inside the [architect's] cube

REVIT Architecture 2012

2011-11-07T10:18:00.000-08:00

Revit 2012 has arrived. What's new? At a glance, it seems pretty similar to the 2011 version. Ten minutes into it, you start noticing the upgrades. One of the very first ones to notice: Filled regions can now give you areas! Check this video for a highlight of the main upgrades:

My top 5 upgrades:

1. Customized detail callouts and dimensions.

2. Continuous section lines in zig-zag cuts.

3. Painting and noting in 3D views.

4. Worksharing in colors.

5. And last but not least... many more linked elements are up for tagging and copy-monitoring.

Revit Architecture 2012 has been available since March 2011. Update Releases 1 and 2 came out this June and October, respectively. For more information about these releases, visit Autodesk. For a more comprehensive list of the 2012 upgrades, click here.

Enjoy!

NOMMA

2011-09-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

In the railings and metals world, NOMMA is the National Ornamental and Miscellaneous Metals Associations based in GA.

Something that may interest you and that you may have already in some specs are the 4 Joint Finish Categories they have produced:
Joint 1 No evidence of welded joint
Joint 2 Completely sanded joint, some undercutting and pinholes Ok
Joint 3 Partially dressed weld with spatter removed
Joint 4 Good quality, uniform undressed weld with minimal spatter

Needless to say, Joint 1 specifies the best quality weld. For more information, visit NOMMA's website.

Key Roofing Terms

2011-07-20T08:11:00.000-07:00

Addicott, a roofing contractor, shares a comprehensive list of roofing terms and definitions on this web link. Enjoy.

Magnetic Paint!

2011-07-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

How it works? Magnetized metal flakes. It is a primer. So you apply any paint finish you want - including chalk board paint.

This one can be a fun and easy project for your kids' rooms. Enjoy!

Bay Windows Turned into Garage Doors

2011-04-24T07:28:00.000-07:00

Trying to add parking to your San Francisco real estate? Simple, turn those beautiful bay windows into retractable walls.

Corey and Ben McMills of McMills Construction had a problem. Their investment property on Oak Street, near Ashbury and facing the Panhandle of Golden Gate Park, needed to have a garage built to enhance his tenant’s use of the building and maximize their rent. Parking, as is true in much of San Francisco, is hard to find in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood and is almost more valuable than living space. They turned to Beausoleil Architects for help.

The project still needs a little finish carpentry and painting, but you can get the idea in the photos and video below.

Garage door closed Garage door open

Detention Pond / Retention Pond

2011-04-15T10:16:00.000-07:00

You like potato, I like potahto; you like tomato, I like tomahto. But oh, if it comes to detention and retention, let's not call the whole thing off.

A detention pond is a low lying area designed to temporarily hold a set amount of water while slowly draining to another location. They are more or less around for flood control when large amounts of rain could cause flash flooding if not dealt with properly. 
A retention pond is designed to hold a specific amount of water indefinitely.  Usually the pond is designed to have drainage leading to another location when the water level gets above the pond capacity, but still maintains a certain capacity.
How to remember which is which? A trick I use. If one gets detained, it is until they get bailed. If one is retained, who knows!

Extracted from this article. Happy Friday.

Hands-free sinks, Hindrance in Hospital Infection Control

2011-04-08T11:12:00.000-07:00

A telling research on handsfree sinks by Johns Hopkins Hospital. This is the 2^nd research I’ve encountered with negative results.

Thought you would find this interesting. “…(hands-free sinks) were more likely to be contaminated with one of the most common and hazardous bacteria in hospitals compared to old-style fixtures with separate handles for hot and cold water.”

For full article published by Johns Hopkins Medicine, click here.

7 Ways to save in Steel Construction

2011-04-08T07:42:00.000-07:00

Did you know?

Steel construction represents 10% of the total project costs. Of that 10%, only 20-40% is the cost of the material itself. The other 60-80% goes to fabrication and erection. A few tips for your next building here.

1. Use Standard Lengths

2. Don't pay for primed or painted steel

3. Use BIM but only when everyone is on board

4. Make sure fabricators are certified

5. Know the details of what you are buying

6.Understand how to fire-proof steel cost-effectively

7. Don't be deceived by low-cost deals

Find the full article here by Building and Construction Network.

Registration & Deadlines

2011-04-07T08:55:00.000-07:00

Registration, one of the most important milestones for an architect, is not for everyone. While some architecture interns find alternative careers, many follow the traditional architecture path and pursue licensure. The Ohio Board of Examiners data suggests that in the past decade a median of 61% of new exam candidates during the same time became licensed.

The first national licensing exam for architects produced by NCARB came out in 1965. Since then several aspects of the registration process have been redefined - if not all. The Internship Development Program (IDP), the Architectural Registration Examination (ARE), and the NAAB accredited degree requirements have all changed since then. "Every time there is a major change, candidates are motivated to finish the exams and get licensed," says Amy Kobe Executive Director with the Ohio Architects Board. The graph below (Figure 1) shows the numbers of newly licensed architects since 1984, which spiked around 1994 and 2009.

Figure 1 - Ohio Board of Examiners Registration Database

In 1994, Ohio adopted IDP training as a registration requirement. The new qualifications seemed cumbersome in comparison and motivated interns to become eligible ARE candidates sooner. They tested and did quite well. Over 200 architects registered in the state in '94. The curve spikes again in 2009. We suspect it was largely caused by the ARE 4.0, introduced nationwide as a seven-exam module in July 2008. The last date to test in the old ARE version was June 30^th 2009. The deadline motives interns to complete all tests and slightly increased registration numbers once again. "It is amazing what a deadline will do," Kobe adds.

Currently, ARE candidates face another deadline: the 5-year rolling clock, a rule that would limit testing periods to only 5 years. If you had been taking any of the ARE before January 1^st 2006, NCARB, you had until January 1^st 2011 to pass them. If you have not started yet, you must complete all exams in a 5-year period, beginning on the date you take your first exam.

In 2010 alone, only 74 interns became licensed in the state of Ohio. However, as the rolling-clock rule expires, interns nationwide will be motivated to test. The clock is ticking now, no pun intended.

Become an architect...

2011-02-22T18:19:00.000-08:00

in less than 10 minutes..!

Ok, it typically takes less than 10 years.

But this one is a fun shortcut.

Replacing Existing Single Pane Windows

2011-02-21T15:20:00.000-08:00

Good old windows, charming but drafty. To fix the problem, we hear the solution is to replace them entirely. Sure a single pane window doesn't offer the best U-value available, but don't to run to the closest hardware store just yet.

A double pane window sounds more energy efficient than its single pane counterpart. It became available in the 70's as an improvement and solution to the heat loss single panes represented. Nowadays, window solutions go above and beyond contractor grade. You'll find low emissivity glass, tinted windows and triple pane fenestrations with argon gas, just to name a few. All with the promise to keep your heating bills low. But exactly how much will you save?

The average window and installation runs for 400 US dollars. Is it worth the investment? That depends how long you are willing to wait. We have run into this very interesting article that you should read before tearing out your old windows. This article does the math and suggests that the ROI is well over 20 years. We assure you you'll think twice before going for this big investment. Adding storm windows sounds just a good.

PD. To play devil's advocate, we can argue that getting new windows will greatly increase the curb appeal of your home, increase the potential sell value of your home and get you a tax credit in 2011 when using Energy Star labeled windows... Something to think about.

Ongoing JCAHO News

2011-02-21T09:08:00.000-08:00

For JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) updates, news and related subjects online, this website comes useful.

