Thomas Miller: Obamacare #39;s architects have inflated egos

By: American Enterprise Institute

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Cheshire Cat - Bell Cupola Raising (VW Architects)
Wednesday October 30th, 2013. With the rebuilding of the Cheshire Cat Pub nearing completion the rebuilt bell cupola is being hoisted up and on to the roof.

By: Vandenberg Wildeboer

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Bob Menendez and Mark Kirk, Architects of US sanctions on Iran. Who are they?
In the US, Democrat Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey and his Republican colleague Senator Mark Kirk of Illinois are known as the architects of illegal anti...

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Bob Menendez and Mark Kirk, Architects of US sanctions on Iran. Who are they? - Video

Hiring an architect may be a process that is unfamiliar to you. You may know an architect but be unclear about what one can do for you, or you may not know where to find design professionals and how to select the one that best fits your needs.

Few people realize how complicated a project is--that is until they find themselves lost in the maze of design options, building codes, zoning laws, contractors, and so on. No two building projects are exactly alike, so there is no single, clear-cut path to follow.

The architect is the one professional who has the education, training, experience, and vision to guide you through the entire design and construction process, from helping you define what you want to build to helping you get the most for your construction dollar.

Whether you are remodeling, adding on, or building from scratch, the architect can guide the way. Working with contractors and other construction professionals, architects can help you end up with a well-designed project that meets your needs and works with your budget and time frame.

Are you planning a building project? The best time to bring in an architect is as early as possible in the project. Long before plans and specifications are developed, there are many crucial decisions to be made. What impact will site selection and zoning constraints have on your project?

Architects can help you evaluate your options. Predesign services provided by an architect can save you time and money. Architects play key roles in economic feasibility studies, obtaining project financing, and developing project budgets and schedules.

What an Architect can do for You

The architect is the skilled professional who listens to you, interprets your wishes, and helps realize your building dreams. The architect is a counselor, planner, designer, mediator, work coordinator, and business administrator. Architects add value at every stage of the project, from initial conceptual design through construction completion. Your architect:

Translates Your Wishes into Plans for Construction Your hopes and dreams for your project may be vague and abstract, and are usually expressed in words. The architect's job is to work with you to translate them into a visual and technical prescription for construction that is very detailed. The goal is for you, your architect, and your builder to share the same, very specific expectations about materials, quality, workmanship and other outcomes. This is usually an educational process for everyone, during which all decisions should be recorded on paper and all construction details and instructions carefully documented.

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“Find An Architect” directory - AIA New Jersey

An architect is a person trained and licensed to plan, design, and oversee the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to provide services in connection with the design and construction of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the buildings, that have as their principal purpose human occupancy or use.[1] Etymologically, architect derives from the Latin architectus, which derives from the Greek arkhitekton (arkhi-, chief + tekton, builder), i.e., chief builder.[2]

Professionally, an architect's decisions affect public safety, and thus an architect must undergo specialized training consisting of advanced education and a practicum (or internship) for practical experience to earn a license to practice architecture. Practical, technical, and academic requirements for becoming an architect vary by jurisdiction (see below).

The terms architect and architecture are also used in the disciplines of landscape architecture, naval architecture and often information technology (for example a network architect or software architect). In most jurisdictions, the professional and commercial uses of the terms "architect[3]" and "landscape architect" are legally protected.

Throughout ancient and medieval history, most architectural design and construction was carried out by artisanssuch as stone masons and carpenters, rising to the role of master builder. Until modern times there was no clear distinction between architect and engineer. In Europe, the titles architect and engineer were primarily geographical variations that referred to the same person, often used interchangeably.[4][5]

It is suggested that various developments in technology and mathematics allowed the development of the professional 'gentleman' architect, separate from the hands-on craftsman. Paper was not used in Europe for drawing until the 1400s, but became increasingly available after 1500. Pencils were used more often for drawing by 1600. The availability of both allowed pre-construction drawings to be made by professionals.[6] Concurrently, the introduction of linear perspective and innovations such as the use of different projections to describe a three-dimensional building in two dimensions, together with an increased understanding of dimensional accuracy, helped building designers communicate their ideas.[6] However, the development was gradual. Until In most developed countries, only qualified persons with appropriate licensure, certification, or registration with a relevant body, often governmental may legally practice architecture. Such licensure usually requires as accredited university degree, successful completion of exams, and a training period. The use of terms and titles, including derivatives such as architectural designer, and the representation of oneself as an architect is restricted to licensed individuals by law.

