Shoegnome Work Environment for ARCHICAD 21
Before we can start properly using a new version of ARCHICAD, we must first set up our Work Environment. Download my Work Environment for ARCHICAD 21.
ARCHICAD Site Models: Images on Meshes
Aligning 3D textures in ARCHICAD allows us to create stunning site models with little effort.
The importance of walking through your building before it is built
Architecture firms, regardless of their size, must offer VR and 3D walk-throughs. It is now a basic service, not an add-on to our offerings.
Two Burned Projects
Last spring I put out proposals to two clients who needed help because of fire damage. One will soon be under construction; I don't know about the other.
I feel Guilty because it’s Fun and Easy
My design process stresses me out. Not because it doesn't work. No. It's because it does and it makes me feel guilty.
Is BIM making you a better designer?
Why aren't more people talking about BIM and design? How to design better. How to be a better architect. How to make beauty and art. How to be awesome.
Building Better BIM Libraries
Jon Buerg talks about his experiences building BIM Libraries for both Revit and ARCHICAD. To him, it's the key to any successful project.
Here We Go Again
Jon recalls the transition from hand drafting to CAD and sees some frightening similarities to our current struggle with the shift from CAD to BIM.
Redefine what Design means to Us
I had to change my thinking on my position in my firm and in my profession if I was going to stay in the field of architecture and grow as an architect.
Hidden Patterns: Learning from Street Fighter
If you grew up in the 80s and 90s, you played Street Fighter more than once. And like me, you didn't appreciate the amazing design of the game.
The Proper Design of Design Criteria
Design criteria is the content that your organization creates to convey the design intent for your concept to the consulting architects and engineers that are hired to design individual locations for your chain concept around the region, country or world.
Basic Unchangeable Decisions
I look at the roads in Australia and think about BIM. It feels so simple and easy to declare that they are wrong and the majority of the world is right.
Roommate Test of Manhood
Two projects from my time at school show how a strict adherence to digital or analog tools can lead to trouble. I learned a lesson and went with the tool that failed.
Design like an Architect
How does one design like an architect? Here's a spoiler, the answer isn't tool specific.
Unconscious BIM and Ugly BIM
Some lessons from being too busy to write: remembering shortcuts by forgetting that I had forgotten them and suffering through the ugly BIM phase.
Making BIM the Best Tool for Design
BIM should be the best tool for design, but it's not. What's holding us back? A lack of creativity isn't helping.
One day I will teach this architecture class: Sketching without Sketching
If I get the opportunity to teach a studio or lecture class in an architecture school I know EXACTLY what I'd do. I even know the title of the class.
Another Architecture website with images of architects sketching
What does an architect look like when working? Architecture websites with images of architects sketching paint a pretty clear (and misleading) picture.
Creation, Movement, and Revision: Simple Architecture Tool Tests
Can we distill the benefits of ArchiCAD, Revit, Sketchup, Hand drafting, etc. down by looking at simple architecture tool tests? I think so. Here's why.
It Happened Again: someone reminded me that Computers are Just Tools
Today on Twitter, in response to this post about the most amazing BIMx model I've seen, I saw a Tweet that went like this: "4all their power computers are just tools #architects still need 2do the hard work of #design" Yes, but.
What does my journey as an Architect look like?
My career has gone astray I followed the proper path. Summer internships, an architecture job right out of school, hopping between firms to climb the ranks, getting exposure with different project types, taking on leadership challenges where possible, moonlighting anytime the
What kind of Architect are you?
I talk with a lot of architects, interns, and people who studied architecture but went in different and/or non-traditional directions. There is a particular type of architect that comes up again and again in these conversations. A prototypical architect that
Reading the Economist hindered my job prospects, but helped my career
Maybe certain former co-workers won't like me sharing these kinds of stories. But I doubt they'll ever read them. And if they do, I hope they can understand that this isn't about us; it's about something much larger. I can't remember
Architects are Lazy (plus ArchiCAD 17 news)
News of ArchiCAD 17 The shape and form of ArchiCAD 17 continue to be slowly revealed. I'm not sure if I'm just more aware this year or if more news is getting shared than in the past. Either way, here's a
The best designs lie ahead of us
If you're an optimist, then you'll have to agree that the best architecture awaits us in the future. I'm an optimist. I'm a romantic too, so I'll always dream of and love the great buildings of our forefathers. My three