Just at the beginning for this building. I am sure we will have a few more changes. We will keep you posted.
Boush Street Offices
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Star Express Prototype
Just at the beginning for this building. I am sure we will have a few more changes. We will keep you posted.
Race for the Cure & Architects
Some our of friends and family have developed breast cancer and we do this small bit to honor and remember them as well as celebrate those who have survived. My mother-in-law is one of those survivors. Not only that but a TWO-TIME Breast Cancer survivor. Amazing woman! They always join our team and her husband pushes her in her wheelchair down the boardwalk. It is a great event for them to be apart of. They lived with us during her last battle. When she lost her hair during the kemo treatments, I told her she just needed to laugh and told her she didnt have to go to those extremes to have the same hair style as me.
Thank you to all those who have contributed and those who continue to battle....we will be praying for your victory!
www.ionicdezign.com
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Definitions of Architecture
Architecture = Form + Function – Boring
Architecture = Concrete – formwork + inappropriate touching
Starchitecture = Ambition + Misguided Passion + Interns / Time – ½ Deadline + lawsuit
Arrogance = Architect + wine
Architecture = Idea +/– Talent
Drafting = Design + Detailing + creepy intern with community college degree
Architecture = Profit – Fees – Liability + credit card application
Architecture = Career – Relevance
Architecture = Image + Reality – Recognition + 1/5 laughter
Architecture = Place + Time + 5” diameter trees
Architecture = Landscape + Concrete + Parking
Architecture = Architectural Record + Intern + Redlines – Interesting
Program < Architecture
Architecture = Angst + Time – Fee = Angst/Time
Client’s Deadline = Reality / 5
Architecture = Geometry + Obfuscation
Architects schedule = complete guess + vague definition of “work days” and “calendar days”
Architecture = Art – irony (and awkward public nudity)
Your salary < you deserve
Architects hourly rate x time = 12 x fee in original contract
Architecture = math – satisfying resolution
Talent = .99 x perspiration + .01 x dark clothing
Talent = experience – ability to ignore experience
Time = Client’s money
Architect = Engineer + Art – Engineer + fear
Architect = Artist + liability
Architecture = Flash of Brilliance + Door Schedules
Architecture = HVAC + operable windows
Beauty = popular + expensive
Architectural Intern = Hobo + turtleneck – mangy dog + 5/8 IDP
Original Contract fee + Owner driven design changes = Original Contract fee
Architecture = Floor + Walls + Roof + Windows – Boring
Architecture = Concept design – Building Code
Tread + 2 x Riser = +/- 27 < tripping
Architecture = Structure + Optimism
Board-formed concrete + empty room + dramatic lighting = Obviously
Resume + Portfolio + Postage < Application + Starbucks + wool cap
Architecture + public scrutiny = awkward public plaza
Facebook + Architecture = Hello?… Hello?
Architect = Student loan + messenger bag
Architecture / Business = {error: cannot divide by zero}
5th year Thesis = Awesomeness + loneliness / taco bell
Architecture = Creativity / Gravity
Developer fee = 18 x Architectural liability insurance deductible < fair
Atelier = pompous windbag + unpaid interns
Architect + Unemployment = Architect
Architecture = Modernism – ½ Clients dislike of modernism
Social Media + unemployment = Blogging about Architecture
wait…what?
repost from Coffee with an Architect by Jody Brown
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Why is an architect licensed?
It is a simple and complicated question at the same time. For those of you who do not concern yourself with matters of the profession of architecture, let me start by stating that an architect is one who has earned a license to practice architecture through a process of education, experience and examination. Being an architect is a bit like being pregnant; meaning you either are or you are not. In other words, a person with a license is an architect. A person without a license is not. In other words, it is illegal to call oneself an architect without a license. That’s not meant to be cruel. The title “architect” is protected in the design world so that everyone outside the design world can steal and malign the title as the title follows every imaginable adjective known to man.
Now, to get to the point, the reason an architect is licensed is to “protect the health, safety and welfare” of the occupants of the jurisdiction (not because we pick the coolest paint colors). So what does that mean? What is health, what is safety, what is welfare? We are bound to ‘protect’ these after all, it would be helpful to know what it is we are protecting. It was simple for knights in King Arthur’s day. There was a castle; protect it.
According to the NCARB, “health, safety and welfare in architecture is anything that relates to the structure or soundness of a building or site.” The New Mexico Board of Examiners for Architects adds “or its role in promoting the health, safety or well-being of its occupants.” Now there is an interesting point. Not only are we required to protect, but are we also to promote the health, safety and welfare? Not that I disagree.
The NCARB definition continues on to expound on each concept. These are heavy concepts, but I believe the architect can solve these requirements with creativity, economy and dependability.
Health: “Aspects of architecture that have salutary effects among users of buildings or sites and address environmental issues. Examples would be appropriate air temperature, humidity, and quality; adequate provisions for personal hygiene; and nontoxic materials or finishes. Health may include aspects of design that have beneficial effects among users of buildings or sites and address health and environmental issues.” Today it’s not enough to merely provide shelter and basic hygienic facilities, but in our environmentally conscious world, we must endeavor to reduce or eliminate unseen hazards too. Fortunately building science, educated consultants, building codes and a wealth of informative sources give us the knowledge to design healthy environments. It does make a difference in how we live, work and play.
