| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| architectural definitions | 11/21/2009 |
Q: Is there an architectural difference between skylight and a window with respect light laws. ie a ...
A: There may be in a particular jurisdiction, but this probably varies per jurisdiction based on their ...
|
| cantilevered home construction | 11/18/2009 |
Q: I have a difficult building site which dictates a small foundation footprint. As small as 10'wide x ...
A: Sounds like it could be a very cool house! It reminds me of some of the homes seen on HGTV's ...
|
| remodeling | 11/9/2009 |
Q: Is it possible to remove floors in an older(pre-war) multi-level townhouse? For example, going from ...
A: The answer will of course depend on the specifics of the structure you are looking at, but typically ...
|
| Paint Colors | 11/5/2009 |
Q: My husband and I just purchased a 1903 Foursquare home in Grand Rapids Michigan. We would like to ...
A: So you have a roof that has quite a lot of red in it. Take a look at these townhouses on our ...
|
| Paint Colors | 11/3/2009 |
Q: My husband and I just purchased a 1903 Foursquare home in Grand Rapids Michigan. We would like to ...
A: To start you should read the article on our website for choosing colors. You can find it at this ...
|
| rotating builings | 11/2/2009 |
Q: What rotating building moved the fastest?
A: You've got me stumped on this one! I know the Space Needle in Seattle rotates, and I hear there is ...
|
| rotating builings | 11/2/2009 |
Q: What did they use to make the space needle rotate?
A: The restaurant turntable revolves on a track and wheel system that weighs roughly 125 tons, borrowed ...
|
| rotating builings | 11/2/2009 |
Q: Where was the biggest rotating building build and what was it's name?
A: I'm not sure if this rotating skyscraper in Dubai was ever built, but if it was, my guess is it ...
|
| Replacing Windows | 10/29/2009 |
Q: We are searching for new windows for our 1950's buff brick cape cod. We currently have old wood ...
A: An aluminum clad window is definitely a nicer window than a vinyl window. Not only will it look ...
|
| exterior house colors | 10/29/2009 |
Q: A house we are purchasing is in a restricted victorian town, meaning, we can only paint in Victorian ...
A: I think you could use browns and tans, but don't forget to work with the roof color. A color scheme ...
|
| Repainting House with Partial Brick Exterior | 10/27/2009 |
Q: (I apologize for resending, but I missed the link for attaching the picture on my first query.) I ...
A: I looked at the Sherwin Williams colors (I don't have a Behr fan deck) . . . I think in general ...
|
| Repainting House with Partial Brick Exterior | 10/23/2009 |
Q: (I apologize for resending, but I missed the link for attaching the picture on my first query.) I ...
A: I think you are on the right track with the colors . . . I looked up those colors and to my eye I ...
|
| Repainting House with Partial Brick Exterior | 10/23/2009 |
Q: I would like to repaint the exterior of my newly purchased home. Unfortunately, the entire first ...
A: I think you are on the right track with the colors . . . I looked up those colors and to my eye I ...
|
| Please Help with exterior house colors | 10/22/2009 |
Q: I have a cape cod style house that has a very sloped roof, brick front by the entrance, block wall ...
A: I think you have two options: 1. If you like the exterior house color (the deep red), the I would ...
|
| difference | 10/22/2009 |
Q: the differences between traditional architecture and modern.
A: Well, that's a very general questions so I'll give one difference: Transparency. How many ...
|
| Roof and House Color? | 10/16/2009 |
Q: Nazim, I am having the hardest time picking a roof color. I keep going from dark to light. The ...
A: I see the photo now. Since your house in in California, you would likely want to consider something ...
|
| Roof and House Color? | 10/15/2009 |
Q: Nazim, I am having the hardest time picking a roof color. I keep going from dark to light. The ...
A: Did you try to attach a photo? It didn't come through. If you want to repost it I'd be happy to ...
|
| need to find a program that shows different exterior options | 10/14/2009 |
Q: ..BUT I need a program to change the outside finishes- like from stucco to stone to siding- diff ...
