)." Clearly this is pre-CofO, since the FTOSGN is not present.

I'm not sure I see a problem.

or 3) the code was published with a typo: "guardrails must be of a design which will not allow a 4-foot sphere to pass through."

the drawings show a solid rail, up to code; I would get in trouble if the built rail wasn't like the drawings.

We've all seen this before. They "install" a railing to get past inspection, and tear it out afterwards. The liability lies with the homeowner.

rendering, or photoshopped out the glass?

Everyone wears super quick deploying parachutes at all times.

Possibly Photoshop, or shot before cable rails or infill panels (glass, steel or wood) were installed.

Anyone else bothered by that right door’s latch side being so close to the built in furniture?

I think it's a bad photoshop:

Pete, I'm not sure what you're circling but the original image is more clear than the link above: https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/6025/4b1f/f91c/81c4/f200/0312/slideshow/SAEZ-PEDRAJA-CALMA-WANG-13.jpg?1613056769. The floor boards break at the post, which would be the easiest approach. The shadow on the left in this image is a bit suspicious, though: https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/6025/499d/f91c/81b8/c700/033c/slideshow/SAEZ-PEDRAJA-CALMA-WANG-10.jpg?1613056387. In a house as bright as that one probably is, they would have to do some photo correction that could result in splotchy areas.

I'm circling the lack of ambient occluded shade. The wall under the shadow in your second image is smeary, kind of like what might happen when you use the clone and healing brushes badly. Or let content-aware fill go nuts. Other images show cleaner lack of legal railing, making me wonder if this might be a mix of two photo sessions, once before the panels were removed, one after.

For example, I don't think anyone photoshopped this one:

citizen, was Hereditary good? I love Toni Collette (I just rewatched Muriels' Wedding when my husband was out of town last weekend, 20+ years later it's still awesome!) and I've heard really weird things about Hereditary.

That's funny, Donna, because I just ran across TC in the remake of Fright Night. She's been in everything! I just rewatched Muriel's Wedding recently and had forgotten how good it/she is. Hereditary is dark and disturbing, and grows more so to a horrifying conclusion. TC is great, as is the whole cast. Bonus for architects: the amazing (real?) models she makes. 

So: watch it, but in a sunny room with lots of other people around =o|

Note the picket railing infill through the glass on the top floor here: https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/6025/4952/f91c/81c4/f200/030c/slideshow/SAEZ-PEDRAJA-CALMA-WANG-7.jpg?1613056321

Good eye, EA. I believe that's the same location as this, top of stairs: https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/6025/4b5f/f91c/81c4/f200/0316/slideshow/SAEZ-PEDRAJA-CALMA-WANG-17.jpg?1613056844. Note the sloppy photoshop work at the corner post.

But check out the stair railing here--looks like metal, but beefier than the interior shots.

. L

EA that picked railing is not the slender slim elegant one from the interior shots, could be even a reflection of a balcony across the street, no?

The house across the street doesn't have white picket railing infill on the balcony. https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/6025/4804/f91c/81c4/f200/0302/slideshow/SAEZ-PEDRAJA-CALMA-WANG-4.jpg?1613055991

My guess, and I could be completely wrong, is that they staged and took most of the photos before the railings were installed. Could have even been a situation where the owner took a credit for picket rails instead of glass, but the architect wanted the look of the original design before it got sullied with the pickets. The aerial shots outside could have been taken on a different date after the railings were installed. If they went with a drone photographer, there could have been scheduling or flight permitting issues.

The lighting is different so I know it was at least at a different time of day ... but even some of the interior shots look like they had different lighting conditions indicating the photo shoot took up different times of the day. Hard to say for sure what really happened, but at least that one shot shows a railing that would be code compliant. The rest, absolutely not.

I grew up in a house that had non compliant railings as well as interior atriums that, if you fell, would have killed ya. I survived.