To practice architecture implies the ability to practice independently of supervision. The term building design professional (or Design professional), by contrast, is a much broader term that includes professionals who practice independently under an alternate profession, such as engineering professionals, or those who assist in the practice architecture under the supervision of a licensed architect, such as architectural technologists and intern architects. In many places, independent, non-licensed individuals may perform design services outside the professional restrictions, such design houses and other smaller structures.

In the architectural profession, technical knowledge, management, and an understanding of business are as important as design. An architect accepts a commission from a client. The commission might involve preparing feasibility reports, building audits, the design of a building or of several buildings, structures, and the spaces among them. The architect participates in developing the requirements the client wants in the building. Throughout the project (planning to occupancy), the architect co-ordinates a design team. Structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers and other specialists, are hired by the client or the architect, who must ensure that the work is co-ordinated to construct the design.

The architect hired by a client is responsible for creating a design concept that meets the requirements of that client and provides a facility suitable to the required use. In that, the architect must meet with and question the client [extensively] to ascertain all the requirements and nuances of the planned project. This information, known as a program or brief, is essential to producing a project that meets all the needs of the ownerit is a guide for the architect in creating the design concept.

Architects deal with local and federal jurisdictions about regulations and building codes. The architect might need to comply with local planning and zoning laws, such as required setbacks, height limitations, parking requirements, transparency requirements (windows) and land use. Some established jurisdictions require adherence to design and historic preservation guidelines.

Architects typically put projects to tender on behalf of their clients, advise on the award of the project to a general contractor, and review the progress of the work during construction. They typically review contractor shop drawings and other submittals, prepare and issue site instructions, and provide construction contract administration and Certificates for Payment to the contractor (see also Design-bid-build). In many jurisdictions, mandatory certification or assurance of the work is required.

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Architect - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A legal dispute between a Toronto architectural firm and Nova Scotia Power Inc. has led to accusations of negligence, missed payments and cost overruns for the utilitys new headquarters.

WZMH Architects filed a civil claim in Ontario Superior Court in September, accusing the utility of withholding slightly more than $1 million in payments for services rendered.

The failure to pay the indebtedness relates to the fact that NSPI has come under public scrutiny with respect to the project, the company says in a statement of claim filed with the court.

Criticism has been levelled at NSPI, that as a public authority, NSPI ought not to have constructed lavish office space for public servants.

The Toronto company was the lead architect to design the utilitys $53.4-million corporate headquarters at 1223 Lower Water St., completed in late 2011.

The building was designated with platinum certification from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design in March 2013.

Calls and emails to Harrison Chan, a principal in the company and lead architect on the project, as well as WZMH legal counsel Craig Colraine, were not returned.

According to the statement of claim, the two parties entered into an architectural services agreement on July 30, 2008, in which the utility agreed to pay WZMH a fixed fee of slightly more than $4.3 million.

That agreement, which was effective retroactive to May 1, 2008, also included a provision for fees in excess of that amount for any additional services requested by the utility.

The utility did require additional services, which were agreed to in writing between the parties, work which WZMH states was completed on or about April 26, 2012.

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Architects, NSP battling over $1m

Minecraft: Architects Resource Pack Review
Architects Link: http://resourcepack.net/architects-dream-resource-pack/ Follow Me: Twitter: sB_Toucan Don #39;t forget to subscribe it #39;s quick and free plus you...

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Seattle, WA (PRWEB) October 31, 2013

Today Architectural firm Heliotrope Architects and homebuilder Hammer & Hand unveiled the Green Lake Passive House, available now for presale. Designed to the rigorous Passive House green building standard, the house will use 80-90% less heating energy than a conventional home, dramatically reducing its carbon footprint. Its award-winning architectural design makes it an exemplar of high design in high performance building.

"Our aim was to combine design excellence with cutting-edge building science to prove that sustainable homes can be beautiful, and that high design homes can be sustainable," said Joe Herrin, principal at Heliotrope Architects. "It's a combination not often seen in our region."

While not yet built, the residence has received a Northwest and Pacific Region Design Award from the American Institute of Architects. Filtered ventilation and leak-free construction will safeguard indoor air quality. A high performance building envelope will ensure thermal comfort. Triple-glazed windows and super-insulated walls will eliminate noise transmission from outside. Carefully designed day-lighting will create an open and bright interior, maximizing solar heat gain and daylight penetration throughout. Outside, the form of the home creates a bold expression clad in warm, natural cedar.