Floating Fireplaces

2011-02-18T21:06:00.000-08:00

Most likely you are in the middle of winter, just like us, waiting for those sunny and green days again. Sadly, a few more cold gray days are still ahead. To keep you warm, we have found these beautiful and iconic fireplaces:

GYROFOCUS by Focus Creation. This made-in-France model was designed by Dominique Imbert in 1968. The signature model has been voted one of the "World's most beautiful objects". With a Jetsons feel-like style, it is the fist fireplace of its kind: wood burning and pivoting.

TURN by Conmoto. Also a wood burning and ceiling mounted fireplace, it rotates 360 degrees as its own name suggests. One additional feature that makes it different from the Gyrofocus: a floor support, which can be added for a more solid structure. A simple line German model with a contemporary look.

Both great alternatives to help you cold with these winter days. Also ideal solutions when you are in search of something different, eye catching and non traditional.

Stay warm!

Please Welcome Barbie Architect!

2011-02-17T19:22:00.000-08:00

Barbie can be career oriented too. This time she is an architect ready to inspire little girls around the world. To prove she can tackle the responsibilities of the profession, she comes in black frame glasses, a city line printed dress, a white hardhat. Personally, I would have chosen a more business like attire, or the classic all black architect suit. But Barbie stays true to her (blonde) roots, and love for pink. Good for her. This architect is part of the "Barbie I can be" series and will be available this fall.

Saving down CAD

2011-02-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

Ever received a CAD file that you just can't open? More likely than not, it is saved in a newer version of AutoCAD. Before calling your consultant or client for a "down saved" version, download DWG TrueView by Autodesk. If you are running on a 64 bit version, click here.It's free and easy. Open your file with this program and save it down to whichever version of CAD you currently have in your computer.

JCAHO

2011-01-30T05:50:00.000-08:00

Effective January 1, 2011, JCAHO has adopted the 2010 Healthcare Guidelines. The next revised edition is expected in 2014.

Revit Window Browsing

2011-01-19T11:10:00.000-08:00

A new tip here. Browsing through the many CAD files is the same as browsing through your different Revit windows.

CTRL + TAB to move forward
CTRL + SHIFT + TAB to move backwards

Hope you find it useful!

Smoke Barriers vs Smoke Partitions

2011-01-17T07:03:00.000-08:00

So close, yet not the same. Barriers are not partitions. Their obvious purpose is to prevent the ready and quick passage of smoke. Their difference is in the fire resistance properties:

Smoke Barriers, Building Code Section 709.3 "A 1 hour fire resistance rating is required for smoke barriers."
Smoke Partitions, Building Code Section 710.3 "unless required elsewhere in the code, smoke partitions are not required to have a fire rating."

This can make a big impact in your building construction, so pay close attention when reading into those fire rating requirements. For more details, exceptions, and commentaries, pick up that arm wrestling code book of yours.. and good luck!

PAPER CUTS

2010-12-17T07:38:00.000-08:00

Let’s face it. We work in an office all day. For the most part, we seat in front of a computer, draft construction details, and roll large sheet plans. The most dangerous thing that can happen to us –besides the possible earthquake, hurricane or tornado – is a PAPER CUT. Terribly inconvenient and uniquely painful. The fix, LIP BALM. Most lip balms have vitamins and menthol to help heal your skin. It seals the cut and keeps it germ free.

CAD for MAC

2010-11-18T14:49:00.000-08:00

Back in August, a buzz was going around, AutoCAD® for Mac® coming soon!
Now that's here, how does it look? Something like this:

Pretty Mac-esque I say. Even the layer and properties palettes have a true Mac flair:

A few commands may be not be supported in the Mac version, but in the overall the traditional Autocad user should be alright handling it. Ideal for architects and designers who are in love with Mac and had been waiting for this for years. You can find a full review of the latest Autodesk release here. For more infomation on the subject by Autodesk, click here.

Door Hardware - Locksets and Latches

2010-11-17T13:47:00.000-08:00

Door hardware sets tend to be convoluting to many architects out there, so many terms: office/entrance, office/privacy, store lock, service station... To make life easier, we have door hardware consultants. They make sense out of the intricate door nomenclature, and can tell you model numbers in a heart beat.

For those who are NOT so proficient in this specialized trade, check out this weblink by LaForce - explaining all the different types of hardware set you may need in your project. Hope you find it helpful.

Schlage door hardware

Fire Rated Doors

2010-11-17T13:19:00.000-08:00

All the basics you may want to know about fire rated doors, here in pdf format.
Great summary by the Steel Door Institute.

Find of the Day

2010-10-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

Best Google find today... a webpage that translates Autocad commands from/to:
EN: English commands - CZ: České příkazy - DE: Deutsche Befehle - FR: Français commandes - ES: Español comandos - IT: Italiano comandi - PT: Português comandos - PL: Polskie polecenia - RU: Русскиe команды

Click here, brought by the CAD Forum.

Backsplash Design

2010-10-20T15:55:00.000-07:00

"Little" things as blacksplash details escape some people's minds. However, they matter and make a difference. These days, the traditional 4 inch high backsplash doesn't appeal to everybody. If that's your case, go "fullsplash". Houzz has some fantastic full height backsplash ideas for home improvement junkies - all in tile. Of course, tile is just one of the options, you have glass, metals or more natural stone.

Keep in mind tough that whether you like your backsplash to be 4 inches or 24, definitely do something about covering your drywall. If you like the 4" look that matches your 3/4" thick counters, I recommend using 1/2" thick backsplash. It'll look less "chunky" while still doing the job. Details do make a difference.

The Architect Quiz

2010-10-10T19:52:00.000-07:00

Yes, take it.

There I am, browsing online, reading as much as any slow reader can read 5 tabs at a time, and voila, about.com showing up in my google chrome search with an infamous "architect quiz"...!

What was it about? (pun intended) Apparently, being a good listener and a good communicator are big pluses... For a career quiz, I found it somewhat superfluous, and yet somewhat intriguing.

Find of the Day

2010-10-01T17:16:00.000-07:00

Finding out whether your concrete walls contain rebar is a simple process, use a metal detector. But if you want to know what size rebars are, you'll be glad to know that for the modest price of $3,0725.00, your questions are answered with great accuracy.

There it is, a rebar locator designed to meet all your site visit inspections at once... anyone?

Adobe Illustrator Tip

2010-09-20T15:19:00.000-07:00

Have you guys (illustrator gurus) tried this one? Turning a PDF plan into DWG linework.

1. Open your PDF in Abode Illustrator,
2. File> Export> DWG
3. Open in AutoCAD

From there, the options are amazing. You can take this new DWG file into sketchUp, Revit, 3DViz... The quality of the scanned dwg has a lot to do w it. Just tried it w some old milliard scans, and it didn’t work - no surprise there I guess. But try perfect PDF exported dwgs, and it’s a high tech breakthrough!

Have you heard about this? Have you seen this?

2010-09-10T17:44:00.000-07:00

A webcomic about architectural professionals.
http://architexts.us/
Dead on.

Websites

2010-08-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

You have to check this one. How NOT TO build a website and why. This article tears apart several architecture related websites, and says why they sting... among the black listed, Zaha Hadid's website and MIT's School of Architecture.

Take a look. Interesting critiques from a web designer's angle, click here.

REVIT Translator

2010-07-14T03:13:00.000-07:00

Central File Motherboard of all of your project’s building information, do not erase backups or rename.