I have around 15 years experienced and I wouldn't call myself a senior architect. There is still so much I don't know . . .

is it 5-10 years post license? That's sorta how senior gets labelled in my office but really it means nothing since no-one except management gets titles (other than architect). But if everyone is now senior after a Nickle, what's the next tier?

That's a good point NS. I assumed that experience was since graduation.

Super-senior.

I'm a super-senior then with 32 years coming up in april!

in any case, this ad made me look into the "studio", and it seems they secured a contract without the knowledge to make it happen, as it shows they haven't built anything https://archinect.com/jobs/entry/150250854/partner-level-consulting-architect

You really want "SS" attached to your professional title?

Off topic but related--the terms magazine and web editors use are funny. Starting at the bottom you have associate editors. Then senior editors. Then Editors. Above Editor is Deputy Editor. Finally, Executive or Managing Editor. Maybe we need the same system for architects.

I want SS before my title. Like I'm a boat.

Here comes the SS TDUDS pulling in to port!

That just sounds dirty for some reason.

Tonight only, dancing on the main stage: SSTDUDS!!!

Can't spell SS Tduds without S T D. I'll see myself out.

And like that *blows fingers* he was gone (orrhea).

Back on topic, the job post in question notes that licensure is not required. So 5-10 years is just in the industry, not post licensure. I agree that this seems like the intent is to get someone willing to take on more responsibility without needing to pay for a more experienced architect.

Edit to add a #humblebrag: I was titled as a "Senior Associate" at a firm with less experience ... but that's just me.

You only got called a senior architect because you kept yelling at people for driving too fast and walking on your lawn.

^the senior citizen architect

My current title is "Senior Technical Architect, Principal". "Principal" doesn't mean even close to the same thing here as it does everywhere else (I'm below an "Architect, Supervising" and at least three rungs below "Architectural Manager"), but that won't stop me putting it on my resume if I'm ever looking for another job.

I've never liked titles. They changed my title not too long ago and I just kept using "Project Architect" on my email sig. Never ordered new business cards. 

"Project Architect" actually describes what I do unlike Architect III, Senior Architect, Design Leader, or Project Director. 

Ooooh business cards. 

Those are never coming back post-pandemic. "Here, take this damp piece of cardstock that's been in my pocket all day, it smells like my ass."

.

Can you explain your reasoning? I've been trying to justify upgrading from Autocad LT and Sketchup for 15 years now and have a few architect friends who use and like Vectorworks. But others prefer Archicad or Revit.

I used VW at my first job. The autosave nearly ruined me, often saving a giant blank project when I deleted something inadvertently or when I entertained a wild thought and, at the end, closed it thinking "This was not what I wanted, I'll just close, not save, and reopen instead of undoing 100 things". So, yeah, be aware of that. And the bad compatability with industry standards was a constant drain on morale, resources, staff, etc.

Wood, that's my current setup! The only issue I take with AutoCAD LT and SketchUp is making design changes when information needs to be updated in 2D and 3D - you're doing twice the work. SketchUp alone is naff for construction documents, it takes longer than AutoCAD and I dislike the Layout leaders. 

Revit and full AutoCAD are too expensive, both good in their own right, but not cost effective as a sole practitioner. I looked into Revit LT, good price point but no local rendering and no model in place. The latter makes custom cabinetry more complicated. Its not unworkable but it slows the process. 

That's where the benefits of vectorworks should come in, the functionality to price ratio. The Architect plan is approximately 50% cheaper than Revit. The fundamentals is a fraction more than Revit LT but allows rendering and is easier for custom cabinetry. 

SneakyPete, that is a concern, does it not save a new file for every autosave like Revit? I haven't look too much into standards as of yet. 

I'll be trialling VW and Revit LT in the coming weeks on a basic renovation concept for my own home so I can see which works out more efficient.

This was back in 2007, I haven't kept up with things, I apologize if you find that my information is woefully out of date.

If you’re trialling VW and Revit LT, might as well give ArchiCAD a try...

Easy, recess the windows 4’ into the space.

Waivers are your friend.

