Architectural discourse can be quite heavy and dense to those outside of the profession. Especially when it comes to detailed technicalities of design and construction, some claim understanding architecture may not be pedestrian enough. In the hopes of helping other's identify and understand buildings around them, Virginia Savage McAlester published a field guide to aid the public. 

In 1984, McAlester's digestible guide to domestic American architecture, A Field Guide to American Homes, hit the market and was quickly adopted and praised by many. The classic coffee table book—now a handy e-book—brings to light the need for architecture to have detailed resource guides the general public can reference. Filled with images and texts cataloging homes built from 1940 - 2010, the guide spurred much interest in the subject of American residential styles. 

For many, living in the built world may be enough when it comes to understanding architecture. However, individuals like McAlester knew the public lacked a user-friendly way for people to learn about the built environment. Thanks to McAlester's research during its first published date, the guide's release also led to the awareness and preservation of several homes across the United States. More people learned to engage with their surroundings and witness the amazing structures around them. After revisiting the book's catalogue, an updated version was published in 2013. The guide is considered to be a complete catalog of American homes across 70 years. 

The book's publisher explains, "I had dreamed for many years about a truly portable version. Houses are everywhere we walk, drive and bike. [...] Every photo will enlarge to full-screen size. Small details can be examined. There is a great search function. And best of all, I can have the book with me wherever I go and whenever a question pops up."

Granted the field guide is merely a reference book that allows for the general public to further enrich their understanding of domestic architectural styles throughout the United States. It would be interesting to reflect on how those in the profession can make more attempts at creating literature and reference guides for architecture to become more pedestrian and better understood in the 21st century.