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Architecture/Questions Answered by Expert Nazim Nice

Subject	Date Asked
about material selection	1/31/2012
Q: please suggest me the material in following cases which i am encountering: 1.I am preparing a ... A: Q1. Is the top of the geodesic dome openable for a limited angle of 90 degrees at least? A: I'm ...
about material selection	1/30/2012
Q: please suggest me the material in following cases which i am encountering: 1.I am preparing a ... A: 1. The geodesic dome seems like a first obvious choice. Without seeing images of the design it is ...
New uses for old buildings	12/9/2011
Q: hey Nazim, im a 4th year architecture student, and im having a bit of trouble with a project i ... A: Then it seems to me that you may want to examine how the different orientations would affect each ...
New uses for old buildings	12/9/2011
Q: hey Nazim, im a 4th year architecture student, and im having a bit of trouble with a project i ... A: Are the gardens inside the gasometers? Or outside? Round forms can be challenging to work with. ...
New uses for old buildings	11/29/2011
Q: hey Nazim, im a 4th year architecture student, and im having a bit of trouble with a project i ... A: I would look at some of Tadeo Ando's work if you have not already. He does some amazing concrete ...
Bathroom Design Help	11/29/2011
Q: My name is Kurtis Donnelly and I am hoping you might be able to help me. My wife and I are ... A: Sounds like a great gift! So it is hard to say exactly how to lay it out without doing some scale ...
plan modification	11/25/2011
Q: My lot is square, with the lower border in South, while having a long driveway coming in from the ... A: Below are answers to your questions: 1. I think the answer to that would depend on what happens to ...
passive solar plan	11/19/2011
Q: Nazim, Since Allexperts only allows ONE attached image to a question, would you mind visiting the ... A: 1. Is this Prairie style plan good for Georgia climate? It has the solarium, which I assume would ...
Interviews	11/14/2011
Q: I am a SGT in the US Military currently enrolled in a few psychology classes and i was wondering if ... A: No problem. Good luck with your courses. Nazim Nice Principal / Architect ...
Intervies	11/14/2011
Q: I am a SGT in the US Military currently enrolled in a few psychology classes and i was wondering if ... A: Were you trying to pose these questions to a psychologist or doctor? I am an architect. Nazim Nice ...
informational interview	11/13/2011
Q: i have to do an informational interview for a project at school and i wanted to see if you would ... A: You're welcome. Good luck with school. Nazim Nice Principal / Architect http://www.motion-space.com ...
informational interview	11/13/2011
Q: i have to do an informational interview for a project at school and i wanted to see if you would ... A: Job Title: Architect & Principal Job Description: Manage a small architecture firm 1. how did you ...
floorplans	11/7/2011
Q: I have a question about floorplans. Is it possible to take a floorplan that is 1600 or 1700 sq.ft. ... A: Yes, I don't see why not. There's nothing that different that would dictate rooms be dramatically ...
floorplans	11/7/2011
Q: I have a question about floorplans. Is it possible to take a floorplan that is 1600 or 1700 sq.ft. ... A: Yes, I don't see why not. There's nothing that different that would dictate rooms be dramatically ...
floorplans	11/6/2011
Q: I have a question about floorplans. Is it possible to take a floorplan that is 1600 or 1700 sq.ft. ... A: It is not likely it will completely work out but I suppose if the house and apartment were exactly ...
Gap between brick frieze board and brick	10/11/2011
Q: I have a house that was built in 2006 here in Dallas/Fort Worth. Recently, I noticed there's a gap ... A: Do you know for a fact that this gap was not there when the house was built? It is possible it is ...
Forts Structure from Architectural Point of View	9/15/2011
Q: Forts are Great Structures for Study from Architectural Point of view. Primarily Built for Defense ... A: I'm sorry to say I don't have the specialized knowledge of forts to help you out much. You might try ...
