Change orders have a bad reputation! But change orders are not necessarily a bad thing; they are very useful elements of the building process. If you’ve ever hired a contractor to build something, you’ve likely experienced change orders. In fact, it may be the building owner who initiates a change order by requesting a change. […]
Six Flags has announced exciting new attractions and ride experiences for 2016. Every park in the company’s line-up will be getting something new. Whether you enjoy screaming-fast roller coasters, immersive ride environments, or scaled-down fun for little ones, there’s something for everyone at Six Flags parks in 2016. Six Flags’ Commitment to New Ride Experiences […]
What is architecture? At a very basic level, architecture is a structure that provides shelter. In its highest form, architecture inspires us, supports the people who inhabit the structure, and makes our lives better. My passion and great enjoyment for architecture, and the reason the older I get the more I enjoy it, is because […]
The ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act, was not around when I was a kid. In fact, it wasn’t until the 1990’s that the Department of Justice Act was established to ensure access to buildings for people with disabilities. 23 Inches of Snow in One Night! Remember the Chicago Blizzard of 1967? Striking northeast Illinois and […]
Consider using LED lamps in your next remodeling or new construction project. By doing so, you will save money, time, energy and materials. Use LED Lamps for New Construction and Remodeling In new buildings, many advantages can be gained by choosing LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamps for your lighting fixtures. The electrical service can be […]
Apartment trends reflect the changing tastes and lifestyle preferences of renters. Depending on the location and amenities offered, apartment rental rates can vary considerably. Although residents in each location may have varied budgets, tastes, and desires, some apartment trends remain consistent across the nation. Most Important Features The location of an apartment building continues to […]
Now that we’re past the Christmas holiday season, retailers remind us that January is the month of great shopping deals and white sales. According to Consumer Reports, the best time to buy bedding and linens is in January, and hence the term “white sales”. At the start of the New Year, we think about new […]
At the end of the year, we reflect on the past year in business and select a few favorites to feature in Our Favorite Things blog post. From food to building products to outdoor places, we vote for the year’s best of the best. This year we have a bumper crop of favorites – here […]
The increased integration of CAD/CAM in the architecture and construction industry has resulted in multiple benefits to our clients. What is CAD/CAM? CAD is an acronym for computer-aided design and drafting (CAD), while CAM is an acronym for computer-aided manufacturing. CAD software is used by designers to both design and document their ideas. The same […]
Trends: New Home Features that Sell Are you building a new home? Remodeling your current home and want to know the latest trends? You’ll want to invest your time and money in adding home features that matter to potential buyers! Although our firm doesn’t focus on residential architecture, we are all homeowners too! All of […]
We’ve all heard about the importance of building a foundation on solid ground. But what constitutes “solid” and how do you find out if soil is suitable for a construction project? Soil needs to resist the weight of the building. If it doesn’t resist the weight of the building, the building moves. It’s important to […]
A building permit is a necessary component of any construction project. Contrary to what you often hear, getting a building permit need not be a painful process. By working with local community officials, you can obtain the necessary permit and follow-up inspections. Your building contractor and architect will help you to facilitate the process so […]
Why should I be water smart? You have likely heard of the severe droughts affecting the U.S. from California to Florida. In these states, water conservation measures have become a way of life. Residents and businesses have installed water-saving faucets, planted drought-resistant plants, and installed swimming pool covers to reduce evaporation in an effort to […]
“The details are not the details. They make the design.” – Charles Eames Acclaimed American architect and furniture designer Charles Eames was on to something. Details really do make the design. Charles and his wife Bernice “Ray” Eames extensively explored project needs and constraints prior to finalizing the design details. Charles and Ray were technological pioneers […]
3-D renderings are one of the presentation tools employed by architects to help others visualize projects. 3-D renderings and other visual aids provide important clues to the architect’s vision. A variety of audiences are served by the use of architectural visual aids: Architects can explore ideas and demonstrate their design concepts, gaining client feed-back and […]