A: I have heard of programs like what you are describing but only for changing elements like paint ...
|
| Tankless water heater | 10/6/2009 |
Q: I'm not familiar with a tankless water heater. What is it?
A: A tankless (or instant) water heater is typically a square metal box measuring about two feet square ...
|
| Basement | 10/4/2009 |
Q: I have a basement with low ceiling height. Is it best to raise the house or dig down the basement? ...
A: Yes, if you are replacing the slab, a vapor barrier should definitely be installed. And any ...
|
| Basement | 10/3/2009 |
Q: I have a basement with low ceiling height. Is it best to raise the house or dig down the basement?
A: We have a good article on our website that describes each of these in details: ...
|
| Second Story Addition | 10/1/2009 |
Q: I want to add a second story addition to my home. What are the issues I should be concerned about? ...
A: It can be done, but you will likely have to slope the drain within the floor assembly to the ...
|
| Second Story Addition | 10/1/2009 |
Q: I want to add a second story addition to my home. What are the issues I should be concerned about? ...
A: Second story additions do present some issues but it's often the only way to add more space to a ...
|
| Exterior trim color | 9/29/2009 |
Q: I live in a 60's brick home complete with carport. There are white vinyl windows, vinyl eaves and a ...
A: I think the white trim works on the carport door (the one up the stairs) and the front door because ...
|
| building a new house | 9/27/2009 |
Q: I am wondering if I have enough LVL for the span on my house. My house dimensions are 28ft. wide and ...
A: I'm sorry I can't answer a specific structural question like this but I can tell you that to get a ...
|
| no airspace in cathedral roof | 9/19/2009 |
Q: I have a cathedral roof built with I-joist and insulated with r-38 faced insulation. I had a ...
A: It sounds to me like it may be a problem, although I'm not 100% positive that I understand the ...
|
| house built in 1895 | 9/8/2009 |
Q: Attached is a picture of a house built in 1895. A couple questions...what style, period house is ...
A: Regarding the style, I would call it Colonial Revival. It has some Georgian and Adam influence but ...
|
| load bearing wall?? | 9/8/2009 |
Q: I have a L shaped wall dividing my kitchen and dining room that I want to remove. The long side ...
A: My experience working with a structural engineer on issues like this is that it is not always safe ...
|
| Hiring an architect | 9/2/2009 |
Q: What should I consider when hiring an architect?
A: There are some great tips on our website at this link for hiring an architect. It's not a hard ...
|
| Exterior paint with brick | 8/19/2009 |
Q: I have a 2 story brick home with Old St. Louis bricks and white vinyl clad windows on the outside. ...
A: Are the copper gutters on the right part of the house in the photo? To me this area looks a lot ...
|
| Exterior paint with brick | 8/18/2009 |
Q: I have a 2 story brick home with Old St. Louis bricks and white vinyl clad windows on the outside. ...
A: There's an article on our website that you may find useful about choosing exterior colors and ...
|
| Floor to ceiling windows | 8/13/2009 |
Q: My boyfriend is in the process of remodeling his modern style home. In the bedroom he has 5 floor to ...
A: Here are some things to consider: If this room is a bedroom it needs an egress window (or door) to ...
|
| solar passive cooling | 7/28/2009 |
Q: Sir, I live in a RCC Structured building which has 08 rooms. I have not build any upper story my ...
A: I would look at trying to shade your roof, with perhaps a tile roof or something that has mass. ...
|
| English Tudor question | 7/28/2009 |
Q: We live in a 1934 English Tudor style cottage house that has a five foot high, two-foot wide brick ...
A: I am at a loss of what this element is called, although I can picture what you mean. If I come ...
|
| Recommendations for House paint color with brick and facelift | 7/26/2009 |
Q: We have a ranch home with some brick in the front. We are getting new windows, finally, with great ...