The home's flexible floor plan is well suited to families and couples. The ground level includes a garage, a guest suite or family room, a laundry room and a storage room. The main level includes living, dining, entry and powder room. The upstairs has three bedrooms and two baths. All are connected by a stair floating under a large skylight, with glass floors allowing ample light infiltration below. The total floor area is just shy of 3,000sf.

"Heliotrope has designed the Tesla of houses here," said Sam Hagerman, co-owner of high performance builder Hammer & Hand. "Quiet and beautiful, it's the kind of place you don't want to leave."

Project cost as designed, depending upon final finish selections, will total approximately $1,450,000, excluding transaction cost. The buyer will finance the project and the architect/contractor team will see the project through construction on the buyer's behalf. The seller intends an entirely open book approach, with the buyer involved in remaining design decisions (such as finishes, fixtures and appliances) leading to the final cost/selling price.

For more about the project, visit http://hammerandhand.com/green-lake-passive-house

About Hammer & Hand Hammer & Hand is a construction company dedicated to inciting evolution in building through service, science and craft. The firm collaborates with clients and architects to build the best of the Northwest, from new custom homes, to residential remodels, to commercial renovations.

Hammer & Hand Portland 1020 Southeast Harrison Street Portland, OR 97214 http://hammerandhand.com (503) 232-2447

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Heliotrope Architects and Hammer & Hand Announce Pre-sale of High Performance Seattle Home, the Green Lake Passive House

Summary: A Mac architect takes a detailed look at the forthcoming Mac Pro's graphic processors, which reveal plenty of potential value in the top-of-the-line machine.

At Architosh, the resource for Mac-based architects, Anthony Frausto-Robledo took a close look at the graphic processors in the forthcoming Mac Pro workstation and then compared them to similar AMD FirePro GPU cards on the market.

Frausto-Robledo starts out with the question: What are the D300, D500 and D700 anyway? After all, the cards are specifically designed for the Mac Pro. Each Mac Pro will come with a pair of the GPUs, which can add up.

Apples mid-level Mac Pro starts at $3,999. Out of that price, the dual-D500s net-yield 85 percent of the streaming processors, 69 percent of the teraflops and 75 percent of the video memory of a FirePro W8000. Averaging these the D500 yields 76 percent of much of the value of the W8000, or $1,308. Apple appears to be equipping users with about $1,800 of graphics value in the dual-D500 configuration. $2,199 for the rest of the unit.

According to Frausto-Robledo, the top-model's D700 has specs similar to the FirePro W9000, costing about $3,000. He believes:

Apple may scale value on the D700 quite a bit, essentially giving away the extra heaps of video ram. That would make the D700-equipped Mac Pros a must have for the top-end performing pro users and it would steal away dedicated Windows workstation users as well.

In an accompanying opinion piece, Frausto-Robledo says the new Mac Pros with as many as 12 cores will present customers with new decisions on how those cores will be utilized by applications with different architectures. We see the same decisions with standard 2D apps: some programs want fewer, faster cores and others can take advantage of more, although slower, cores.

For example, he points to support in Graphisoft ArchiCAD 17 for multi-core, oriented background-processing performance algorithms.

Apple has really done it this time. Its giving users a more closed system, but it is also giving pro users for the very first time more CPU and GPU configuration options than ever before. You can pair the mighty D700 with the quad-core Xeon or you can go more efficient with D300 or D500.

You can scale your CPU choice from a typical quad-core (which is baseline these days for a performance processorand by the way the baseline, according to BOXX for a Revit workstation), or you can add 2, 4 or 8 more cores to the mix. It depends on your precise workflow and budget for a new workstation.