Robust rain screen, vented roof, high quality European membranes and tapes for a bulletproof WRB, recessed windows, brise soleils...

How do roof overhangs help with sun exposure except at mid-day?

Depends on how high your roof eave is relative to the adjacent floor, no?

Big trees?

UV damage and solar exposure for a house with no overhanging or shading elements isn't going to be dramatically higher than one with said overhangs. Unless you typically design large overhangs with wrap around covered porches on everything.

Bench, I don't want to overdue promotions here, but since you asked ;-)

https://mailchi.mp/1aa1da4c822b/the-bs-beer-show-april-30-5896500.

I've known Jesper for 10+ years and he's just a great guy all around and does excellent work. I'm looking forward to hear what Anna has to contribute as well; I don't know her. It should be a fun and informative show.

Next week, Kohta Ueno from Building Science Corp will be joining us to talk about building envelope monitoring. Join our mailing list here: https://mailchi.mp/3e8e27ba8332/thebsandbeershow.

Not that you need one more place to plug the show, but a blog for the series would be an idea to allow you to promote it on the site without feeling like you’re taking over the forums. Would also allow discussion after the show in the comments etc. Though with the show, the newsletter, the YouTube channel, etc. do you really need one more thing to worry about each week?

I'll also throw out a relevant case study that I visited just before pandemic shutdowns:

https://cowbellbrewing.com/sus...

Certainly not viable in an urban setting, but this brewery is attempting to integrate a lot of rural-specific sustainability measures into their business plan; the overall net-zero vision they're pursuing is well done. And the brewery design is quite good too!

We do encourage follow-up conversation at GBA: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blog/bs-and-beer, and Kiley (GBA editor and BS + Beer co-host) does a brief recap of each show. We would like to do more but it's a volunteer effort and we're all stretched pretty thinly right now. Something to keep in mind, though!

Wow, that is a cool brewery! And I can appreciate their mission.

Maybe you just need an archinector who regularly attends the show* to volunteer to post the topic to a new blog and follow up with a recap, video, and discussion.

*unfortunately, that rules me out

The shows are recorded so you don't have to be there live! Though the chat box comments are often as interesting as the discussion, and those don't make it onto the recording. We will gladly accept volunteers to recap the show. We're also looking into transcribing software for those who prefer to read. And we're on podcasts, supposedly wherever podcasts are found.

Their primary purpose is to create more work for others (architect, contractor) so as to justify their fee. The premise is the Architect and Contractor - not to mention the Owner - do not know how to do their part of the job. Thus the third party CM comes in to fill in for the Owner's "gaps," and to police the Architect and Contractor against doing a poor job on their end. What if...the Owner hired an Architect and Contractor that know how to do their job, and actually DO do their job? Perhaps the third party CM wouldn't be needed then. Perhaps then the real value add to the Owner would be significant.

That's great. You're getting things done! All I've done this winter is go to work, then come home and sit on my butt all weekend. Not finding the motivation. Be proud!

Saturday, model, learning Enscape, with Pistachio Cream Ale.

Are those material spheres in enscape or a website?

I spy a finger trainer. I also have one at my desk.

I spy a finger trainer. I also have one at my desk.

SP, that's the Poliigon web page. I love my finger trainers. Trying to get my grip strength up for jiu-jitsu.

b3ta are you still training during this pandemic? All our gyms have been closed for almost a year and I miss it so much

NO! I have to wait until me and my SO get fully vaccinated. But my school is open.

where you headed?

Moody Nolan!

Nice, congratulations!

firm of the year!

So far I’ve only used my stamp to mark possession of my books

I only ever used a CAD block of my stamp for several years before an AHJ demanded a "wet" stamp - I had to order one and pay extra for expediting and overnight delivery.

Nice, Non!  Forget that ink pad... just use clients' tears or contractors' blood.

Mine's never touched ink. When I got it, I found out that technically it belongs to the provincial Association, and therefore they can recall it at their discretion. I lost it for a few years but last week I uncovered it in the attic. Not that my provincial Association even allows wet stamps any longer. How's that for stupid?