Raised Ranch in the Woods: Exterior Colors	9/14/2011
Q: We are preparing to paint our home and are baffled by color. We have a raised ranch, in a woodsy ... A: When there are a lot of different materials, it often makes sense to paint them all the same color ...
New Material	9/2/2011
Q: There's a patented building material, if I invent a METHOD to make the product less expensive and ... A: Sorry, I don't have experience in this area. I would suggest finding a good Patent Attorney and ask ...
Exterior Colours	7/20/2011
Q: Our house is located in the Fraser Valley--about 50 miles east of Vancouver, BC. The house is in ... A: Take a look at this house on our website. The photos only show part of the house, but the rest of it ...
Exterior home color and possible improvements	7/14/2011
Q: First, thanks for taking time to help with your expertise. I've learned so much from reading your ... A: One option would be to paint the siding and brick the same color. Then add your white windows and ...
Architecture practice	7/12/2011
Q: My home is currently an early 1950's ranch located in Boston, Ma. I would like to expand it by ... A: Re: the rough sketch for a nominal fee, yes that is somewhat typical. We would actually start by ...
Exterior home color and possible improvements	7/10/2011
Q: First, thanks for taking time to help with your expertise. I've learned so much from reading your ... A: I would seriously consider painting the brick first. I think if you work with some colors of a ...
Help Needed	7/7/2011
Q: I have a question which I dont know if you can help me with. A friend of mine is pretty good in ... A: You should probably look for an industrial designer rather than an architect for this kind of work. ...
Inviting you to join Advisu	6/20/2011
Q: I've noticed you have special skills and a high level of Architecture Expert. In our interactive ... A: Nazim Nice Principal / Architect http://www.motion-space.com -- LEARN ABOUT MOTIONSPACE ARCHITECTURE ...
House color for half-brick raised ranch	6/9/2011
Q: We have a raised ranch. The lower half is brick, which we will keep. The upper half is clapboard, ... A: The house looks like it is already using the strategy that I would use, which is to try to choose ...
rehabing geodesic dome	6/3/2011
Q: Can the struts in the "pentagons"be removed to allow for dormers with vertically placed conventional ... A: That's difficult to say without seeing the structure, but typically geodesic domes rely on all the ...
Architecture	6/2/2011
Q: Greetings Respected Sir, My name is Nausherwan and I am currently 16 years of age doing my A'levels. ... A: Unless you see yourself involved with a company that develops building materials, I don't see that ...
Exterior house colors in Seattle	6/1/2011
Q: since I have extreme budget limitations!) The roof is a burnt sienna color & I'm considering dark to ... A: A few things to think about. Burnt sienna and green siding - will it look too much like a christmas ...
Toilet regulations	5/21/2011
Q: I am currently redesigning a high street store for a college project and would like to place the ... A: A few things you should consider are 1)how will you install the waste pipe and will it be able to ...
Ref: question	5/15/2011
Q: Good day I read that some castles like those in Germany are 800 years old. How does one construct ... A: The commonality between most buildings that are 800 years older or older is that they are made from ...
Architecture	5/12/2011
Q: What is a good design for a classical mansion, and what would be a bad design? A: I would take a look at Robert A.M. Sterns homes. That firm is very skilled at classical design and ...
curb appeal	4/13/2011
Q: We have a 1972 post & beam house that has two entrances off the front of house. One is the formal ... A: For the accent color you might look a very deep plum or eggplant color. Nazim Nice Principal / ...
exterior paint	4/13/2011
Q: I am looking for some incite for exterior colors for our home. The house was built in the 80's and ... A: For colors I think what will make the house look bigger and better is to either pick a color from ...
curb appeal	4/11/2011
Q: We have a 1972 post & beam house that has two entrances off the front of house. One is the formal ... A: In situations like this, I always ask myself, "what do I want to make stand out?" Of course in this ...
