Please excuse my ignorance and apologies if any of my questions seem a bit simple.
For a long time I have had a desire to pursue a career in architecture/design. Now this might sound like a rubbish idea but I would like to get involved in designing be-spoke treehouses and playhouses for kids.
What I would like to know is, would I need to be a qualified architect to design the treehouses/playhouses (i.e. structural architect) or would I need to take courses on 3d design/illustrations software etc. – if so which ones?
I am really starting at the bottom here. I currently work in insurance and I’m 35 – which I know is quite old to be starting again. Ideally I would like to do distance learning so I could learn around my current job and still earn money.
Any help you can give is much appreciated.
Ps. I’m currently at work so please excuse me if I don’t reply straight away.
Thanks
Andrew
senjohnblutarsky
Jul 11, 17 11:34 am
You don't have to be an architect (check state requirements before you go along with this). You could have a structural engineer under contract as a subconsultant.
It helps to have some knowledge of the construction of things. So, I'd find a way to study a bit before jumping in.
mightyaa
Jul 11, 17 11:50 am
Actually, in my opinion, being an architect and designing treehouses is more of a liability than not. The problem is that as an architect, you have an obligation to be familiar with all the applicable codes, etc. A treehouse is going to have major obstacles from a code and construction standpoint. You don't need to be licensed.
And there is the time/money commitment to becoming an architect. It takes about 8 years.
Non Sequitur
Jul 11, 17 12:00 pm
I love the idea of someone applying for a building permit for a birdhouse.
shellarchitect
Jul 11, 17 12:33 pm
def. need SPA for a treehouse (accessory structure)
x-jla
Jul 11, 17 12:49 pm
No license required, but I can imagine tons of liability with play equipment, so you should probably use an engineer for the treehouses AND and arborist. An engineer most likely will not be familiar with the integrity of trees as they are living organisms. For instance, you build a house in a eucalyptus tree thinking all is ok...but they are incredibly flammable (actually combustable) and the wood is very weak and can easily break in a storm. Get the point? Even a strong wood species like an oak can have disease or rot that is not visable to the layman...then there are issues with the rails, ladders, etc...kids falling from 15-20 feet can be fatal. Imo I would probably stick to prefab playhouses and leave the treehouses alone unless you have good experience in the area.
Hi,
Please excuse my ignorance and apologies if any of my questions seem a bit simple.
For a long time I have had a desire to pursue a career in architecture/design. Now this might sound like a rubbish idea but I would like to get involved in designing be-spoke treehouses and playhouses for kids.
What I would like to know is, would I need to be a qualified architect to design the treehouses/playhouses (i.e. structural architect) or would I need to take courses on 3d design/illustrations software etc. – if so which ones?
I am really starting at the bottom here. I currently work in insurance and I’m 35 – which I know is quite old to be starting again. Ideally I would like to do distance learning so I could learn around my current job and still earn money.
Any help you can give is much appreciated.
Ps. I’m currently at work so please excuse me if I don’t reply straight away.
Thanks
Andrew
You don't have to be an architect (check state requirements before you go along with this). You could have a structural engineer under contract as a subconsultant.
It helps to have some knowledge of the construction of things. So, I'd find a way to study a bit before jumping in.
Actually, in my opinion, being an architect and designing treehouses is more of a liability than not. The problem is that as an architect, you have an obligation to be familiar with all the applicable codes, etc. A treehouse is going to have major obstacles from a code and construction standpoint. You don't need to be licensed.
And there is the time/money commitment to becoming an architect. It takes about 8 years.
I love the idea of someone applying for a building permit for a birdhouse.
def. need SPA for a treehouse (accessory structure)
No license required, but I can imagine tons of liability with play equipment, so you should probably use an engineer for the treehouses AND and arborist. An engineer most likely will not be familiar with the integrity of trees as they are living organisms. For instance, you build a house in a eucalyptus tree thinking all is ok...but they are incredibly flammable (actually combustable) and the wood is very weak and can easily break in a storm. Get the point? Even a strong wood species like an oak can have disease or rot that is not visable to the layman...then there are issues with the rails, ladders, etc...kids falling from 15-20 feet can be fatal. Imo I would probably stick to prefab playhouses and leave the treehouses alone unless you have good experience in the area.
Treehouse porn:
https://www.animalplanet.com/t...
Thanks for all your replies - very helpful!
Do you want to put McMansions up in trees or go for something more informal/playful?