Local File Saved in your C drive, file thru which information is transferred to the Central File. Save to local, then Synchronize w Central.

Synchronize w Central Save to Central. Yes, just new fancy word in R2011.

Families Blocks

Family types Subtypes of the same block

Parameters Properties of a family

Model Elements Elements part of the model, w 3d properties, and visible in other similar views. See tab under Visibility Graphics (VG) for whole list.

Annotation Elements Elements that can be part of your view only, w no 3d properties. See tab under Visibility Graphics (VG) for whole list.

Model Line Line that will become part of the model, w 3d properties, and visible in other similar views.

Detail Line Line that will only show on the view you are working

View View of the model, it can be a working view or a sheet view.

Working view View of the model, not assigned to an architectural/engineering sheet.

Sheet view Viewport added to an architectural/engineering sheet

Legend Legend

Schedule Smart Schedule

Keynote Smart directional note linked to a txt file.

Symbol Annotation Element.

Trim Autocad's Fillet command

Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health by Gehry

2010-07-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

The July issue of Healthcare Design magazine makes mention of Gehry’s latest work, this time in the healthcare biz. A new one in the list for Gehry’s observers: the 100M Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas.

Find more pictures and studied analysis on the project here - by Design Boom. To play devil's advocate, you can find a more positive story by the LA Times here.

I’ve always wondered what starchitects would do when assigned the design of a seemingly highly restricted health care environment… Now we do. His unruly style comes through again.

As a side note, did you know he is 81? He doesn't look half as bad for someone twice his age. Just kidding Frank!

Revit 2011 - the New by Autodesk

2010-06-20T15:13:00.000-07:00

Click here.

Revit 2011 - the New

2010-06-20T15:07:00.000-07:00

Some exciting new features that are part of Revit Architecture 2011 that I wanted to share with you:

Repeat last command – via right-click or enter
Entering commands – In previous versions, you had to select the object, then the command. In 2011, you can first select the command, then the object.
Easier modification to the hotkeys/shortcut keys
Additional structural components
Customizable elevation tags
Text improvements

Auto-numbering
Lists with bullets
Text justification
Leaders off both sides of text
Easy modification to location of leaders

Sheet list improvements – don’t need to create dummy sheets to get the consultants’ drawings to show up on the index of drawings
Easy modification to the look of temporary dimensions
Realistic texture is a view style so you don’t have to do a rendering
Can add background images (of beautiful scenery or the surrounding city, etc.) when rendering
Linked Revit files

Can tag through linked files – walls, doors, windows, etc. (Must watch for duplicate numbers though)
Can apply view filters to linked Revit files

Sunpath – easier modification
System enhancements

Faster program startup
Faster file opening
Faster save-to-central

Reporting dimensions in families – do not affect the geometry but can be used in schedules/formulas.

Architect's Seal Stamps

2010-06-18T09:53:00.000-07:00

This one is just funny. After paying for your IDP, paying for your NCARB files, paying for your ARE exams, why stop there?... you also have to pay for your own seal stamp.

It is not like it costs an arm and a leg, but it may be just a matter of principle. What if along with you shiny certificate of registration, you could also get your stamp? A nice way to say thank you and congratulations you made it this far, your state recognizes you as a registered professional.

The upside is that I can now choose my own seal stamp, as fancy or cheap as I want it to be. If you are looking for one, google architect seal stamps. Just be sure to follow your state's seal requirements. And if you recently got registered, congratulations to you!!

Seeking licensure

2010-06-08T07:23:00.000-07:00

Is it all that? No. Absolutely not. Finally the weight is off your shoulders and you can say, yes, I am the architect, the non plus ultra, the one people look up to, yes, you can say “wow that's cool” after I say I am an architect... but in the back of your mind, you'll know reality is not as cool as it may sound. But that’s my personal opinion. Being an architect is like being a firefighter, a lawyer, an engineer. It is a profession, and as the career it is, it shall remain. Just that. Mud we were, and we will be. But don’t let me get sidetracked here…

If your goal is to be an "architect", you have 2 options. You can ask yourself what you aspire to be. One, a NCARB registered architect that seals plans and has registration reciprocity in all states, or an WY or AZ registered architect that wants to say he/she is an architect?

Your call.

You Should and Shall

2010-05-28T07:06:00.000-07:00

Years ago, I went to a seminar about proper language included in Construction Documents... it was a lunch seminar. Somewhere between dessert and the 160 calorie chips, I may have forgotten it all. Going thru the b/w NFPA chapters, it clicked back again. When detailing, especially exterior envelopes IMHO, we shall note carefully. Don't just copy paste from another project, we should verify that the information still applies to the current project, weather conditions, and desired aesthetic outcome.

As NFPA clearly states:

3.2.3 Shall. Indicates a mandatory requirement.

3.2.4 Should. Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required.

Happy detailing!

Layering & Façade Design

2010-04-27T19:02:00.000-07:00

There are façade design specialists in the design market. And not all projects can afford that type of consulting services added to the design team fee. At some point or another, we find ourselves designing the exterior of a building, be it a house, a commercial building, a restaurant...

Window shopping this weekend, I realized designing façades and layering clothing have some similarities.

Naysayers, don't be so quick. First, let's understand layering as a fashion term. Women tend to layer more than men. Combining different layers helps create a variety of outfits. One layers clothing to produce different looks and color combinations. We all layer in winter. Now instead of clothing, think materials... Voilà!

A few rules that apply to layering can also be applied to the fun task of working with façades:

Do some research... find out what others are doing.
Explore with color, textures and materials. Exact color matches will not work well together.
Lighter colors work better behind dark ones.
Mix shapes and sizes.
Search through what you have available (as this relates to cost)... find out what your possible combinations are.
Don't clutter... less can be more.

Maybe this is a oversimplification of the subject matter, and there is a façade designer out there frowning in their seat as they read this... oh well. In the mid time, I'll keep making sense of good design. It so happens to be the intricate combination of elements to come up with something beautiful and harmonious... alike layering.

Thought of the Day

2010-04-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

Time goes by: steadily, unwavering, and even unappreciated... But that's definitely not the case during construction administration...

Five Fun Facts

2010-04-23T19:13:00.000-07:00

Architect is a verb.

For every 5 architects, one is self employed.

Still most architects work in firms of 5.

Intriguingly, only a third is NCARB certified.

But most important, we are the sexiest profession out there!

The Intern Dialog

2010-04-20T15:56:00.000-07:00

- ... and what do you do?

- I'm an intern architect.

- When will you graduate?

- That's the way it's called for those who have already graduated from college, but are still to file training hours and take architectural licensing exams.

- Really?

- Once you file your training and pass these tests, you can call yourself Architect.

- That sounds like a pain.

- Tell me about it.

Thought of the Day

2010-04-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

Do poor professionals make a poor profession?

Is BIM right for you?

2010-03-19T05:44:00.001-07:00

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been around for years. When it became the trend in the Construction Industry, some embraced it almost immediately. Others wanted to wait it out and see how the more adventurous would do first. It seems to be everywhere nowadays. But what exactly is BIM? It is a computer-aided process that generates and manages building data information throughout the life cycle of a given structure. True or not, this proposed function sounds suspiciously broad to many professionals. In more practical terms, BIM is currently used with the upgraded Computer-Aided Design (CAD) in 3D; game changer in design and construction management. There are several programs that can offer BIM integration.