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Mac architects can't wait for the Mac Pro

Zaha Hadid's This Must Be the Place dollhouse is a puzzle structure made of wood and resin pieces. Image: Thomas Butler Its current bid is 10,500. Image: Thomas Butler David Adjaye's Electra House is a flexible home that contains a live/work space. Designed to be accessible to all, the ground floor is a continuous space, undulating between outdoor courtyard and creative indoor space. Image: Thomas Butler Chris Ofili, a long-time Adjaye collaborator, created custom miniature artwork for the home. Image: Thomas Butler MAKE Architects' Jigsaw House is made up of 26 fully-designed houses and another 20 empty houses that can be combined. Image: Thomas Butler Each partner in the practice was encouraged to invent their own house filling each room with their own sensory expressions of play and color. Image: Thomas Butler Individual, hollowed-out oak rooms in bright colors can be inserted into the house. Image: Thomas Butler Coffey Architecture's Inside Out dollhouse is built out of concrete and includes a bonsai tree and herb garden. Image: Thomas Butler Studio Egret West's Puzzle House unfolds from a colorful rectangular box into seven separate pieces. The hollow spaces each contain a jewelry-like object designed by artist Andrew Logan: a stair of mirrors, a ladder, a diving board, a few thimbles, a chain, a propeller. Image: Thomas Butler Dexter Moren's Haptic House is based on the concept of 'sensory play'. A series of components, identical in character, are meant to stimulate the primary senses. The 360-degree access means there are no defined rules of how it can be used. Image: Thomas Butler Glenn Howells Architects built the The Extra-Ordinary House out of robust timber. Image: Thomas Butler They want to explain how the home works through touch and feel so a child with impaired sight can understand how its volumes relate to living. Image: Thomas Butler SHEDKM's Outside/In is a collection of exterior-like spaces that rotates like a Rubik puzzle around a spiral stair. Image: Thomas Butler Guy Hollaway designed the Jack in a Box, which at first appears to be a simple house. Image: Thomas Butler Until it inflates to be a life-size playhouse. Image: Thomas Butler Morag Myerscough & Luke Morgan's dollhouse is a vibrantly colored, multi-level structure. Image: Thomas Butler James Ramsey RAAD Studios The Grimm House is an interpretation of an illustrated fairy tale book for blind children. The story of Hansel and Gretel is written in braille on the exterior.The interior cavity is a tactile exploration of the fairytale, sculpted from hard candy, braided hair, and bones. Image: Thomas Butler Duggan Morris Architects' Multi-story house has been designed to aid early intervention strategies for children with developmental disability Autistic Spectrum Disorder. The house swaps the visually noisy cross section of the typical dollhouse with a set of rooms arranged in either a stack or plan form. Each room can be used in isolation or as part of a sequence. Image: Thomas Butler dRMM's House for a Deaf Child has an exterior with adjustable pieces to give color expression on the outside and control of light and views from the inside. Image: Thomas Butler DRDH Architects' Play House is a toy theatre, based on the 18th-19th century paper Theatres Popular. The theatre features working scenery lifts and curtains in the fly tower, making all floors accessible to its actors and audience.Image: Thomas Butler Lifeshutz Davidson Sandilands dollhouse is made of three-sided rooms that can be stacked. Image: Thomas Butler Amodels' Elviss Tree House is based on a real playground in Southampton, England. The concept was to be as physically challenging as possible so kids learn for themselves as fast as possible. Image: Thomas Butler The tree house includes a swimming pool in the branches and, of course, Elvis. Image: Thomas Butler

Zaha Hadid's This Must Be the Place dollhouse is a puzzle structure made of wood and resin pieces. Image: Thomas Butler

Its current bid is 10,500. Image: Thomas Butler

David Adjaye's Electra House is a flexible home that contains a live/work space. Designed to be accessible to all, the ground floor is a continuous space, undulating between outdoor courtyard and creative indoor space. Image: Thomas Butler

Chris Ofili, a long-time Adjaye collaborator, created custom miniature artwork for the home. Image: Thomas Butler

MAKE Architects' Jigsaw House is made up of 26 fully-designed houses and another 20 empty houses that can be combined. Image: Thomas Butler

Each partner in the practice was encouraged to invent their own house filling each room with their own sensory expressions of play and color. Image: Thomas Butler

Individual, hollowed-out oak rooms in bright colors can be inserted into the house. Image: Thomas Butler

Coffey Architecture's Inside Out dollhouse is built out of concrete and includes a bonsai tree and herb garden. Image: Thomas Butler

Studio Egret West's Puzzle House unfolds from a colorful rectangular box into seven separate pieces. The hollow spaces each contain a jewelry-like object designed by artist Andrew Logan: a stair of mirrors, a ladder, a diving board, a few thimbles, a chain, a propeller. Image: Thomas Butler

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20 Fantastic Dollhouses Designed by Famous Architects