Up-and-Coming Trends In Architectural Design

Architectural design is always changing to meet clients’ needs in new and innovative ways. At SOA, we embrace design ideas destined to become classics.

Burning Down the House

When designing a project — any building or space — architects are tasked with the responsibility and purpose to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

4 Ways Renderings are Beneficial

A "rendering" is architect-speak for an illustration (usually three-dimensional) of a design project.

5 Things to Consider When Remodeling

Remodeling an existing building is rewarding but comes with a unique set of issues. If you are thinking about remodeling your building, the five considerations below are a good place to start.

6 Reasons Your Architects’ Drawings Aren’t Perfect

One of the most frustrating realizations most first-time clients experience is that architects’ designs and drawings aren’t perfect.  Should they be? 

The 3Ds of the Design Process

There are infinite methods to approach the design process.  Regardless of the design tools or technology used,  how architects work can be lumped into 3 basic steps:

Tools of the Trade

It is my belief that the role of the contemporary architect is that of a master communicator – an evolution of the origins of the role as master builder.  While the ultimate goal of an architect’s work is tangible and physical, an architect’s job is essentially to translate between different audiences.

Have you heard the joke about the roof? No..? It’s above your head.

Roofs are not the most exciting of architectural elements, but the argument could be made that they are, in fact, the most important part of the building.  It’s no coincidence that we say we’re grateful for ‘a roof over our heads’, they protect us from rain, sun and snow.

3 Common Building Problems That Architects Help Solve

For any given project, there is a very wide variety of problems that an architect is asked to solve.  Often, they are very specific to the site or the client needs. Can you relate to these three general design problems we frequently have to solve?

Abracadabra: The Secret to Good Design

What is good design? Is design considered ‘good’ when it is noticeable or when you don’t notice? When it is bold or subtle? Is it obvious or understated? I feel the correct answer is, well…..both.

What’s in the details? Part II

The sketch indicated above/below is a continuation of my previous post. The sketch shows how to detail the window head and sill in a masonry veneer, steel stud back up exterior wall. It is important to maintain water tight exterior skin and continue the weather barrier into the opening. 

What’s in the details?

As architects, we start the design process with very conceptual ideas and talk big-picture about the way a building needs to operate and its general style, but it’s how the details are executed that determine how well the building can meet these aesthetic and conceptual goals, along with keeping the rain out!

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Finding the Right Building Site

Finding the Right Building Site

"Getting your Ducks in a Row" E-booklet 5
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