Today, we have building proposals and client requests wanting us to work with BIM. And sometimes, even more specifically, we are told in which BIM program the work has to be. It’s definitely a different way of working with building information. It offers team sharing flexibility, interdisciplinary coordination, the obvious 3D advantages, not to mention all the possible 4D, 5D, and green analyses you can imagine. Those of us working with BIM couldn’t do without it now. It seems intuitive and direct -at times.

On the other hand, those faced with the decision of picking one BIM product, usually pick between two of the most popular options in the US market: ArchiCAD (by Graphisoft), and Revit (by Autodesk).

Which BIM can work for you?

The answer: It depends. It is hard to say which program is better without comparing them side by side. After working with both, I would hand pick features of one and implement them in the other to create a sort of super-charged version to meet my specific needs. Each program comes with a set of particular advantages that you can tap depending on your delivery model(s). Definitely, be informed before moving along.

When is it a good BIM time?

Typically, a learning curve moves at a positive exponential rate. And there is no difference when learning this program. Account for additional upfront time, a new design process with your team, and new delivery outputs. There are transition bumps along the way. New is different, but can also be more efficient. Be in a change-ready mindset. Anytime something new is put into place, there is going to be an interval of integration time involved.

The same old still works.

Yes. And same in, same out. These are changing times in a market where distances seem to be shrinking. Competition is everywhere, more so than ever. BIM is becoming an industry standard. That being said, it is likely we’ll have a standardized interchangeable platform in the near future. Similar to the interchangability of word documents in PCs and Macs, this platform would allow all types of BIM products to co-exist and extrapolate data without losing information. This could be achieved within a common frame.

The more we engage in BIM, the more we will multiply its advantages for the benefit of the industry and our services. I believe BIM is still in its infancy and that the best of it is around the corner. There is still work to be done in the BIM-sphere.

Licensed

2010-03-12T16:13:00.000-08:00

This is a happy day. The day I open the mail and it says go ahead, you can finally call yourself Architect. What did it take? Seven years of education, over 3 years worth in IDP hours, 2 years of shear torture and examination, and lots lots of determination...

Feels like someone should be calling me not just architect, but your honor, or something.

Just as if I were getting the Pulitzer Price, I am very excited if you can't tell, thank you family, and an special thanks to the ARE forum, a great source for tips and moral support.

To those still in the process, hang in there captain, it is possible.

mvs_the Architect, AIA

Healthcare Guidelines 2010

2010-03-09T09:39:00.000-08:00

Around this time last year, architecture firms were asked to send suggesting revisions to the 2006 Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities. But architects were not the only ones invited to the round table. Nurses, surgeons, anesthesiologists, neonatologists, infection preventionists, administrators, facility managers, consulting engineers, safety and security professionals, risk managers and over 25 state, federal and private enforcing authorities have participated too. Finally, the 2010 FGI Guidelines are here.

It's said that the 'significant' changes from the 2006 edition are marked along the sides. For the Health Facilities Management article on the 2010 Guidelines, click here. Also try their official press release back in November 09. Both links list their mayor changes. For $168, you can get it on the FGI website.

Last year I sent a few suggestions on quiet and isolation rooms in Mental Health Facilities... I'll have to check and see if they were added. :)

mvs_

New Model Practice

2010-03-04T09:41:00.001-08:00

Recession, what recession?

The latest issue of Architect magazine has a catchy title on its cover: New Model Practice, Great Recession? Let's Start a Firm. Three young firms got started when their principals decided to stop knocking on architectural offices's doors, and started looking for project opportunities on their own.

No money, no problem. Today's online freeware is proven to be a great deal. Why pay when you can get it for free? It helps them connect to clients and their own team from each of their satellite 'offices'. Sure not all features will be available, and that's the price of free. International competitions are helping them gain visibility and experience. Small and government projects provide them with a source of income. A new book project is in the process. And a design co-op has been established and helps them network and seek more project opportunities.

I like that positiveness. But are these new practice models? We have heard of freeware, co-ops, satellite offices, competitions... What we don't get to hear much of is a positive attitude in the midst of the economic slowdown that directly affects architects and designers. For that, I appreciate the article.

It could be that after all architecture can be recession-proof... at least some.

PD: another article on similar subject.

Architect, you must be good at math

2010-02-16T19:19:00.000-08:00

There is more to architecture than just math. When you get a chance, take a look at any architecture program near you. Mathematician, author and professor John Allen Paulos has said, "Mathematics is no more computation than typing is literature." If there is something deterring you from an architecture career, let it not be math.You can do it with the help of a calculator too.

Haiti

2010-02-15T20:48:00.000-08:00

It's been over a month since the fatal earthquake and aftershocks in Haiti. Global support has come to the rescue, while Haitians try to recover physically, morally, and emotionally.
Design competitions are now coming to surface. Already google-able:
http://www.spontaneousarchitecture.net/
http://www.e-architect.co.uk/haiti/music_studio_design_competition.htm

Any lessons learned for the design sector? We will look back and reexamine current emergency facility planning and infrastructure, soil analyses, and seismic design systems to avoid repeats.

What the AIA can do

2010-02-15T19:36:00.000-08:00

I have ran into an article about the AIA Minnesota chapter and their efforts to respond to the current times in the profession. http://www.downtownjournal.com/index.php?&story=14973&page=65&category=0

Can we turn this into a national effort?

The Minnesota chapter is giving a few great ideas. A step into responsive change. An excerpt from the link above reads:

In response to such challenges, AIA Minnesota has mounted an unprecedented strategic campaign to get architects back to work. In the winter of 2009, the organization launched its Members in Transition Group, a monthly gathering aimed at providing resources for the unemployed. Continuing education is its prime concern, and the group hosts free software training sessions, sponsored by product vendors and smaller firms. The Members in Transition arranged a deal with BWBR architects, a St. Paul firm, who over a two month period allowed unemployed AIA Minnesota members to come in and train on the firm’s computers.

Aside from software training, the group has brought in the chief AIA economist from Washington, D.C., for small group financial consultations, as well as invited high-level industry people from Minnesota’s Council of Firms to meet face-to-face with job-seekers. Other resources include interview preparation workshops and an online “skills matrix,” which allows employers a more efficient way to find talent for contract work and short-term projects.

A “Recovery Task Force” has been formed at the state level as a sort of think tank to address the larger issues facing the industry. AIA Minnesota President Rich Varda, who is also Target’s Chief of Design, has arranged for a graduate class at the Carlson School of Management to research the changing nature of the profession.

But with the outcome of these measures as uncertain as the employment picture, the only thing that local architects are certain of is the need to evolve.

How do you think the AIA can help you?

Selecting All

2010-02-12T10:33:00.000-08:00

The Select All Instances tool does in fact select all similar elements in your ENTIRE model. If you are modifing model elements (stretchers, lavatories, windows, walls, etc), or annotation elements (dimensions, keynotes, tag, etc) and decide to ‘select all instances’, you will be modifying elements in the entire file, all floors and all sheet views.

Sure it'd be nice to Select All Instances in this view only, but that's not the case... yet.

In AutoCAD terms, Select All Instances is like CAD’s Quick Select tool across the board. Quiet useful... and potentially harmful.

REVIT Surprises 101

2010-01-05T02:40:00.000-08:00

So this one happens a lot in Revit: “where is it? I know I drew it in there, but now it’s gone.”

A few troubleshooters:

1, change the scale

2, change the detail level

3, show hidden elements

4, check the view template or visibility graphics (VG) for the view you are in

5, check that you are in the right construction phase

6, are you looking for a model element, or an annotation element? You might be in the wrong view if you are only looking for annotation elements.