Self inking of the only way to go

...is....

In related news a graffiti spree has hit Quebec. Authorities are looking for any information on who is leaving these ungodly marks that appear to be some type of licensing stamp.

Quebec police are offering a bottle of maple syrup and a hockey puck as an award for information that leads to an arrest. 

Nice try Chad... but I've not entered that province since C19 started... eventhough I can literally see it from my office window. I'll take the bottle of syrup tho. Thanks and sorry.

^ which is exactly what you'd expect the suspect to use as his alibi.

I’d love to tag walls with my stamp, but it’s the pandemic!

Gonna have to get a bigger stamp!

I feel so inadequate - I have no stamp.

All the cool kids have stamps.

A friend of mine had a "stamping party" when she got hers. Everybody got their hand stamped and signed. Thought it was a great idea. I, like so many of us, have yet to use mine. I like having it though, reminds me that I achieved my childhood dream.

I remember being so excited to use my stamp the first time, on a small project many years ago-- 'til my boss reminded me that it put me squarely at the center of liability. Good times. My other boss had his stamp remade every two years to include his next license expiration date. He used his stamp so much that having to wet sign but also hand-date it a hundred times or so every time a project went to Building & Safety was a royal pain.

lol.. I've worn out my home State stamp and have had to replace it twice. In the last week alone I've stamped two projects. Grats on your stamp NS!

One day I'll get a stamp from my main jurisdiction but we currently have 3(maybe 4?) active under the office's cert of practice.  Don't need to pay for another but it opens up options when partners (and stamp holders) retire.  

My toddler stamped the walls, some furniture, and his forehead a few weeks ago. I should have snapped a pic.

Lol… reminds of once one of employees had to bring her son to work. He was a handful and bored, but loved all the stamps.… Someone stamped him with the shop drawing stamp and checked the revise and resubmit and sent him scampering back to his mother… :P

...and fuck it up.

"forget it jake it's chinatown..."

could have picked a better grout colour.

You expected the mechanical sub to coordinate with the tile sub? What universe?

I assume you're looking at the misalignment? When I was a carpenter/foreman I would take extra time to get all of those things perfect, and was regularly told that I was too slow and that nobody cared about those details. Nevermind that my clients were always happy and I almost never had callbacks. Nobody wants to pay for perfection.

You know I actually like the grout color, I thought white, with the orange tile was too much, and the white on white too meh. The grout is a take on the paint on the exposed walls and ceiling.

WG. Yeah, it just demonstrates the lack of ownership from the GC to spend the time having a conversation with the framer. Not only that, but the fucking contractor tiled the ceiling that was to be painted. 

Plus, a thing I have to do from now on, in a mechanical design build, I have to locate grills and duct penetration centerlines, and intent, especially on tiled surfaces, when they do occur. Because? These fuckers won't send you any drawings no matter what.

Sneaky, I don't, but I don't even think it needs to be that hard, I think the GC could have coordinated with the framers, and based on the tile pattern, made the rough-in correctly. The tile will follow.

Time is money, friend. Has the GC told the owner that "it's just a kitchen" yet?

Beta, I was referring to the top pic. I see 2 ground colours but the same field tile.

They're not finished with the grouting. It's all one color.

Sneaky, this is front of house. Customer facing. I put smooth FRP in the kitchen, not that pebble finish shit.

tiled ceiling? wtf. i can get lazy coordination of electrical vs finish, but that's hard work for a nonsense result.

I'm not a fan of anything that reminds me of my coffee-stained teeth, which would include your choice of grout, but that's my own problem ;-) They weren't even supposed to tile the ceiling? WTF. There's a reason it's traditional to set ceiling tiles on a 45° angle--it helps hide misalignment.

Hey, man. People need to just make a buck, man.

preferable to white grout, which usually ends up with a nice hombre of coffee stains. at least this one is a solid wash.

