The Word “Architectural”

by Engineer Designer on February 11, 2012

Formal architectural engineering education, following the engineering model of earlier disciplines, developed in the late 19th century, and became widespread in the United States by the mid-20th century. With the establishment of a specific “architectural engineering” NCEES Professional Engineering registration examination in the 1990s, and first offering in April 2003, architectural engineering became recognized as a distinct engineering [...]

Building A Home? Should You Use OSB Or Plywood Sheathing?

by Engineer Designer on November 9, 2011

The Building Profession is traditionally slow to change and adapt to new methods and materials. One example is the use of OSB sheathing verses the “good-ol” CDX plywood. I still find, in 2011, some builders who have never used nor plan to use OSB. When asked why, their answers seem to boil down to a [...]

Avoid Paying Twice – Some Tips to Avoid Having to Pay Twice For Your New Custom Home.

  Imagine this: You are building a home with either on your own or with the help of a general contractor. The project is finished and you take possession and move in as a happy owner of a brand new custom home.   You have faithfully paid every bill that was due. You finally pulled [...]

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Wondering Which Is The Better Way To Build; Framing Or Masonry? Here Are Some Answers.

I am often asked by my clients if we should use a masonry exterior wall or one that is framed in wood. Masonry walls consist of concrete blocks stacked up from the slab to the full height of the wall. They are placed in beds of mortar and strengthened with embedded reinforcing steel and hollow [...]

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Looking to Build your own home yourself. Here are the Pros and Cons – in a Tough Economy

Looking to Build your own home yourself. Here are the Pros and Cons – in a Tough Economy Should you build your own home without a contractor? There can be a strong incentive for the owner to take on the building project and hire the subcontractors and buy the materials directly. Managing one’s own building [...]

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Engineers are in Demand

Engineering Hiring Demand Jumps 59% in 2011 Source: EngineerDesigner Employers and staffing agencies in the Engineering Services sector posted more than 23,000 new job ads during the past 60 days. This is a 36% increase over the same period last year, and a 59% boost from the beginning of 2011. The top 20 jobs Engineering [...]

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Mid-Year Construction Forecast

Mid-Year Construction Forecast (reprinted from “design+build”) According to economists, the recession ended in June 2009, but for most Americans it doesn’t feel that way. And for builders, that’s the reality according to information out of the Mid-Year Construction Forecast conference held by Associated Builders and Contractors on June 8, 2011. Speakers on the Web conference included: Anirban [...]

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Light Sports Aircraft And Aviation Communities, The Perfect Combo

Light Sports Aircraft (LSA) are an exciting new area of aviation that has spurred much interest to new and old aviators alike. It is a very exciting type of flying though it does have a few limitations. More pilots are opting towards this new genre of flying and are looking for places to fly. Aviation [...]

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Screen to Screen Technology (Distance is No-Factor)

Regardless of where you are located, with today’s screen to screen technology all design activities can be done easily and with full collaboration regardless of distance between the designer and client. Save travel costs Collaborate from the comfort of your own space – as you work and meet directly with the designer. Take advantage of the designer’s [...]

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One or Two Story – which is the better choice?

Which is more desirable – a single or a multi story home? This is an intriguing subject which I am frequently asked. The reply is, as is typical with many such debates, ” It depends”. There are pluses and minuses to each. Let’s inspect the pros and cons of these two choices and then weigh [...]

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