Archive for 'Mark English Architects'
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.
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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
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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
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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.
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Rock Whisperers: The Subtle Power of Incan Masonry
The Incas of the Andes had a special relationship with rock, which was key to their empire. Even today their masonry inspires awe, and perhaps fear. The Incas thought that rocks were people, with their own volition and personality. Inca stoneworks live on today, as monuments and often as foundations for later buildings.
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Laguna Street Residence: A Victorian Re-envisioned
The Laguna Steet Residence by Mark English Architects is an extensive remodel and addition to an 1890’s Victorian home located in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley neighborhood. The historically significant front facade was retained, and a modern home built within the existing shell
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Process: The Saratoga House
The Saratoga House, one of our current projects at Mark English Architects, first began its design development over two years ago. Understanding that having a new home designed and built is a big commitment, our clients wanted to take some time before making the final decision to move forward with the project.