A: Take a look at sherwin williams arts and crafts selection. ...
|
| Recommendations for House paint color with brick and facelift | 7/24/2009 |
Q: We have a ranch home with some brick in the front. We are getting new windows, finally, with great ...
A: If you haven't read this article on our website, it may be useful to you. ...
|
| Gazebo roof style | 7/15/2009 |
Q: I'd like to pick up on an answer you gave to another question. It concerns the style of gazebo ...
A: Well, the span of the structural members may be greater in a single sloping roof (usually called a ...
|
| vinyl siding on english tudor style home | 7/13/2009 |
Q: Contractors have already started applying horizontal insulated vinyl siding installation on my two ...
A: My feeling is that since Tudor houses never really had vinyl siding, that your house is probably an ...
|
| courses | 7/9/2009 |
Q: i am an artist in gr 9 and have painted some oil paintings and some charcoal paintings so would that ...
A: In grades 9-12 I would focus on art, learning about composition technique, drawing, rendering, etc. ...
|
| Commercial Building Specs | 7/9/2009 |
Q: I am trying to design a commercial building. The first three floors (1-3) I would like a lot of open ...
A: Are you working with an architect and structural engineering yet? I think you would be wise to ...
|
| buying a new house in New York | 7/8/2009 |
Q: We are going to buy a brand new house in New York. Actually it is still under contruction, it has ...
A: Regarding the sandy soil, I'm not a structural engineer but I have dealt with poor soil conditions. ...
|
| Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering to Masters in Architecture | 7/6/2009 |
Q: Hey Sir. I am really concerned about this issue. Ill be starting my first year of Mechanical ...
A: As far as I am aware there are many schools that will accept students that have degrees other than ...
|
| Colors for a mid century modern home | 7/6/2009 |
Q: I just bought a 1960's modern home in CA. We definitely want to get rid of the pink paint color, ...
A: Well I'm glad you want to paint the pink a different color. For some inspiration I would ...
|
| Best Bath Room Dimention according to vasstu | 7/5/2009 |
Q: e Including compound wall dimension),i want to know that the Bath room best dimension.House East ...
A: There are a number of code items that apply to bathroom size, but the answer to the appropriate size ...
|
| painting exterior of my house | 6/30/2009 |
Q: My house has a brick front - kind of brick red but not deep tone with some brown and black bricks ...
A: There are no rules that shutters must be dark. They could be white on a house with dark siding. ...
|
| minimum 3/4 bath dimension to meet code | 6/29/2009 |
Q: Question I want to have a small bathroom built that only has a toilet, a small vanity with a sink ...
A: There are a number of code items, but the answer will depend on the exact code that is used in your ...
|
| exterior house colors | 6/26/2009 |
Q: We are in the middle of painting our house and think we may have made a mistake with the color ...
A: Those three colors look good to me together, although I think you could stand to go more white ...
|
| exterior house colors | 6/25/2009 |
Q: We are in the middle of painting our house and think we may have made a mistake with the color ...
A: I think the current house color would look better with a slate grey roof color. But of course it's ...
|
| Exterior House Color Help | 6/24/2009 |
Q: We are planning on painting the exterior of our house soon (the red portion) and are stuck on ...
A: It looks like the painted part of the house is an addition? I think if you can tie it together with ...
|
| patio | 6/18/2009 |
Q: I like to add a patio roof cover on the back of my house and would like to know what wood should I ...
A: It looks to me that there are a variety of woods being used. I suspect some of it is not too fancy ...
|
| building higher pitched roof over existing one | 6/16/2009 |
Q: We have built in the 60-ies split-level house that has low-pitch roof (2/12 part with mostly ...
A: Most architects would consult with a structural engineer to size and design the actual over framing ...
|
| building higher pitched roof over existing one | 6/14/2009 |
Q: We have built in the 60-ies split-level house that has low-pitch roof (2/12 part with mostly ...
