Dom asked:


What should i major in during college? Can i major in business and then go on to architecture school? That way once I’ve been an architect for a few years in a company I might be able to start my own?

Kristen

Groshan Fabiola asked:


The church is the place where people come to worship God and be closer to Him, as well as to repent of their sins. It takes more than a simple building made of bricks and mortar to form a church. The local congregation of believers and the place they choose as the house of their Lord is often what the word church refers to. Each church has its individual values and theology, and all of God’s beauty, order, creativity and detail should be used to the highest level of design to reflect these specific features. Therefore, everyone who is involved in a church design and construction process should try to use this creativity, beauty and order to turn the church into a welcoming place for all believers.

The place of worship has undergone some dramatic changes over the years. However, the most notable changes regarding church design and construction have only been witnessed in the past years. The traditional church buildings are slowly being replaced by new forms of expression, as old style buildings no longer match the kind of ministry that people are looking for nowadays. Today’s church design and construction aim at reshaping the worship and life of congregations. And it is not the church building alone that church designers should consider. Church plans should definitely include site planning, as many churchgoers believe that the site is the first invitation that the church makes. Furthermore, with space being a constant problem for churches, site planning is equally important in church plans as far as future expansion is concerned. It is believed that good church design and construction is the best way to build a community. The most recent forms of expression in church design and construction include a large gathering space, where people get together for Bible study, worship, choir practice, exercise classes, committee meetings, and so forth.

Church architecture can be regarded as a symbolic expression of the faith of the community in question. Therefore, church design and construction should put emphasis on the specific architecture that is most appropriate to that community. Apart from making an invitation, the church architecture should be relevant of God’s creativity, order and beauty in general, and of the congregation’s faith in particular. Good church design and construction can render the feeling of God being in the congregation’s midst, instead of being at a distance. Furthermore, the use of light in a church building is of fundamental importance, given its spiritual significance. Light should be an important consideration in the church design and construction process. Using light in a church building has long been a major concern that has already evolved into an architectural tradition. However, given the significance of light and its symbolism, this tradition has to be rethought each time new church design and construction are considered.

The ideas presented above are just some aspects related to church design and construction. The process of constructing or expanding a church is a lot more complex, and the insight of a good church architect will prove to be a very valuable tool. Whatever your church plans may encompass, be it the remodeling of interior rooms or exterior façade, converting warehouses into full church facilities, multi-structure campuses, or building a new church from the ground up, there are church architects who can provide unique insights, while honoring your individual theology and values, as well as your specific needs and budget.

For more resources about Church design and construction or even about church plans please review this web page http://marshillstudio.com



Rebecca

QuestionMan123 asked:


I am looking to better understand my target audience for two upcoming projects (one for a network architect and one for a network engineer). Any help to better understand the similarities and differences would be much appreciated.

Marilyn

pondi asked:


I mean, the Architect has designed and planned the unit on paper and will be supervising the whole contruction till completion. in other words, a contractor will be asked to get the civil work done??? please advice.

Eugene

didier grossemy asked:


What is the Digital Business Architect Package? Whether you are an individual or a company, X2 provides you with the tools and knowledge to empower your business growth and facilitate revenues through efficient digital communications and online marketing.

Everything can be found in the Training Centre and is available to you 24/7 from any Internet connected computer with a web browser.

Once you are comfortable with your level of knowledge, and you are proficient with the supplied tools and strategies, you can deploy these rapidly and build your business creating both significant direct income, and a considerable residual income stream.

In addition to the “Digital Business Architect” package, you also receive a “Partner Package” with which you can buy and resell all the X2 Digital products and services under your own brand.

With the partner package you can leverage X2 Digital’s decades of combined experience in creating and delivering high-quality, high-performance, and highly-effective digital environments. You manage the client relationship, and help your client to create a winning strategy, and effortlessly plug-in to the X2 system to project manage, implement, and deliver the agreed services on your behalf, and in your name.

The Digital Business Architect Package is designed for your growth Build your knowledge and market yourself efficiently require having access to education, branding, technology and marketing tools:



24/7 access to an online Training Centre

Brand design and stationery

Implementation of a state of the art Content Management System (CMS) website

Email and database management

Pre-Built strategies and customers proposals

Newsletters management with powerful data mining and statistical reports





Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) technology embedded into the CMS



Article written by:



Don

Melanie Click asked:


When renovating many people simply depend on their contractor to do all the relevant paperwork, but it you are planning on doing a major renovation that involves structural aspects, then calling in an architect can save you quite a few headaches. They will cost less than an architect and do almost the same things, but they are not licensed. Therefore, if there are stress calculations to be made, the designer must hire a licensed engineer to design the project and sign the working plans.

Similar to the architect, part of a designer’s job is also to supervise the project. They may charge an hourly fee or a percentage of the project for this service. It is ideal in cases where the owner cannot be in attendance due to time or distance. An architect can draw up all the plans and designs in the way that is required by state rules and regulations. The architect will solicit for bids on the project, and can advise you which would be the right contractor for your needs. He will also supervise the construction to ensure it is going ahead to plan and to time. The downside of using an architect is the cost.