Green House for warm and cold	4/8/2011
Q: I am writing from Colombia (S. America). I am planning on building a Green house in the mountains ( ... A: Take a look at Durisol blocks. They provide good insulation but also thermal mass. Here is a PDF ...
deck roof	4/3/2011
Q: I am wanting to cover a 16 x 16 deck with a roof that will be supported by I-beams but am concerned ... A: I would suggest you contact a structural engineer and work with him or her. There are a lot of ...
architecture as an occupation	3/24/2011
Q: I'm doing a school project about architects, and was hoping you could answer a few questions. Are ... A: Q: Are there any High-school courses that you would recommend for students interested in ...
architecture book recommendation	3/23/2011
Q: I have been on a quest to find a decent reference book on the various architectural styles (ie: ... A: This book may not be exactly what you are looking for, but it has been the most helpful book I have ...
roofing material	3/21/2011
Q: We own a mid-century modern home and we will need to reroof soon. It currently has a white torch ... A: A photo of the house would be helpful to see what you are dealing with. Feel free to repost with a ...
New Cinder Block Construction	3/10/2011
Q: I am curious as to the current findings/studies on Cinder Block construction. I have a lot in BC and ... A: Most of the residential construction in BC is wood framed. It is easier to construct, run wires and ...
Ceiling	2/27/2011
Q: The ceiling in my living room seems to be a vaulted and cathedral combined. The room is big and all ... A: Ceilings can be a great place to add some architectural interest. In some case we have framed out ...
Floor Plans	2/23/2011
Q: I was wondering, now this is may not be your expertise but I am in a condo building that is just 3 ... A: The floor plans to a newer condominium may be available from a variety of sources: 1. The local ...
Beloved In Christ	2/19/2011
Q: Beloved In Christ, Greetings in name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am a new Christian convert, ... A: Peace be with you. Nazim Nice Principal / Architect http://www.motion-space.com -- LEARN ABOUT ...
Sky scraper in hot and humid climate ...	2/3/2011
Q: sir , i am a student of architecture and we are given a project to design a bio climatic twin ... A: I would start you research looking at some precedents to help identify what issues you need to ...
Tallest Building	12/8/2010
Q: What's the tallest building in the world? A: As of right now the tallest building in the world is the Burj Khalifa, designed by SOM. It is 2717 ...
Opening up separated living room and family room	12/7/2010
Q: In my house, I have four a kitchen and family room in the back of the house that are one large room. ... A: If the opening is 12' then my guess is that you could span this without a post in the center. ...
roof trusses	11/29/2010
Q: I am thinking of building modular. The owner of the company is saying that they will be using ... A: I'm not sure I fully understand the question you are asking, but in general, a truss manufacturer is ...
glazed facade	11/24/2010
Q: I'm an architecture student and in my current project have a large portion of glazed facade. It is ... A: Systems like this are quite complicated and I'm not certain I can add too much to what you've ...
architectural/engineering	11/1/2010
Q: These are questions ineed answered for my project: vacation pay-how many weeks? bonus- what is it ... A: The answers will vary from firm to firm, but I will try to give you some answers, although they will ...
safe- flat slab	10/24/2010
Q: is it necessary to assign column and wall in safe after exporting files from etab for the design of ... A: I'm afraid I don't understand the question. Are you asking about a specific software you use? Or ...
Architectural scale	10/20/2010
Q: Is a 1/16" = 1' a standard drawing scale? There is no 1/16 on the architectural scale, there's a 16. ... A: 1/16" is a standard drawing scale, however I have found that it is not used that frequently. The ...
exterior colors	10/11/2010
Q: I am building a new house using el dorado Bridgeport Limestone, the whole front is stone except for ... A: I don't have a sample of the Bridgeport Limestone in the office but I did look at it on the web. It ...
Exterior paint color of a house on heavely wooded lot	10/5/2010
Q: Hazim Nice, Thank you so much for taking questions from a stranger. We recently remolded (more ... A: Looks like an exciting project! It's hard to say what direction to go with in terms of the color. ...
