Archive for 'Work/News'
Pool House: A Study in Detail & Structural Development
We use digital modeling programs, hand sketches and CAD drawings to investigate and finalize all of the key connections, in support of the design idea.
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Napa ADU- SWAP! A New ADU transforms into the Main House
The Napa ADU SWAP creates an initial 1200 sf ADU on a property with a Primary Home. The ADU has built-in infrastructure to allow for a seamless transformation.
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A Designer in Italy: Highlights from Milan Design Week
In early April I crossed the Atlantic to attend this year’s annual Design Week in Milan. It didn’t take much convincing when I first shared the idea with Mark.
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Structural-Architectural Integration
Using 3D visualization tools and other methods, one design team worked out a cost saving of $220K without sacrificing the building’s structural integrity.
by Rebecca Firestone with Mark English AIA
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AIA Small Firm Exchange: Team-Building in Louisville
“There’s a growing awareness at national level that small-firm architects are more than just residential. We’re valuable to the profession.”
– Chyanne Husar, architect, 2018 SFx Chair
by Rebecca Firestone with Mark English AIA
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Beaux Arts Fantastic
This exquisite, wearable scale replica of the San Francisco Civic Center was conceived and completed as a collaborative effort in under 3 weeks. “The mere thought of showing up to the ball with just a nice dress and a mask wouldn’t do… We wanted to challenge other designers to do more of this at next year’s Beaux Arts Ball,” said the team. “We did this to showcase our abilities to think outside of the box, and show our peers and colleagues what teamwork can really do. We enjoy what we do, we like who we are. Our team has the right combination of creativity and heart.”
(Image courtesy of Unisource Solutions)
by Rebecca Firestone with Mark English AIA
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Inclination and Evolution: A Stair Design
This central staircase rail went from glass, to steel, and back to glass again, in a design transformation aided by hand sketches, computer renders, and actual as-built appearance at the job site. Image: Mark English Architects
by Rebecca Firestone with Mark English AIA
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Skylight Case Study
Late-breaking waterproofing concerns arise on a job site, after construction is already underway. The power of hand drawing aids in a quick exploration of a crucial building detail, avoiding potentially costly change orders down the road. Image: Mark English Architects
by Rebecca Firestone with Mark English AIA
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Understanding Complexity at a Glance: Hand Drawing as Tool for Technical Communication
Hand drawing is not just a holdover from architecture’s pre-digital past. Even today, hand-drawn sketches are an indispensable tool for communication, problem-solving, and rapid exploration of new ideas. Greg Corbett, Architect at Mark English Architects, shares hand drawing techniques for creating 3D illustrations during project development.
by Rebecca Firestone with Mark English AIA