Using the services of a designer is another option. They will cost less than an architect and do almost the same things, but they are not licensed. Therefore, if there are stress calculations to be made, the designer must hire a licensed engineer to design the project and sign the working plans. Similar to the architect, part of a designer’s job is also to supervise the project. They may charge an hourly fee or a percentage of the project for this service. It is ideal in cases where the owner cannot be in attendance due to time or distance.

The architect will solicit for bids on the project, and can advise you which would be the right contractor for your needs. He will also supervise the construction to ensure it is going ahead to plan and to time. The downside of using an architect is the cost.



Delores

Jeff Halper asked:


Houston Texas is one of the most difficult and challenging climates to design and build landscape gardens in the country. We have heavily compacted soils that when inundated with torrential rains suffocate plants and low lying flood areas that if not installed with a proper drainage system could flood a house. In Houston our temperature extremes from summer drought and 100 degree days to humid fall and spring weather causes plant stress and diseases. These weather extremes also can take their toll on outdoor building elements such as pool and deck surfaces, arbors, and night lighting fixtures. In hiring Houston Landscape Designers, you want not only creative ideas but material know-how, local construction standards, and someone who knows the durability of materials as well. Below we will present the four types of Houston Landscape Designer services available with their positive and negative perspectives as to what they bring to the table for your particular project.

The “design-only” landscape designers

This would be an individual who will meet and provide a design for your landscape but is not involved in the supervision, construction or maintenance of designed elements.

Positives:

? The positive here is that you could get an overall design of your site or master plan for the property to phase in over time and get alternate bids from various landscape contractors for proposed design elements.

Negatives:

? Some of the plants, materials, and design ideas may not work if the landscape designers do not have regular experience with construction, maintenance and plant care.

? Construction of some elements may be cost prohibitive if budget is not taken into consideration with the design.

? Another understandable problem is that the designer is not responsible or does not have to concern themselves with the implementation of proposed elements.

“Landscape Contractors” as “landscape designers”.

A landscape contractor is usually at the other end of the spectrum from the landscape designer in that they may know how to implement and install a garden but may lack design experience.

Positives:

? The positive is that you know what it will cost and a landscape contractor will be able to cost out several options or make several proposals to finally arrive at an acceptable budget.

? Another positive is there may be a cost savings and scheduling may happen much quicker because they may do 80% of the installation.

Negatives:

? The negative is that an overall design is often missing.

? The quality of craftsmanship is questionable even with a portfolio.

? The implementation from proposal to built vision might not be fully realized which are conveyed in design plans, material and construction methods chosen.

Horticulturalist as landscape designer. This might be someone who works at a nursery or local garden center. This person have lots of knowledge about soil and plant health as well as the right plant for the right location. A horticulturalist or plants man may not have an overall design vision, knowledge of irrigation systems, drainage systems, patios and walks.

Positives:

? The positive here would be the variety of plants and proper soil preparation and planting of plant material.

Negatives:

? There could be too much plant variety.

? Could be too much of a plant lover’s garden rather than simple overall home aesthetics.

? Overall design layout of patio, walk and lawn areas might not be as strong.

Landscape Design-Build Company as “designer” and “installer”. In this category responsibility is taken for the overall design, supervision, management and implementation of the landscape plan through completion of all elements to their maintenance.

Positives:

? Design ideas must be able to be implemented.

? Overall costs are based on actuality.

? Flexibility to phase the project in many ways.

? Intent of the design is carried through the construction process.

? Knowledge, understanding and responsibility for the project as the property continues to be maintained.

Negatives:

? May be some additional costs for over sight and general contracting of elements.

The Design-Build process is the most ideal scenario because all design decisions, construction, installation, costs and maintenance of the entire project are taken into consideration representing the most experienced view.

Conclusion

Choosing Houston landscape designers is a difficult task. Considerations including like ability of the designer and fit with their style of work are all essential. In the end analysis one has to decide if compromising price is also compromising quality and value of work.



Vanessa

Minnow asked:


On a residential project, the cost of a mistake made by a contractor is routinely absorbed by the contractor. In this case, our architect made a design error that will cost us over $1,000 to fix. Is there a similar expectation that an architect absorbs the financial impact of his/her mistakes?

Lucy

search rankpros asked:


Since its formation on the Gold Coast 30 years ago, HHH architects have sought to develop a multi-disciplined office that has the ability and expertise to address any nature of complex design scenarios. The design capabilities and professional experience of the practice has developed a hierarchy of ideas about form, space and the environment.

Our architects work on projects across Corporate Commercial, Education and Childcare, Hospitality, Multi Residential, Residential, Retail, Retirement Health and Green Architecture.

Corporate Commercial

To produce buildings and interiors where people can work involves having an understanding of the intricate processes of the commercial world. The nature of the built environment can affect long term staff retention, office moral, communication between workers, and in turn profitability of the project and business. At HHH, Gold Coast\’s leading Architects, we listen to our client\’s requirements and apply their project brief within a commercial framework to produce innovative and functional solutions.