7, if possible, use the “show” button in the program

8, change the “model graphic style” of your view to “wireframe”, maybe the element you are looking for is “underneath” something else.

9, zoom out (ZE), it could be far from your building/project.

...But most importantly, whatever your solution is, think about how you can proceed next time, so you don't have to go through these steps again.

Happy 2010.

The Firm of the Future

2009-12-03T09:28:00.000-08:00

This article was posted in the AIA Ohio Winter e-newsletter 2009.

Given the current landscape of the construction industry, the future stands with a question mark for many of us. It was no surprise that the AIA Columbus Annual Meeting focused on the big picture ahead. Raymond Kogan AIA, keynote speaker at the event, talked about the trends of the future that are shaping our design firms. Being more aware of the industry and the world trends is only the 1^st step. Are we ready?

Mega-regions are emerging, and the value of construction will follow the population growth. Current trends in US demographics suggest cities will only get larger, and populations will become increasingly diverse (U.S. Census Bureau Population Projections). The west coast and southern US will see most of these changes. This increase in urban population density will result in the necessity for increased capacity in sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and redevelopment & re-purposing building.

On the technology side, BIM will become even more widely adopted by architecture firms. Engineering firms and consultants will follow suit. However, the BIM adoption will first be driven by contractors and owners, says Kogan. Also, technology will continue to widen the existing gap between the technically proficient , and the not-so-proficient. In addition to these technological changes, BIM will also bring changes in project management. The Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) approach will become a more generalized practice across the US, promoting collaboration and lean systems among team players.

Our projects will go beyond the traditional services. And thus, firms will become more of a ‘one-stop shop’; addressing more needs of stakeholders than in the past. We will do more than design and offer front-end/back-end services. With all these new deliverables, project management will continue to be a critical success factor. At this time, PMs will require broader and different sets of skills.

In the future, our staff will face skills and leadership shortages. Considering all current demographic projections, in the next 15 years the older population will increase by 47%, while the younger crowd will decrease by 6%. Other factors will also drive this labor shortage. Factors such as, the current recession, retention & reward challenges, compensation, and the lifestyle priorities of the younger generation will come into play. What can we do about this? Kogan suggests developing training and leadership programs, mentoring employees’ careers, and being flexible with our workforce schedules.

Sustainability will be soon mainstream, not a trend or an option. Consumers are choosing green companies and making changes in their lifestyles (April 2008 Gallop Poll). Clients are becoming committed to LEED certification . Even our own industry is moving to ‘greener’ pastures. First, the AIA adopted the 2030 challenge: calling for a minimum 50% carbon reduction for new construction beginning immediately, and 10% reductions in the following years. And as of January 2010, all licensed architects will be required to meet the new sustainable design L.U. requirements.

We are witnessing and industry that is changing… One that is consolidating and expanding, and moving progressively and proactively. Kogan suggests thinking in wider and longer terms to have successful design firms in the years to come. We must look at our future and start planning ahead of time. After all — in Darwin’s terms — the recipe for survival is exactly that: being responsive to change.

Your BIM Options: Archicad or Revit?

2009-11-25T03:43:00.000-08:00

The Construction and Design industry has a new friend: Building Information Modeling (BIM). You must have heard of it, it seems to be everywhere. BIM can be defined as a computer-aided process that generates and manages building data information throughout the life cycle of a given structure. True or not, I tend to believe that's too idealistic to apply for most professionals. In my simpler and more practical terms, I say BIM is currently used the upgraded Computer-Aided Design (CAD) in 3D; the biggest change in architectural design and construction management since computers became available for common office use.

If you had the chance to work with BIM in the past years, you are probably wondering how the heck we survived without it in the past. It seems rather intuitive - at times. If you haven't been able to use it yet, don't worry, you will. The 2 biggest BIM products in the market are ArchiCAD(by Graphisoft), and Revit (by Autodesk).

Having had the chance to work with both computer programs in the past years, I have been asked which one I like the best. It is hard to find the magic bullet, when both will give you corrupted files and gray hairs. I hope you find the low down below useful. I have tried to be fair and objective*.

1. Easy Team working and sharing: Revit

Because it allows you to borrow, without becoming an owner. ArchiCAD's marquee tool is still missed.

2. Early Schematic Planning: Revit

Because of its Color Scheme and Design Options tools.

3. Demolition Work: Revit

Because of its phase and phase filters options. ArchiCAD would require layer combinations.

4. Line Weight Management: Revit

This feature is similar to Autocad's system, so it feels easier to understand and manage.

5. Compatibility: Revit

Most engineers, materials and equipment consultants are using Revit. Sure you can use Naviswork in you are an ArchiCAD user, but that adds an extra step.

6. Project Navigation: ArchiCAD

ArchiCAD's project browser is more like ADT's navigator. It is better organized. Different programs, same company.

7. Components and Families Creation: Revit

I need to have a BIM manager creating families working on the side. Plus, Revit has numerous resources online.

8. Working in plan view and RCPs: Revit

You can easily fix those wall joins in Revit. You can use filled regions, invisible lines, etc. Not so much flexibility in ArchiCAD. Both programs give you wall priority options.

9. Composite Manager: ArchiCAD

Great tool. Revit does not come with this general management tool. You can individually edit composite/object parameters and load to project if applicable.

10. Templates: Archicad

Both ArchiCAD and Revit come with a template file. But when it comes to interface, I prefer Archicad's.

11. Drafting and Detailing: ArchiCAD

By far, ArchiCAD wins this one. Not only can you easily work with your BIM elevations and sections, but you can also create your own with easy to work drafting tools.

12. Dimensioning and other Plan Annotations: Revit

Even though ArchiCAD is better when detailing, Revit handles plan notes better.

13. Construction Administration: Revit

You can find Clouds and Revision tools.

14. Printing: Revit

Easier, it works just like any other program. ArchiCAD's way feels unnecessarily complex.

15. Less Crashes, Corrupted Files and other Synchronization Issues: ArchiCAD.

As a consequence, I have heard that it is ideal for larger and more complex projects.

16. Available Support: Revit

From personal experience, I had found Autodesk to be more visible, accessible, and with far more training resources.

17. Scheduling: Revit

This is where Revit gives you great flexibility to modify, control, filter, and sort...

Depending on what you want to use BIM for, you can choose what's better for you. I tried to lay this out as fairly as possible from an architectural production and coordination perspective. I've had the chance to work with BIM for years, and it definitely has its advantages. Both are great programs, and lately I'm hearing of more firms having to choose one over the other one. If someone asked me again, which BIM program I think is better, Archicad or Revit? I would say, my dream BIM project has an ArchiCAD navigator, connects me to all the Revit resources, does planning and design in Revit, and gives me ArchiCAD tools for construction documentation. In sum, there is still work to be done in the BIM-sphere.

I hope you found this comparison helpful. See you around,

Melissa

*Note that I am comparing Revit 2009, and ArchiCAD 11. Revit 2010 is said to be able to handle larger projects now that it has a 64-bit software. And ArchiCAD 13 is said to have improved its worksharing greatly.

STARBUCKS goes Lean

2009-11-17T14:43:00.000-08:00

Check this article about Starbucks by the Wall Street Journal. Just like Wal-mart is looking for ways to improve profit margins by bringing a new retail design, Starbucks is expecting to cut costs by adapting the Lean techniques into the way they make the coffee.