Good point. With white tiles, I usually spec pewter-colored grout. I tried white epoxy grout once in the hopes of it staying white, but it turned more yellow than any other white grout I've seen.

i was being a bit facetious- but that's actually some good advice..

I always spec grout that already looks "dirty".

I spec hardi-panels with the 'rock-propelled-by-weed-eater' finish.

I saw a cabinet catalog earlier this week that had a pre-distressed section. Cabinets came with worm holes, worn edges, knife cuts, chiseling, dips, rasping, and my favorite, light chain distressing. All for additional cost.

late capitalism at its finest.

I blame HGTV

Pop quiz, hot shot. You find yourself in a world where the built environment comes from either HGTV or Architectural Digest. Make your choice.

Oh jeez a real Sophie's Choice right there. 

I gotta go with AD, though. Given only the two, I'll deal with overpriced faux-classical pastiche rather than overpriced aesthetic fetishization of olt-timey poverty.

3 out of 3 of the last surveys I've gotten were incomplete and incorrect. Gotta just do it myself. All the damn time.

WG, I'm curious which brand of white epoxy grout you used. You probably know but epoxies generally yellow with age and with UV exposure, I just figured that grout manufacturers would add UV inhibitors or something to help keep the whites white. Basically I'm wondering if it was a cheap epoxy grout, though I don't know if more expensive white epoxy grouts would be any better.

Edit to add this from Laticrete's epoxy grout FAQ:

EA, I don't recall--this was in 2007-8. I did not specify a product, just told the tile company I wanted to try epoxy grout. I was on the construction PM, not really the designer, though I did plenty of design work on that job.

What would one use Power Bl for?

So far, from what I can tell, it's a great CM tool, possibly decent for estimating - putting cool charts together - spread sheets, and I know visualizing data, however, what I haven't got answered yet; what is the deliverable, and who is it for? Other than the obvious; me. Like, I can see a design/build firm using the shit out of this, and using it to "sell" to investors, but....???

Designing strip club toilet rooms are we?

If so (on the strip club) it's a good opportunity to do the sign and seal with a *ahem* mushroom stamp.

Donna, because I know your strip club toilet room design relies on it ... here is a Class A rated FRP from Crane Composites in black. Unfortunately only the embossed finish is Class A. Smooth is still Class C. https://www.cranecomposites.com/wp-content/uploads/7833.pdf

Also saying that black FRP has "no fire certification" doesn't sit well with me. I think I get your intent, but the pedant in me wants to say that most FRP manufacturers have Class C rated black FRP ... just not Class A. Check Chapter 8 of the building code and you may not need Class A anyway.

I assume you have to survey existing strip-clubs. Not a bad use of time.

Yes I need $250 in ones for, uh, "Precedent Research"

I know of one in buffalo that's also a cigar lounge. It's clearly run by some local biker gang and is completely carpeted. We were given a free limo ride home after closing the joint a few years ago.

would make for a good case study.

In undergrad we took a trip to Portland and someone said the city has the most strip clubs per capita in the US. I never verified if it was true. tduds, any comment?

Well this went in a direction I wasn't expecting. Sorry Donna.

I think it may have been true at one time but might not be anymore. No clue when that time was but the "fun fact" is accepted as a universal truth here, so I'm gonna say it's true. It's usually paired with the also un-verified fun fact that Portland has the most churches per capita too. In any case, Portland has a lot of strip clubs (& also the only city I've been to where I've enjoyed being in a strip club)

I was impressed by the number of microbreweries in Portland (the pearl district?) 12 years ago. Haven't been back since.

And strip clubs in churches?

JLC - don't worry, there are lots more now.

Strip clubs in churches - Only in Amsterdam Rando. :)

Only on Archinect does a discussion about FRP panels turn into someone’s fever dream.

back to the subject, I assumed FRP meant fire-rated... not fibregalss reinforced. I just checked out Panolam's site and they list compliance with E84 and ULCS102... so that should be kosher. At least good enough for your average rip'ers club.

i recall the strip clubs in windsor being much better than detroit (different regulations) not that i've been to either in the last 15 years. I would be very afraid of a buffalo strip club!