Safety: “Aspects of architecture intended to limit or prevent accidental injury or death among users of buildings or sites. Examples would be the provision of fire-rated egress enclosures, automatic sprinkler systems, and stairs with correct rise-to-run proportions.” This is probably the concept that most people would associate with our requirement to be licensed. Building codes are enforced to prevent unsafe building designs from even obtaining a permit, but it is the architect that has to digest these codes and synthesize them in manner that is uplifting, enlightening as well as functional.
Welfare: “Aspects of architecture that engender positive emotional responses among, or enable equal access by, users of building or sites. Examples would be spaces whose scale, proportions, materials, and color are pleasing for the intended use; spaces that afford natural light and views of nature; and provisions for users with disabilities.” This is probably the least understood or least objective quality that we are responsible to provide to the public. However, this evokes the imaginative abilities and talents of the architect. Certainly one can take a solely prescriptive approach to accessibility by minimally following the technical guidelines of the accessibility codes, but it takes an inventive approach to integrate these elements in a way that positively contributes to the space and environment. It takes additional creativity to knit these features into small existing buildings with limited budgets.
So there you have it. Our respective state governments require a license for us to practice as architects. It does not limit an unlicensed person from working; they simply must work under the supervision of an architect. The debate about licensure laws and the path to obtain the license cause some of the fiercest debates between the two sides. This is especially true since some jurisdictions have exempted some building types or situations from requiring an architect. Therefore, I believe the debate will always exist as someone will find it unfair in the least or unjust at worst that they don’t have a license for whatever reason.
Agreed, the license does not guarantee talent and at rare times it doesn’t ensure competency. Regardless, rest assured dear consumer that there are those who have undergone extensive education, thorough experience and rigorous examination to see that you are protected to the best degree possible. No system is perfect and incompetency or illegal behavior occasionally sneaks its way into our world. However, there are systems in place to enforce these regulations and seek justice when someone’s health, safety or welfare has been threatened.
Be careful before you hire a design professional. Consider who is best qualified to meet your needs and protect your interests. Maybe you will seek out the licensed professional now because you “want to” and not because you “have to.” If you have questions, contact your state’s architect licensure board or your local AIA chapter.
I still think we pick the coolest paint colors, and what about carrying a sword like a knight? OK, that’s another discussion.
It’s important to note that in some states, there is a “Practice Act”. This means that not only is it illegal to call oneself an architect without a license, it is also illegal to practice architecture without a license. The Architecture Practice Act also defines what practice is. And contrary to what most people think, preparing preliminary sketches are part of practicing architecture. Hence the practice of a builder preparing preliminary sketches to give to his draftsman (translation: licensed architect) is illegal. Other examples of illegal practice would include a historic review board that doesn’t operate with a code, but demands that architects to move windows, change rooflines, and other appearance types of alterations that affect the function and structure of a building. Unfortunately these practices continue and are rarely enforced. The architect always has the power to walk away from a project. But in a world where there are too many architects chasing too few jobs, this will rarely happen.
Repost from think architect http://thinkarchitect.wordpress.com/2011/10/07/healthy-safe-and-well/
Now, to get to the point, the reason an architect is licensed is to “protect the health, safety and welfare” of the occupants of the jurisdiction (not because we pick the coolest paint colors). So what does that mean? What is health, what is safety, what is welfare? We are bound to ‘protect’ these after all, it would be helpful to know what it is we are protecting. It was simple for knights in King Arthur’s day. There was a castle; protect it.
According to the NCARB, “health, safety and welfare in architecture is anything that relates to the structure or soundness of a building or site.” The New Mexico Board of Examiners for Architects adds “or its role in promoting the health, safety or well-being of its occupants.” Now there is an interesting point. Not only are we required to protect, but are we also to promote the health, safety and welfare? Not that I disagree.
The NCARB definition continues on to expound on each concept. These are heavy concepts, but I believe the architect can solve these requirements with creativity, economy and dependability.
Health: “Aspects of architecture that have salutary effects among users of buildings or sites and address environmental issues. Examples would be appropriate air temperature, humidity, and quality; adequate provisions for personal hygiene; and nontoxic materials or finishes. Health may include aspects of design that have beneficial effects among users of buildings or sites and address health and environmental issues.” Today it’s not enough to merely provide shelter and basic hygienic facilities, but in our environmentally conscious world, we must endeavor to reduce or eliminate unseen hazards too. Fortunately building science, educated consultants, building codes and a wealth of informative sources give us the knowledge to design healthy environments. It does make a difference in how we live, work and play.
Safety: “Aspects of architecture intended to limit or prevent accidental injury or death among users of buildings or sites. Examples would be the provision of fire-rated egress enclosures, automatic sprinkler systems, and stairs with correct rise-to-run proportions.” This is probably the concept that most people would associate with our requirement to be licensed. Building codes are enforced to prevent unsafe building designs from even obtaining a permit, but it is the architect that has to digest these codes and synthesize them in manner that is uplifting, enlightening as well as functional.