Architect fees	9/9/2010
Q: We want to make an addition to our home. An architect has given us a proposal, which includes his ... A: My rule is typically I don't do drawings for free, but I do discuss ideas, process, fees, etc at ...
floor trusses sagging	7/29/2010
Q: In 1993 we built a 28 x 44 garage with a rec room above (12 12 pitch roof). 10 years ago we made an ... A: The best thing to do is to contact a structural engineer and work with him or her to help fix the ...
windows/front door	7/29/2010
Q: We are remodeling the front of our house. Putting up new hardy plank siding and replacing windows. ... A: It appears your windows are close to the ground so there does not appear to be a code issue with the ...
Garage doors	7/28/2010
Q: I am redesigning my house that only has 35 ft frontage. This basically leaves the front of my house ... A: I have modified basic wood doors (just a flat door) by attaching trim or paneling to them and that ...
Front porch columns	7/5/2010
Q: The porch will cover half the front 6 ft wide and 16 ft long. Should there be a post (column ) in ... A: Part of your question deals with structural issues which is not possible to answer with the ...
clear anodized or bronze?	7/1/2010
Q: You've been very generously helpful in the past, so I thought I'd call on you again with this ... A: To me the clear anodized seems like a more commercial as well as more modern choice. I could see it ...
old wooden beams	6/23/2010
Q: My home is 400 years old, why do the window beams and ceiling beams have slash marks or cut marks in ... A: Most likely these slash marks are from the process used to mill the beams. Even today you might see ...
Studying Architecture & need your opinion	6/21/2010
Q: I am a student from the Caribbean currently in my 4th year in a university in Taiwan. I am very ... A: You have a tough problem but in the long run I think if you can finish school and get a job in ...
building cantilever steps	6/18/2010
Q: We are changing the front entry and want 4 cantilever steps. How do we form and build it. Can we ... A: Nazim Nice Principal / Architect http://www.motion-space.com Hi Bob, I'm having difficulty ...
Exterior Paint Question	6/13/2010
Q: I'm moving into a 1930's home that is white painted brick. The door is white, the roof is grey, the ... A: The white is kind of classic, but I think you could move away from that and be fine. There is a ...
college courses for architecture	6/3/2010
Q: I'm very interested in green design and curious what sort of courses I would need to accomplish ... A: Most good architecture schools are going to cover topics like green design and prefab. If you are ...
garage exterior choice	6/1/2010
Q: My husband and I need to add on to our existing garage. Our home was built in the 50's with ... A: That's a tough problem. One strategy is to pick a stone that coordinates with the mortar color in ...
Pergola Project	5/13/2010
Q: I'm sure you must be tired of answering these sort of questions, but I've searched and googled and ... A: Even though this sounds like a simple project, the reality is that you really need the help of a ...
Sprinklers	5/8/2010
Q: Are sprinklers required in homes? A: In most jurisdictions they are not required right now but the 2009 IBC code will require them in new ...
Architecture School	5/6/2010
Q: Where did you go to architecture school? A: I went to Carnegie Mellon University, School of Architecture, which is located in Pittsburgh PA. ...
removing walls	5/3/2010
Q: You were kind enough to answer a paint related question a few months ago. If you could spare a ... A: I can see that plan working and if you want a larger kitchen it seems to achieve this. Perhaps the ...
removing walls	4/30/2010
Q: You were kind enough to answer a paint related question a few months ago. If you could spare a ... A: Unless your home is very traditional in style, most homes designed today are more open concept, and ...
Architecture after commerce.	4/9/2010
Q: Is it fine if i do architecture without taking physics, chemistry and maths at 10+2? i am interested ... A: I'm not sure I understand the specifics of your curriculum, but I can generally answer that having a ...
trying to avoid a lighting mistake	4/8/2010
Q: We're doing some remodeling on our little 1945 house. The DR/Kitchen and LR (total space: 21 X 28) ... A: Here are some thoughts: 1. With fans, be very careful not to place lights above the blades . . . ...