Residential     

When making spaces for people to live, the priority of the practice is to design for a long term pleasure in use. We believe that this involves providing places for people that offer the opportunity to connect with the immediate and greater landscape.

On the Gold Coast, lifestyle is very important and our clients love to enjoy the range of environments the Gold Coast provides. From waterfront living, golf course or canal living, acreage property to high rise apartment living, our architects can work closely with you to create the lifestyle that you want to live.

Retirement Health     

HHH have applied their skill base to provide stimulating and nurturing environments for retirement and healthcare. Our experience in this area of architecture has lead to many successful projects throughout Queensland and New South Wales. Our clients have benefited from our knowledge level in all aspects of the design process from planning approval through to the built form.

Green Architecture     

Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) is more than a popular catchphrase here at HHH. We support the need for sustainable development and with the capability of delivering buildings with a high environmental performance we are well placed in the industry to achieve those goals. ESD is applicable to all aspects of the design process and is a high priority. We work towards producing buildings with the best sustainable result possible.

Our environmentally-conscious design techniques implement our leading edge skills in architectural design. Sustainable architecture is built around the larger areas of sustainability and economics. In the broad sense, sustainable architecture seeks to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings by enhancing efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy, and development space.

Even though we are Gold Coast Architects, we work closely with clients both nationally and internationally on local and other projects. Our extensive knowledge of Gold Coast architecture, local planning processes and the environment, will help us to help your project to succeed.



Steve

Peter Chen asked:




History



Mosaic history can be tracked back to 2000 B.C. in ancient China. And glass mosaic becomes popular in architecture during the period of Rinascimento (Renaissance).  Glass mosaic have been extremely popular in Asia during the 1980s and become diminishing in 1990s. However, in the earlier of 21st century, with the new technology development, glass mosaic comes back strongly in Asia and becoming more and popular in North America since 2004.



Merits of glass mosaic characteristics



The new manufacturing technology seems that nothing is impossible in terms of colors, sizes, styles, as well as materials used in glass mosaic. So the great variety is a distinguishing characteristic of this building material. Also, glass mosaics have very broad spectrum of applications due to its IMPERVIOUS nature. Glass does not absorb any water (a technical materials term as “zero water absorption rate) thus it has no shrinkage or expansion issue thus can be used both indoor and outdoor applications.  A lot of materials have due to materials can absorb water inside thus will have the expansion or shrinkage problem when the temperature changes, when the water absorption rate exceeds a certain degree, it can not be used as outdoor materials, for example, ceramic tiles, the ANSI standard define the water absorption rate is less than 0.5% which can be used as outdoor building products.



Big variety of applications



Glass mosaics can be used for a variety of building Installations such as both indoors and outdoors, for residential flooring (if the surface is polished, not recommended for flooring application for the slippery), walls, Pillars & Columns , artwork, furniture, baths, kitchens and swimming pools.  Your imagination is the limit for the application for a building, thus it attracts architects and interior designers’ attention but DIYs can also certainly use the glass mosaic to shine your remodeling project. Appropriate usage of glass mosaic may refresh your eyes everyday after the glass mosaic tile installed.

With today’s manufacturing technology, glass mosaic can be custom made based on your design, if you are talking to the real manufacturers with the updated technology and expertise. The turnaround time to make a custom sample can be amazingly as short as 5 business days. Yes. 5 business days to make a sample based on the size, color code or a real sample you get from somewhere else is a realistic which is not even can be imagined 5 years ago.



Materials used to make the glass mosaics



Originally, glass mosaic type is vitreous glass mosaic, which was used widely to make swimming pool. But with the fast technology and workmanship developed during the past 5 to 10 years, glass mosaic evolved to the main categories in addition to the original vitreous glass mosaic as:

 1.       crystal glass mosaic, which can be see through so it gets the name as “crystal”, but with the color paints on the back of the mosaic makes thousands of colors are possible;

 2.       iridescent glass mosaic, which have iridescent coatings on the surface of glass mosaic to make the glass mosaic reflecting different colors, which is great materials for night club, casino and entertainment places’ decoration;

 3.       metallic glass mosaic, this is a very special materials that the color is not on the back of a mosaic, but the color is melted into the fusion of glass in a extremely high temperature environment. When the glass fusion out of the kiln and cool down, the color is part of the glass inside evenly distributed thus the color is through the whole mosaic.

 4.       Van Gogh glass mosaic, which went through the similar manufacturing process as metallic glass mosaic. The difference is that metallic glass can be told that it is obviously glass but the Van Gogh glass mosaic kindly give you the oil paint texture of its surface.

 5.       Stone glass mosaic. Stone mosaic is another kind of great decorative building materials for more than 2000 years history. People are creatively blending the glass and natural stone to make it stone glass mosaic, which usually have high level of luxury but also very natural.  

Giving the high demand and competition among manufacturers, we believe the innovation will be taking place fast and new types of glass mosaic could be created from time to time. We will keep track of the technology closely and keep you posted, if interested, please make sure to check back from time to time or RSS our article regarding this topic. 



Beth