Welfare: “Aspects of architecture that engender positive emotional responses among, or enable equal access by, users of building or sites. Examples would be spaces whose scale, proportions, materials, and color are pleasing for the intended use; spaces that afford natural light and views of nature; and provisions for users with disabilities.” This is probably the least understood or least objective quality that we are responsible to provide to the public. However, this evokes the imaginative abilities and talents of the architect. Certainly one can take a solely prescriptive approach to accessibility by minimally following the technical guidelines of the accessibility codes, but it takes an inventive approach to integrate these elements in a way that positively contributes to the space and environment. It takes additional creativity to knit these features into small existing buildings with limited budgets.
So there you have it. Our respective state governments require a license for us to practice as architects. It does not limit an unlicensed person from working; they simply must work under the supervision of an architect. The debate about licensure laws and the path to obtain the license cause some of the fiercest debates between the two sides. This is especially true since some jurisdictions have exempted some building types or situations from requiring an architect. Therefore, I believe the debate will always exist as someone will find it unfair in the least or unjust at worst that they don’t have a license for whatever reason.
Agreed, the license does not guarantee talent and at rare times it doesn’t ensure competency. Regardless, rest assured dear consumer that there are those who have undergone extensive education, thorough experience and rigorous examination to see that you are protected to the best degree possible. No system is perfect and incompetency or illegal behavior occasionally sneaks its way into our world. However, there are systems in place to enforce these regulations and seek justice when someone’s health, safety or welfare has been threatened.
Be careful before you hire a design professional. Consider who is best qualified to meet your needs and protect your interests. Maybe you will seek out the licensed professional now because you “want to” and not because you “have to.” If you have questions, contact your state’s architect licensure board or your local AIA chapter.
I still think we pick the coolest paint colors, and what about carrying a sword like a knight? OK, that’s another discussion.
It’s important to note that in some states, there is a “Practice Act”. This means that not only is it illegal to call oneself an architect without a license, it is also illegal to practice architecture without a license. The Architecture Practice Act also defines what practice is. And contrary to what most people think, preparing preliminary sketches are part of practicing architecture. Hence the practice of a builder preparing preliminary sketches to give to his draftsman (translation: licensed architect) is illegal. Other examples of illegal practice would include a historic review board that doesn’t operate with a code, but demands that architects to move windows, change rooflines, and other appearance types of alterations that affect the function and structure of a building. Unfortunately these practices continue and are rarely enforced. The architect always has the power to walk away from a project. But in a world where there are too many architects chasing too few jobs, this will rarely happen.
Repost from think architect http://thinkarchitect.wordpress.com/2011/10/07/healthy-safe-and-well/
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Our Friends at Tesser
One of the amazing things that occurred during in this process is making new friends with fellow designers......all the way in San Francisco. I mentioned those conference calls....talk about time zone difference! We would wrap up details early in the morning and send them out to SF just in time for their arrival for work.....and in return.....the questions we came up with during the day, they would answer late in the night here in Virginia Beach....ready for us in the morning. Pretty amazing to realize this big blue marble is much smaller these days.
If you have a chance, jump over to take a look at some of Tesser's work posted on their website. www.tesser.com They have some pretty neat ideas they have developed.....plenty to look at. Keep looking back here at this post and our website as we will be posting some of the completed photos shortly. www.ionicdezigns.com
Take care my friends.....hope to work with you again soon!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Architectural CEU
One of the tasks that has been assigned to the architectural profession is further education. Yes, after all those years of studying and countless hours in the studio drawing and cutting and pasting, and don't forget the 4 days straight taking the 12 part licensing exam.....ok maybe that was just me and was some time ago. (all you guys taking the tests now have it much easier....trust me!)
State requires us to continue our education by participating in seminars and/or informational sessions. Our office does its best to promote these by having luncheons in our office allowing the vendors to present relative education seminars to the office staff but also obtain design information and details on projects that we are currently active in.
Today we get to listen to ERCO lighting as they share their knowledge on LED lighting. Brought to us by our friends at Lighting of Virginia.
Last week we were able to hear more about sustainability utilizing concrete panel systems from Nichiha. Both valuable information for our current design projects.
Keep those credits going my fellow architects!
State requires us to continue our education by participating in seminars and/or informational sessions. Our office does its best to promote these by having luncheons in our office allowing the vendors to present relative education seminars to the office staff but also obtain design information and details on projects that we are currently active in.
Last week we were able to hear more about sustainability utilizing concrete panel systems from Nichiha. Both valuable information for our current design projects.
Monday, October 3, 2011
New Restaurant Project
This site has been through several different scenarios as we have looked at adding a Dairy Queen, Adding one retail building, adding two retail buildings....back to one retail building and now adding one free-standing restaurant with additional gas pumps for the adjacent convenience store. Yes, It takes a lot of work to make the perfect match for funding, construction costs, and whatever else needed to create that perfect storm!
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