Brick & Stucco?	4/6/2010
Q: We are in the process of building and just ordered our brick. We chose a plan with a european feel, ... A: It's pretty common to mix brick and stucco on tudor style homes. I have seen brick and stucco mixed ...
house colors	4/1/2010
Q: Good morning Nazim. First thank you for taking time to help me. I'm in process of painting my home. ... A: It's difficult to tell how the house looks from the photo, but I think you are right that the grey ...
Front porch renovation and front facade recommendations	3/31/2010
Q: We just bought this house in Jacksonville FL, and would like to change the front facade a bit. We ... A: I think it's a great idea to open up that porch with some white trimmed out openings, columns, etc. ...
what is this called?	3/28/2010
Q: I don't know if this is your expertise or maybe you can refer me to a different expert. I posted a ... A: Typically these sort of vents are found on spanish style, or spanish eclectic style homes. They may ...
Second Story Addition Costs	3/27/2010
Q: I live in the Bryant neighborhood in Seattle and am considering adding a second story to our ... A: Typically we suggest starting with a $200/sf budget. It tends to be the one of the more expensive ...
Change of use to A3, fire seperation	3/24/2010
Q: Re. a 2-story commercial post and beam building constructed in the 1940's.. We'd like to change the ... A: I think you'll have to try and find the closest assembly you can and see if the building department ...
painting exterior of new home	3/24/2010
Q: we just recently bought a home and I do not like the color of the trim. It looks too dark and I'd ... A: The house seems to be inspired by the tudor style, which typically had brick, stucco and dark ...
Exterior color scheme on brick ranch	3/23/2010
Q: We want to remodel our ranch style brick home, built in 1992. We also want to update the exterior. ... A: I would perhaps look for some solid body stains and experiment a bit. I would stick with a darker ...
Window Style /Type	3/22/2010
Q: We are considering Divided Light Windows (2 over 2) for the front of the house. Does this then ... A: They don't have to necessarily match, but it would probably look better if they matched within a ...
Design of a front porch in relationship to windows	3/20/2010
Q: We are building a log home with a shed porch that will cover most of the side of the house that has ... A: Well that's a touch question without seeing a drawing of what you are talking about. Generally I ...
what type of windows ?	2/15/2010
Q: I am trying to figure out what are the type of those windows, to be compliant with energy code in ... A: So you basically need to look for a window that is NFRC tested that has a u-value of .35 or less. ...
architecture	2/12/2010
Q: i am a freshmen in high school now. what college should i attend to get a good education? A: I am a strong believer in going to the best college you can afford. I went to Carnegie Mellon and ...
Best design for a garage	2/7/2010
Q: Can you tell me some designs for a garage? The house is gray hardie board. Some folks have ... A: First, we have an article on our website about garage design that you might find informative to read ...
bathroom	2/6/2010
Q: I want a bathroom and toilet within an area of 2.5 square meters Please dend me the planning on the ... A: There are a number of code items that apply to bathroom design, but the answer will depend on the ...
House exterior help	2/5/2010
Q: Our house was repainted recently and I am disapointed with the results...the painter convinced us to ... A: The first thing I'd look at is the trim around the windows and door openings . . . it looks like ...
architecture	2/4/2010
Q: I am going to 9th grade and was wondering what classes should I take? And what are some of the ... A: I believe I answered the classes question in the previous post. Along with art you might find ...
architecture	2/4/2010
Q: I'm in 8th grade and going to high school next year and was wondering if you have any suggestions on ... A: The most helpful thing I think you can learn to do is to draw freehand, perspectives, still lifes, ...
Architecture	2/3/2010
Q: so is it necessary to go to university to be an architect.(2)do i have academic or applied English? ... A: In the United States some states still allow someone who is an apprentice to an architect for many ...