It is a couple of months old, I know. But you might have missed it. And since we've been talking about retailers today, I think it fits the theme. The economy is challenging top management and marketers to respond with new and better ways to make $$$. There is quite a bit for retail architects to catch on.

Peace.

Walmart: New Retail Design

2009-11-17T09:09:00.000-08:00

Wal-mart, the biggest retailer in the world, does not rest on its laurels. A few days ago, I went to a Wal-mart in Newark, Ohio. My very first reaction had me stopping on my feet to see it all, this is different. All of a sudden, I was walking into a much brighter, cleaner, more open store. Everything that I had in my grocery list was visible -well, almost everything. There were bigger signs, lower aisles, wider corridors, 45 degree lanes... definitely a more inviting retail design.

Some time ago, I had read that Wal-mart was moving into a new direction, and would be changing their stores to improve the consumer experience. This initiative was part of their Project Impact model, a new initiative to turn their stores into a quick stop shop with friendlier and cleaner spaces. But how soon would I seeing or noticing the improvements of this retail giant? Soon enough.

On their website, Wal-mart writes: The new layout creates an open shopping environment with wider aisles that contain no product displays. Lower shelving throughout the store creates an improved sightline and directional signage on every aisle helps customers find what they are looking for quickly.

The new design is a responsible factor behind their recent performance improvements. Their inventory turn over has greatly reduced, offering the customer the chance to get what they need without the visual clutter around it. In the current economic downturn and in the middle of pre-holiday season, other retailers must be looking around for new ways to attract customers. Taking a look at Wal-mart's improvements, changing the retail design is one of them.

On my way out, I even had a double-sided receipt, a greener move. Now that the holiday season is about to begin, will we see other stores copying this concept? Or will we soon be seeing a better model?

In the mid time, (an early) Happy Holidays.

Renzo Piano

2009-11-15T06:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I ran into a group picture with Renzo Piano. Nothing glamorous or professional, simply a group picture. Something about him gave me the impression of a very approachable down-to-earth person.
On that note, I have to say that those talented and intelligent people, who are aware of their abilities, are easier to work with when they are not contemptuous to others. As a professional coach would write, one must take care not to be a victim of their 0wn success. I'm sure the ones around the intelligent and talented appreciate that.

Indeed, yes, we found water.

2009-11-13T19:36:00.000-08:00

Nasa has said, "Indeed, yes, we found water. And we didn't find just a little bit. We found a significant amount." This significant amount is 25 gallons found in the lunar crash led by NASA last month. This is a great discovery in the science world. New exciting studies and explorations will now begin. Humankind can now see themselves moving to the moon in a feasible future.

But aside from this being a magnificent discovery, we have also opened up the doors for a new theme in architecture school studios and design competitions: What will the architecture of the future will be like? What will new cities be like? ...more specifically: in the moon.

Let your imagination run wild.

Calling All Women

2009-11-13T09:25:00.000-08:00

A new article in the AIA Archiblog has been posted by a SCAD professor. Calling All Women byAlexis Gregory refers to stats collected by an independent study, and also by Clemson University. She presents the raising percentages of women attending architecture schools, and their small presence in the profession. This comes as no surprise to those of us who are working in the field. Gregory also explains what she believes are the reasons for the low numbers, and the obstacles female architects have to overcome.

To play devil's advocate, statistics give us the ability to turn hypotheses into the theses we want them to be. This would allow anyone to make apparent correlations from partially related subjects. What's more, perhaps women do join architecture schools with the ultimate goal of becoming care takers of their families. A male-dominated industry would have little to do with their career paths of choice. However, - I must admit - comments left by women in the industry have a bitter taste of reality.

Rome's Newest Museum

2009-11-12T09:10:00.000-08:00

A new building has been added to the must-see iconic list of buildings in the historic city of Rome. This Saturday, Maxxi, the new museum of contemporary art designed by Zaha Hadid, opens up to the public for an 'architectural preview'.

Nicolai Ouroussoff writes for the New York Times: "The completion of the museum is proof that this city is no longer allergic to the new and a rebuke to those who still see Rome as a catalog of architectural relics for scholars or tourists... A generation of Romans can now walk out their front doors knowing that the conversation with the past is not so one-sided."

Groundbraking and naming ceremony took place on March 2oth, 2003.

For the full NY Times article on the subject, click here.

The IDP & ARE Experience: Perseverance Is The Key

2009-11-10T09:46:00.000-08:00

This article was posted on the AIA Associate News, November 2009 under Articles of Interest: http://info.aia.org/nwsltr_an.cfm?pagename=an_nwsltr_current

Most likely, the beginning of my IDP experience was just like yours. I opened my NCARB file back in 2004 with the support of my firm, and using the recent graduate discount. Back in 2004, there was no economic downturn. Everything was booming and moving at a fast pace. As a recent graduate with a Masters from the Savannah College of Art and Design, I sure was glad to have chosen an accredited NAAB program. Without which, you would have to go back to school if they you ever wanted to get licensed.

At first, filling my IDP credits was extremely intimidating. All the categories, the 700 credits, and the required experience in those seemingly unattainable sub-categories —how did they come up with such an intricate system? It felt so challenging that I didn’t file anything for more than a year. Then I realized that if I wanted to be a licensed architect, I needed to get on with my credit history. The accounting ladies were kind enough to print me dozens of pages of detailed work of all the hours I had logged. And in one weekend day, I was able get on track. Before my IDP experience was over, NCARB came up with a new IDP catalog and rules. I wished they had ‘clouded’ the changes so that more interns could catch the change. For once –at least for me– NCARB had great news: IDP credit will be given at 1.5 units per hour for all continuing education programs. Finally, attending lunch and learns, hard-hat tours, and other continuing education sessions was paying off. In 2007, I was able to finish my IDP.

Next step in the process was to get an ARE candidate number. Working with Virginia’s Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) and NCARB took another half a year to complete; lots of phone calls, lots of “we are processing it” answers. Something that perhaps not all states do is the written test that DPOR mails you. It is more like an open-book test about professional ethics and resource information. The answers are available online; you must fill in the multiple choice questionnaire and mail it back. I have to say that DPOR was always easy to reach, over the phone or via email.

Choosing the order of my ARE exams had me asking everywhere and reading everything: interns at work, interns knew through the AIA local chapter, college classmates, the areforum.org, etc. They all had different answers. But if someone asks me now, I would say three things. First, start with Construction Documents: it gives you a good frame of reference for your ARE goals, and your firm. Secondly, don’t stop there; all the ARE exams are somewhat connected, so keep studying. And three, the best time to study is winter; you will find fewer excuses to go out and not study. The new version ARE 4.0 was a great motivator. NCARB’s transition chart was what kept me going and studying in an attempt to get done before June 30^th. Talking in new version terms, I am done with six exams, and I am studying for my very last exam. I will definitely schedule it before the new cut-off date, October 1^st. By the end of the year, I am hoping to read AIA letters after my name.

Between here and there, I’ve had several project deadlines to meet, transferred my license registration from one state to another, and renewed my NCARB files twice. But the closer you get to the end of the ARE list, the better you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. The AREs are just a means to an end. The end, obviously, is becoming a licensed architect. We haven’t gone this far to stop before the finish line, we can do it.

The BIM Race: Architects v. Contractors

2009-11-08T06:14:00.000-08:00

Without a doubt, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the way of the future in the construction and design world.
If you have had the chance to work with BIM for a few years, and then tried to get something done in ADT or AutoCAD, I bet you wondered how the heck you made it work before the BIM revolution.
Professionals in the industry, like Raymond Kogan, suggest that the big push for BIM will be coming (if it isn't already) from the owners and the contractors side. This is leaving architects and designers as the trend followers. Why could that be? Aren't designers the ones to be on the avant-garde?