NS, thanks for reminding me that Panolam does FRP. I use their FRL product from time to time and usually go to others for FRP, but from the look of their website they might have the holy grail of Class A, Smooth texture, black color FRP. I recommend following up with them if you want to use it. They may have figured out something the rest of the industry hasn't, or they may just not list the limitations on their site. Either way, I'd hate for anyone to read this, spec it, and then find themselves in a situation without code compliant FRP.

Buffalo Strip Clubs are spicy.

Speaking of FRP - I've been on a couple reuse projects that employ Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer for concrete strengthening, and also Wall panels for janitors closets, and both times had conversations about "FRP" where two people were talking about two wildly different products without realizing. Acronyms are trouble.

In other words, even when the project is a strip club toilet remodel, I take my commitment to the Health, Safety, and Welfare of the public seriously.

This should be added to the Code of Ethics

If not the Code of Ethics, at least in the next marketing campaign AIA does. I can see the CNN commercials now...

"I'm Donna Sink, AIA and I look up. I also take my commitment to the Health, Safety, and Welfare of the public seriously, even when the project is a strip club toilet remodel."

That text over a pic of me looking like FLW.

This pic and that text are meant to be together.

yup

Nice, Sneaky.

DS, are you modding your car now? or did you happen upon this one? (iirc, you're a miata fan)

This is fantastic, Donna and Pete. A old friend of mine actually designed a major remodel for a gay dance club with a stage for go-go boys. He told me one of the project's most important design features: floor drains in the dressing room. (Apparently all that baby oil is hell to mop up.)

proto, that’s my car. Sadly it no longer has the Firebird logo. Some kid in a truck backed over me so I had to have the front end rebuilt. Husband, who did that Firebird logo, felt it was truly too dorky so he redid it with simple red and black racing stripes.

Donna, it makes me sad that you lost your firebird logo! I remember when you had that done and loved the idea. My dream car as a kid was my neighbor's T-top Firebird. I'm trying to recall the significance of the 693?

Wood Guy, it is sad, but I see my husband's point. As a serious hot rod guy, to him the logo was like fake shutters are to me.

Architects never falter in their commitment to HSW. I'd join the AIA if Donna was in my chapter!

That's a great thing.

Wow, what a cool inventory & mapping

I can see my house from here!

same, they have no effect on me.

are you guys sure you're not androids?

Exterminate, exterminate!

Doesn’t work with onion rings!

daleks are mutants, so maybe

Did you androids try it with fresh shallots or red onions too? Used to work in a professional kitchen and cutting kilos of fresh red onions got me every time, good to open up nasal cavities.

I actually put a cut onion next to my kid's bed for the night when their nose is blocked, really works!

'more to come, certainly'

Yeah, and in a form more deadly to porcelain than human, I wager.

NS, hope the kiddo is ok

From experience, he'll probably puke some if he hasn't already, and tomorrow will have the worst case of the runs you'll (hopefully) ever see.

Thanks folks, but so far, kiddo is his normal happy self. we'll see how his evening goes.

My dog's favorite thing to eat is bar soap. Has eaten several full bars before. If I hadn't seen the remnants myself, I wouldn't have known. Iron stomach. I hope your son's okay!

Was it swearing-related ??

(soap-in-your-mouth joke...)

Bench, unlikely given that he has a severe speech disability but if it were, you just know it would be from some high quality French-Canadian swear words. AmIright, KAWlice d’tabarnak?

Bench, unlikely given that he has a severe speech disability but if it were, you just know it would be from some high quality French-Canadian swear words. AmIright, KAWlice d’tabarnak?

'Esti!

the "e" is silent.... S'ti.

Tells you which part of the city I group up in...

I gather they're ok Non? Hopefully nothing major on the following day(s).

^Nothing but regular happy kid to report.

Great news!