A: I would recommend you talk to a structural engineer and also possibly a truss company. It may be ...
|
| Support pillars | 6/13/2009 |
Q: I want to build a 2-story house with a kind of sunroom. My problem is: if the "sunroom" is about ...
A: I would recommend you speak to a structural engineer in your area to help you size the distance ...
|
| remodel | 6/12/2009 |
Q: i am curious on how much you think it would cost to transform a 25,000 square foot elementary school ...
A: That's a hard question to answer because it depends on so many factors. With kitchens and baths and ...
|
| Vaulting my ceiling | 6/12/2009 |
Q: My living room and kitchen are adjacent. The wall between is the main weight-bearing interior wall. ...
A: I see where you are going with this now. I would typically discuss this with a structural engineer ...
|
| stair treads | 6/11/2009 |
Q: I know there are minimum standards for floor-to-floor stair tread depths but is there a maximum ...
A: I have never seen a code that specifies a maximum dimension of a stair tread depth, but we use a ...
|
| Vaulting my ceiling | 6/10/2009 |
Q: My living room and kitchen are adjacent. The wall between is the main weight-bearing interior wall. ...
A: Here are answers to your questions: A) Your dimensions sound good to me. That should be enough to ...
|
| interior and exterior paint | 6/4/2009 |
Q: I have a ranch-ish style house (one level, but the garage is two levels high, so it makes the house ...
A: I'm not sure how the sage color will look with pinkish brick. You may need to end up painting the ...
|
| HELP! Exterior trim color needed | 6/4/2009 |
Q: We have been back and forth on what to do with the exterior of our home. It was in need of painting ...
A: Choosing colors is tough because they will vary so much in different environments. And also there ...
|
| HELP! Exterior trim color needed | 6/3/2009 |
Q: We have been back and forth on what to do with the exterior of our home. It was in need of painting ...
A: I have an article on my website that deals with a lot of these issues, so you might want to take a ...
|
| Spacing hips and valleys | 6/2/2009 |
Q: My house has a hip roof on a rectangular footprint. I am planning an addition that will have a ...
A: I'm not positive I fully picture what you are describing . . . do you not want the ridges to touch? ...
|
| exterior house colors | 5/28/2009 |
Q: We own a very boxy, dark red brick home. It doesn't have a porch and is two story. It has 4 windows ...
A: I'm not sure if you intended to attach a photo? If you did it didn't come through. Go ahead and ...
|
| Design Ideas? | 5/20/2009 |
Q: Do you have any design ideas that would make this simple bungalow more interesting? We have removed ...
A: I have a few thoughts: 1. Entry - you might want to create more of a covered entry. To do this, ...
|
| Design Ideas? | 5/20/2009 |
Q: Do you have any design ideas that would make this simple bungalow more interesting? We have removed ...
A: I actually didn't seem to receive the photo. You might want to try posting it again, or you can ...
|
| putting basement under an existing home | 5/18/2009 |
Q: I am looking to purchase a 28'5" X 36' ranch style home, but I would want to put a basement in ...
A: To construct the space my guess is in the range of $80-120 per square foot, but I would recommend ...
|
| Floor Plans and Schematics | 5/18/2009 |
Q: For me, the best way in the world to visit a fictional movie location that doesn't exist is to ...
A: Interesting question. I don't know that you'll find a book specifically on this, but you will find ...
|
| New concrete construction | 5/14/2009 |
Q: I've designed a 1350sf single story home to be built in southern NJ. I would like it built in ...
A: My guess would be 'no' it wouldn't provide enough insulation. The part of the concrete exposed ...
|
| New concrete construction | 5/14/2009 |
Q: I've designed a 1350sf single story home to be built in southern NJ. I would like it built in ...
A: It may be easier to construct. Here are some options: http://www.durisolbuild.com/default.html I ...
|
| New concrete construction | 5/12/2009 |
Q: I've designed a 1350sf single story home to be built in southern NJ. I would like it built in ...