I have seen contractors modeling projects at owners' request, and using programs like Naviswork, capable of combining 3D project information from a variety of programs and disciplines.
But anyone can use Naviswork, piece all the pieces of the puzzle together, and have it to use at the contruction site. Why would the contractor be taking over this additional service? Contractors must be selling it as a key piece to their well-coordinated time-critical performance. In an industry where money is tight and time is precious, clients must love this high-tech approach and see the value.
On the other hand, what happened to the architect's role as the big orchestrator of all contructions? what happened to the A201 Contract Document where the architect acts as the owner's agent? And the engineering part of a project is contracted by the architect's consultants. Can't the architect take charge of the overall 3D modeling of the project too?
BIM has been a hard pill to swallow for some architecture firm managers who see the learning curve as an additional expense. Learning a new computer program doesn't go on without its bumps and delays. Contractors saw the bigger picture and the dollar signs first, and have been jumping on the BIM wagon faster. So for now, they are winning the BIM race. Maybe the newest delivery model: Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) will even out the road for architects in the future.

Quote of the Day

2009-10-30T04:41:00.001-07:00

'Everything in this world is based on Performance.'

Andrew Wommack Ministries TV Broadcast

Glad to know Wommack would be interested in Lean. Things are more interesting when you find multi-discipline applications.

Food for Thought

2009-10-21T09:29:00.000-07:00

I was talking to my father about Lean a few days ago. He got me thinking about 2 things:

How to do more with what I currently have?
And how to do exactly the same with less?

The interesting thing is that you could apply these 2 simple questions to absolutely anything.

Como hacer mas con lo que tengo, como hacer lo mismo con menos?

Lean - the 7 wastes

2009-10-14T09:12:00.000-07:00

I am a little disappointed. Let's keep it clear. There are only 7 wastes in the Lean manufacturing process. No more. There are those out there claiming poetic license and adding their own 'waste' to the list... pluhh-ease!

In case you wonder, they are:

1. Overproduction

2. Waiting

3. Transporting

4. Inappropriate Processing

5. Unnecessary Inventory

6. Unnecessary Motion

7. Defects

If you are still wondering what this is all about, start with The Goal, a great book on Lean in fiction-style.

... and if you want to know more about Lean specifically for Healthcare, I was suggested to read The Toyota Way to Healthcare Excellence: Increase Efficiency and Quality with Lean, by John Black.

Still in my to-do list... I'm hoping to get to it soon.

The Hospital of the Future

2009-10-08T09:46:00.000-07:00

Writing about the future patient rooms, got me thinking about the bigger picture, the future of healthcare design and the bigger task in hand. Designing a hospital can be once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity, and many times, it can be obsolete before even completing its life cycle. Architects and planners have to design for:

1. flexibility,

2. adaptability,

3. expansion,

4. safety,

5. productivity and

6. sustainability.

...And if that was not enough, designers should also consider:

7. the patient-centered care trends,

8. branding, and

9. the future of the healthcare administration.

let me know of you can think of anything else.

Patient Room Design

2009-10-07T09:24:00.000-07:00

There is so much to say about patient rooms. My general approach is to see it from the patient's perspective. It is suggested that room doors should be located “patient right”, where the door is to the right-hand side of the patient bed. Since around 90% of the population is right-handed, I cant' object to that. Another worth-mentioning best practice is to locate the toilet room door on the same side of the head wall, so patient has the option to lean on to the wall in case mobility assistance is needed.

Patient Room of the Future

In patient rooms, where flexibility is the key factor, the question seems to be: what will the adaptable patient room of the future be like? You must consider healthcare trends, characteristics of future patients, resource limitations, rising costs, and technology. However, about the technology of the future, keep in mind that the rule of thumb is: do not project more than 7 years ahead. Otherwise, you can end up with something like the image below, the humongous 2004 computer of the future, decades ahead of its time....

In a healthcare world that is heavily gravitating towards patient-centered services, and where technology moves at exponential speeds, this seems like a tricky task for our healthcare planners. I'm confident the best trends are just around the corner.

Handed versus Mirrored Rooms

Traditionally, mirrored rooms have been preferred as their construction allows for shared head walls and plumbing walls. So the thought was that sharing wet walls should mean savings in construction costs.

On the other hand, same-handed rooms seem to be favorable for medical staff -although no tangible evidence is available yet. With every room being identical, medical staff would be able to access the exact same layout, reducing the possibility of medical errors. What's more, it is suggested that same-handed rooms can project lower costs. Architects can document same-handed items, contractors can build same-handed rooms faster, and health care organizations would only acquire/replace/track same-handed room equipment and furniture.

My preference, same-handed layouts. What say you?

Marketing Architecture

2009-09-11T13:04:00.000-07:00

Is everything Marketing? For the absolute-haters, no. But having good marketing skills can be just as, if not more, important than having good design skills in the current economic times. What exactly is Marketing? I will copy/paste the American Marketing Association definition:
“Marketing is an organizational function and a set of process for creating, communicating and delivering value to customers and for managing customer relationships in ways that benefit the organization and its stakeholders.”

Are architects marketing-smart?

Architects may have found it rather intuitive, something to be learned as one practices the profession. But I would suggest deeper studies. Architectural Practice classes are just the tip of the iceberg. In the book Blink, Malcomn Gladwell writes that a person has 2 seconds before jumping to a conclusion. Misleading or not, it is a judgement upon which the subsequence client decisions will be based. When all we have is a website, a handshake, a voice machine, an attire, a business card, or a few pages to respond to a RFQ (request for qualifications) or a RFP (request for proposals), we have the equivalent of Malcolmn Gladwell's 2 seconds to make the correct first impression on a client. Our design skills might not even come into play when being judged; instead, our marketing skills do. Are we portraying our business the way we want it, are we selling effectively? Is our professional persona portraying the quality and type of work we are after?

In the current economic disaster, we have few architectural firms hiring or investing. Those that are, are looking for marketing leaders who would help them win projects, or saving their cash flow for marketing pursuits. In one way or another, we recognize the importance of marketing as the essential piece of the architectural work. As such, we should analyze our current efforts in this deparment, and come out stronger than before, as the savvy architectural marketers we should be.

the Basket Building

2009-09-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

Along the lines of iconic buildings and eye catching structures, don't forget about the 'basket building'. It is literally designed to resemble a picnic basket. Hats off to the client for sticking to their ideas and not following the status quo. The architect, NBBJ. The building, a monument to pure EIFS construction. EIFS, Exterior Insulation Finishing System

Above
Longaburger Baskets, the homestead, golf course, factory, and giant basket office building.

Location
Zanesville, OH

The best surreal and approaching view to the Basket Building is going through 37. History has it that they were originally planning on adding a napkin, and salt & pepper shackers to serve as entrance elements. Personally, I'm glad they didn't.

Ohio, state of the most beautiful sky.

My IDP / ARE Experience

2009-09-09T15:14:00.000-07:00

At first, filling my IDP credits was extremely intimidating. All the categories, the 700 credits, and the required experience in those seemingly unattainable sub-categories —how did they come up with such an intricate system? It felt so challenging that I didn’t file anything for more than a year. Then I realized that if I wanted to be a licensed architect, I needed to get on with my credit history. The accounting ladies were kind enough to print me dozens of pages of detailed work of all the hours I had logged. And in one weekend day, I was able get on track.Before my IDP experience was over, NCARB came up with a new IDP catalog and rules. I wished they had ‘clouded’ the changes so that more interns could catch the change. For once –at least for me– NCARB had great news: IDP credit will be given at 1.5 units per hour for all continuing education programs. Finally, attending lunch and learns, hard-hat tours, and other continuing education sessions was paying off. In 2007, I was able to finish my IDP.

