I'm interested in switching careers (almost 42 with a bachelor degree in something other than architecture). I'm not sure it's possible, or feasible, at this point. In the mean time, I'm looking for resources I can pick up to allow me to self-study as I create simple designs in SketchUp that feeds my interest.
For example, I want to play with designing a dream home (I'm inspired by the work of Nick Sonder). I can google simple things like stud placements in walls, and I have extensions which automate such design tasks. But I don't know anything about basic foundation and subfloor construction, or how to find construction codes that would guide such design. What resources would you recommend to a hobbyist like myself?
Non Sequitur
Jan 6, 19 2:28 pm
Depending on where you live, you may not need much to switch into a small building / single family house design gig as many jurisdictions do not require an architect's involvement.
As for basic codes and details, certainly a building tech college course should take care of the bare minimum... but looking over Nicky Sonder's site, I can assure you that level is not easily achievable by a mere hobbyist.
Plenty of resources available, both online and in print. It's really not difficult to find your way around single-fam wood construction.
If you don’t have any interest in ever getting licensed... just check out a local community college architectural technical program. It will get your feet wet on software, design, and basic codes.
I'm interested in switching careers (almost 42 with a bachelor degree in something other than architecture). I'm not sure it's possible, or feasible, at this point. In the mean time, I'm looking for resources I can pick up to allow me to self-study as I create simple designs in SketchUp that feeds my interest.
For example, I want to play with designing a dream home (I'm inspired by the work of Nick Sonder). I can google simple things like stud placements in walls, and I have extensions which automate such design tasks. But I don't know anything about basic foundation and subfloor construction, or how to find construction codes that would guide such design. What resources would you recommend to a hobbyist like myself?
Depending on where you live, you may not need much to switch into a small building / single family house design gig as many jurisdictions do not require an architect's involvement.
As for basic codes and details, certainly a building tech college course should take care of the bare minimum... but looking over Nicky Sonder's site, I can assure you that level is not easily achievable by a mere hobbyist.
Plenty of resources available, both online and in print. It's really not difficult to find your way around single-fam wood construction.
Look here: https://buildingscience.com/
Look through the bookstore tab too.
If you don’t have any interest in ever getting licensed... just check out a local community college architectural technical program. It will get your feet wet on software, design, and basic codes.