A: I applaud you for wanting to design & build something different than the typical home! For costs, ...
|
| gazebo | 5/12/2009 |
Q: My husband and I are building a small 10'x10'x6' gazebo with a metal roof but we're not sure how to ...
A: Well, the first thing you probably need to decide is the shape of the roof. If it's square, then ...
|
| Informational Interview For College School Project | 5/7/2009 |
Q: My name is Bradley Nason and I am a student at Bellevue College. I'm doing a project at my school. ...
A: Sorry about that. I probably work about 60 hours a week, but some of that time is spent on overhead ...
|
| Informational Interview For College School Project | 5/7/2009 |
Q: My name is Bradley Nason and I am a student at Bellevue College. I'm doing a project at my school. ...
A: Here is the information your requested: Motionspace Architecture + Design PLLC 206-204-0490 Nazim ...
|
| exterior paint colors with brick | 5/5/2009 |
Q: We recently bought a brick house but has siding on gables, etc. The brick has orange(ish) and gray ...
A: Those are helpful. Unfortunately I'm not going to recommend using the white paint . . . I just ...
|
| exterior paint colors with brick | 5/5/2009 |
Q: We recently bought a brick house but has siding on gables, etc. The brick has orange(ish) and gray ...
A: Those are helpful. Unfortunately I'm not going to recommend using the white paint . . . I just ...
|
| exterior paint colors with brick | 5/5/2009 |
Q: We recently bought a brick house but has siding on gables, etc. The brick has orange(ish) and gray ...
A: Those are helpful. Unfortunately I'm not going to recommend using the white paint . . . I just ...
|
| exterior paint colors with brick | 5/4/2009 |
Q: We recently bought a brick house but has siding on gables, etc. The brick has orange(ish) and gray ...
A: I think it would be helpful to have a couple photos from you: 1. Showing siding on the gables ...
|
| Career choice | 5/3/2009 |
Q: My name is Louis, and I am from Toronto, Canada. I have been wondering which career path is better ...
A: I always recommend first following your dream, regardless of salary. I think the money ends up ...
|
| baseboard and door casing trim design | 5/2/2009 |
Q: We have just tiled (no grout yet) our entryway from the ground floor to the main floor and are now ...
A: I think you're on the right track. In this case I would do the trim around the door painted the ...
|
| architecture subjects for high school | 5/1/2009 |
Q: i am in 11th grade. i am from India. i had physics only till 8th grade. i have high level math. can ...
A: In general I would say 'yes' to your question. But there are a few things you should think about: ...
|
| siding help needed | 4/28/2009 |
Q: I am hoping that you can help us with some ideas for our siding dilemna's We have an older mobile ...
A: I'm not a huge fan of vinyl siding since it locks you into a color and up close, it never looks good ...
|
| joist hangers | 4/27/2009 |
Q: I have a project where the ceiling joists will be exposed. I am looking for joist hangers that will ...
A: It may be difficult to find one for a 2x6 since most of the type of hangers that are nicely made are ...
|
| fire wall | 4/15/2009 |
Q: i have a existing 1 hour fire rated wall that is 5/8 sheetrock then a 6 inch metal stud with ...
A: It looks like GA WP 1520 may work for you. It is proprietary, meaning you have to buy certain ...
|
| fire wall | 4/14/2009 |
Q: i have a existing 1 hour fire rated wall that is 5/8 sheetrock then a 6 inch metal stud with ...
A: The easiest way is to look for a rated assembly from the Gypsum Association. They publish a book ...
|
| 60s contemporary exterior color | 4/12/2009 |
Q: We are going to paint our 60s contemporary house. The brick is white, and there is wood beneath the ...
A: I think taupe with a little purple would probably look good. Be careful not to get too much purple ...
|
| Container Garden on deck | 4/1/2009 |
Q: We're interested in building movable containers for vegetables on our wood deck. Obviously, there ...
A: Well you've already identified that these planters are a structural issue. I can't offer specific ...
|