Ideas for my thesis project	1/27/2010
Q: Im a student studying final year architecture.And Im doin my thesis on the topic WORLD TRADE CENTRE ... A: Regarding how to make an icon, I would start by studying other buildings that are icons and ...
brick house column colors	1/26/2010
Q: last year I recovered the old hideous wrought iron columns on my red brick home with wood columns. ... A: To me, the columns don't look that out of scale - maybe slightly but not much. I would focus on ...
dental clinic	1/17/2010
Q: I'm designing a dental clinic as my final project so I need your help to do it well 1. what is the ... A: 1. Not sure I fully understand the wording of this question. 2. There are actually firms that ...
Door Replacement?	1/14/2010
Q: I first want to thatnk you for doing this, I really appreciate you folks volunteering your time to ... A: I don't immediately see why you could not replace the sliding glass doors with french doors to serve ...
exterior paint scheme	1/14/2010
Q: I note that you answered a question earlier about exterior paint scheme involving brick, but I'm not ... A: I think you are on the right path with your examples, and the kinds of colors to consider. I was a ...
House Plan Question	1/5/2010
Q: This is actually a followup to a question you answered for me back on 12/8/2009 with the same ... A: Well I looked back at the old post to see what the old house looks like and here are my thoughts: ...
Our new house	1/3/2010
Q: We bought this house a short time ago.It does need a lot pf work but we think it has a lot of charm ... A: It looks like an English cottage to me, but the actual style would likely be called Tudor. Tudors ...
Architecture	12/25/2009
Q: I would like to know since I am going into architecture (I am currently in grade 11), does it really ... A: Yes! My experience is that you will get a better education at the best university you can afford. ...
canadian country home exterior	12/23/2009
Q: We built this country home ourselves. We've been in a year, but need to order column wraps in the ... A: Regarding column colors: it's a little hard to tell from the photo, but it seems like the columns ...
In floor heating	12/17/2009
Q: We are building a new house and thought in floor heat would be a great way to heat . Since then my ... A: I have never heard of in floor heating causing foot or leg pain. In fact, a cold surface is more ...
House Plan Question	12/8/2009
Q: We are about to build a house, using a builder that is a friend of ours. The past couple of years ... A: Regarding the front porch, I think that will look okay as long as the front porch is symmetrical ...
architecture	12/7/2009
Q: I am a student in a 2 years community college that tend to transfer to a 4 years college to pursuit ... A: 1-what kind of architect are you? I primarily focus on residential architecture, but also do some ...
brick	12/1/2009
Q: brick and cement block which one is more economical A: Cement block is almost always going to be less expensive than brick. Nazim Nice Principal / ...
architecture	11/29/2009
Q: what kind of experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in the ... A: To answer your questions: what kind of experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody ...
Low cost alternatives	11/23/2009
Q: How viable is it to convert a free standing garage or workshop into a 1 bed - 1 bath residence? I'm ... A: I would say in general, the idea is somewhat feasible. Here are some of the issues you may face: ...
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 ...

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Nazim Nice

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I am a Seattle Architect and can answer architecture and design related questions. Ask me about material suggestions or usage. Ask me about design options - what is good design and what is bad. Ask me about choosing exterior house colors and furniture layout options. Ask me about detailing and assembling houses or components in the home. Ask me about green design or materials. Ask me about choosing an architect, the architectural services, basement remodels, second story additions, and whole house remodels. Ask me about garage design, bathroom remodels, laundry and mudroom design, family room additions, and roof deck additions.

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Over 12 years of practice in the Architectural field including three years of internship plus 5 years of school. I have taught at the Knowlton School of Architecture at the Ohio State University and lectured at Carnegie Mellon University. I currently own and run the Seattle Architecture Firm, Motionspace Architecture + Design PLLC.

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National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB, Seattle Architects | Motionspace Architecture + Design. More information at our blog the (un)common house. Lumen ID Custom Engraved Switch Plates with Labels.

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BArch from Carnegie Mellon University & Andrew Carnegie Scholar

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