Maybe it shouldn't be a surprise that as I am thinking about what to write for this month's #Architalks post that I have been banished to my bed after a big shot of cough medicine. If I get sick, it is usually at this time of year. For some reason I think my body knows …
A million choices
It's December, the holidays are everywhere, and the deadlines are relentless in their quest for completion. It seems as though every project I am working on has someone consistently asking for an answer to the most question the world has ever seen and could cause the entire project to collapse. Or at least until tomorrow's …
I forget
One of the points of ArchiTalks is to show how various architects from different backgrounds and experiences take on a certain topic. There is one experience that every architect shares, taking the A.R.E. Well at least here in the states. It brings about memories of anxiety, relief, happiness, and resentment. I wouldn't be surprised if …
Ugly, sloppy, and wrong – oh my!
Architecture is a combination technical results oriented applications and artistic exploration and expression. The technical side is a pretty easy one to judge a project on. You can fairly accurately measure the square footage of a building; the amount of energy a building is consuming in the middle of summer; the performance of the various …
Homecoming Memories
The idea of homecoming is sure to conjure up all sorts of high school memories. The huge mums, I saw some at a store recently and couldn't believe that they have actually become that big; the garters, I think they have become as big as mums used to be, that awkward high school dance, and …
Starlight, moonlight – tick tock
I've really only worked for 4 different firms in my career, and 3 of them had pretty much the same philosophy about moonlighting. As long as it doesn't compete with the types of projects the firm does, than by all means, knock yourself out. The 4th firm I was with was during undergrad and if I …
I’ve got a lot to learn
I've been involved lately in a bunch of conversations about the changing role architects are playing in a typical project. You used to be able to go to an experienced architect and be able to ask them about design, drafting, flashing details, or numerous other things that are involved in projects and you would get …
A Few Reminders
I work in the world of commercial architecture. Whether it is a big or small project, the client usually has a pretty good idea of what they want in the end. In fact they've typically been through this entire process a few times before. They know the contracts involved, they've seen a set of construction …
I am not that Architect
There is a certain level of commitment that goes into being an architect. I would imagine for just about any career involving a professional license, continuing education, and numerous other requirements placed upon it. You end up learning so many different things that inevitably some of those items end up just rolling off the tongue …
Architecture = Change
Let's be honest here, change is what we do, it's what we are, and hopefully not what we work for. We are agents of change helping determine both its magnitude and direction. Ok, that sounded a bit deep, but the essence of it is still basically true. The work we do helps facilitate some sort …