Choosing the order of my ARE exams had me asking everywhere and reading everything: interns at work, interns knew through the AIA local chapter, college classmates, the areforum.org, etc. They all had different answers. But if someone asks me now, I would say three things. First, start with Construction Documents: it gives you a good frame of reference for your ARE goals, and your firm. Secondly, don’t stop there; all the ARE exams are somewhat connected, so keep studying. And three, the best time to study is winter; you will find fewer excuses to go out and not study. The new version ARE 4.0 was a great motivator. NCARB’s transition chart was what kept me going and studying in an attempt to get done before June 30^th. Talking in new version terms, I am done with 6 exams, and I am studying for my very last exam. I will definitely schedule it before the new cut-off date, October 1^st. By the end of the year, I am hoping to read AIA letters after my name.

AIA Columbus Chapter

2009-09-08T13:03:00.000-07:00

Just as I get settled after the long weekend break, I get great news. I have been nominated for an AIA Columbus board position as Associate Director. We shall wait til next month for Election Day. At any rate, exciting indeed. Thanks AIA Columbus.

M. Arch + M.B.A.

2009-09-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

At the beginning, an architect was an autodidact, a real apprentice that learned the trade, hands on in the field. A Brunelleschi, a real orchestrator of all the construction. Then, the professional degrees weighed in. And for a while, having a plain Bachelor's degree in Architecture was good enough. Later on, the Masters in Architecture came along. And it seemed like it was the 'it' degree to move up within E/A firms...

Now, numerous universities are offering the new deal: M. Arch + M.B.A.

Among them, Yale, U Penn, Washington University at St. Louis, University of Michigan... You must apply to both architecture and business schools separately in order to be accepted in this dual program. And then it will get you more graduate credits that you've ever dreamed of. But is it worth it? Is it really a good ROI?

I'm still debating on this. But time is ticking and time will tell. Soon the new wave of graduates will be out there sending out their resumes. Will it be to architecture or financial/consulting firms? It might be a very objective and financial decision itself, where b-students will prove their strategic skills. Four or more years of graduate school and living expenses can't come cheap. And that I know of, MBAs can easily make 3 times interns going through the IDP will in the first couple of years. What kind of job will pay for being both a MBA and M. Arch. right after graduation? If you know, let me know, I'm still scratching my head here.

After being in several architecture and E/A firms for over 5 years (and counting, knock on wood), I even question the value of the Master of Architecture degree if you already have a professional Bachelor of Architecture. Of course, the NAAB and NCARB might disagree.

If you are set to be your own boss in your own architecture firm, the MBA might be an overkill. All the successfull and self-employed gray-haired architects out there didn't seem to need it. But if your plan is to go along with the MBA as your primary degree, the M.Arch might be the back-up plan you'll never need to have.

On the other hand, will the M.Arch + MBA degree become the new must-have to move up in the A/E world ladder? Will this force already-licensed architects to go back to b-school? What happened with learning experience along with Amazon books?

We shall see.

For the time being, the Masters of Architecture can visit http://personalmba.com/ . We might save a few bucks, or thousands for that matter.

ARE Warriors

2009-09-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

To ya'll,

Those who stay up all night studying Times New Roman 14 fonts so you can pass the rigorous Architectural Registration Examination. Those who sacrifice happy hour $1.50 drafts for books with little-to-none colored images. Those who hope (and pray to all saints and virgins) to pass them all in the first try, so they don't have to wait 6 months with the donkey hat.

To all those ARE warriors, I admire you and your tenacity. Hang in there, even though the ARE exam fees' have gone up... again.

This is getting to be like the USPS stamps.

Dimensions

2009-09-03T09:34:00.000-07:00

So this is it, plain and simple, what do you dimension to? -to the face of the stud, OR to the face of the finished surface?
I have always thought it was to the stud. Think about the building sequence, and you'll agree with me, ha! But hear me out, the 1st thing that would be laid out is the stud. Therefore, the 1st thing that the building constructor would want to know is where to lay the studs. And let's face it, we must make it easy for them so we can avoid errors and silly RFIs. However, if you want to show that your plans meet ADA clearances (ie bathrooms) to a building official, then you can say face of finish, adding a "CLR" next to the dimension.
But arguibly it is a matter of preference, firm standards, and (I must add) CAD limitations (Archicad anyone?)...
I still believe it should be to the face of the stud. What say you?

Time to Lean Ourselves

2009-08-08T17:34:00.000-07:00

By now, Lean is a well-established practice. If you’ve been in this profession for some time, you probably first heard of it in Construction Management. And for a few years now, Lean has been buzzing around next to the word Healthcare. But if you haven’t heard of it yet, Lean dates back to the 1950’s. That’s when Taiichi Ohno set a number of management practices for the Toyota Production System.
Since then, Lean thinking has been focusing on one idea: producing services that the costumers need, when they need them, and in the amount that they are needed. And to get there, Lean advocates look at the production process and the building quality very carefully.
For construction managers, the Lean approach can mean success. Every step of the construction chain is measured, studied, and improved. At the end, they have a product delivered on time, when the customer needs it. In healthcare, the application of Lean is similar. The healthcare service process is carefully studied and improved. For the patients, this can be safe, timely and affordable care. For the health care providers, this means reduced stress and increased effectiveness and job satisfaction. For the health care organizations this translates to reduced risk and costs, and increased profits.
Now architectural designers are also thinking in Lean terms. They are applying the Lean principles to functionality and programming as it relates to early planning and schematic design. However, what about ourselves? The practice of architecture falls under the Service Industry too. We have customers and a service to sell. With ABI numbers looking down, we are all looking at different ways to cut costs. It might be time for a new business model.

We have seen quality control, checklists, IPD, BIM, and general management business practices put in place. We have grown into this traditional practice, and we are passionate about this profession. All things considered, we are proud of our work. But there is always room for improvement. We knew that when we were pulling overnighters in our college studios. This time around, the delivery chain model under which we have been operating can use an upgrade. The operations and processes that get our projects out the door can use some of the Lean principles. They can be redefined, and with that we can be changing our industry. Is it time for new thinking?

MICROWAVES

2009-05-05T09:48:00.000-07:00

Something interesting all architects and designers should know: Do all microwaves open from the right?

Pretty much. While few microwave doors open swinging down or come out like drawers, conventional microwave doors open like traditional swing doors do. And when it comes to the traditional microwave door, yes, there is only 1 kind of swing: the one that opens from the right. So there you are, pulling your microwave door from the right, pushing the control buttons on the right, and putting your lunch meal from the right hand side.

For those looking the left-handed option, not your lucky day. There is no limited edition left swing, adjustable door, mirrored-door version... nada.

While this right swing microwave works in some layouts, it is not ideal for all. It is definitely something to keep in mind when designing your next kitchen, kitchenette, break room...

Microwave makers, would you mind making a left-swing version? Please respond at your earliest convenience...

Who are you?

2009-02-20T09:58:00.000-08:00

It's said that we have a false impression of our physical appearance, we think we are better looking that what we actually are...
does it mean that we are less talented than what we think we are?