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Hand drawing








2D drawing








3D modelling





I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to step back from the working world of architecture and evaluate where I think it's going, where I might fit in, and known issues that seem to have no black and white answers.

My confidence in the ability to be in architecture and be profitable is pretty low at this point. I don't believe I worked on a profitable project (except for maybe Whittier?) since starting Revit. We may have just made it for Child Advocacy Center during CD's, but my guess is we probably went over budget. Bear with me as I step on my soap box.

1) How does the project process need to change for 3D modelling?

Point 1 - Communication! Now more than ever! So what do you do when it's not there?

Point 2 - Too many items are lost in translation and it has to be frustrating for a client to repeat information when projects are split between design and production and key information is not passed on. It also makes it impossible for young staff working in design to know how buildings are built. I truly think one team following a project from start to finish is the best way and reduces frustrations from everyone involved.

Point 3 - Design must be signed off by the owner and architect and decisions must be made earlier than a couple weeks before printing. Revit is not a license for procrastination. If there's one thing I've learned, it's this: Changes, whether internal or client requested, are what puts the nails in the coffin and good-bye profits.

2) How do you set boundaries with a client and still make them feel like they got a good deal when they leave the table?

Does business school teach you this? I sure hope so. I realize it's a delicate matter full of politics. If one person says no, the next one down the line says, "YES! Anything your heart desires!" Architecture is a service and if you're in it for the right reasons, it's hard to say no because you also want the building to turn out awesome and be everything the client ever dreamed of and more. But the health of the firm also needs to be protected. So, how does this get balanced?

3) How much are we required to model and what actually makes sense to model?

First Thursday night of the month in Omaha. A workaround in Revit is brought up and contractors sitting around us are shaking their heads and we are asked, "If you draw that handrail as linework, how am I supposed to do a cost takeoff?" (Actually it was a 4" thick ceiling grid as a sidewalk to show joints. Why that was modelled, I'm not sure.) Yes, in a perfect world with perfect software, we would love to create a seamless model through construction. Do we sabatoge the firm's profits to model everything the contractor needs for pricing? To boost their profit because they don't want to spend time modelling?

The question needs to be asked: "What is the architect's fee from the client on this project?" "What is the final product that they are expecting and has this been explained to them?" "How can small firms compete with large firms that can afford full time staff that do nothing but model and tinker?"

I'm sure it is the desire of most to hand over a beautiful model which displays every intent the design architect had in mind. The problem is, Revit is just not there, yet. We live in a "I want it and want it NOW!" society, but great things take time. Will there be a magic "aha!" moment when Revit can now quickly and efficiently model any design you can imagine? No! It's going to be gradual. As 3D technology gets better, so will the models. But we can't break our backs modelling everything with a program and technology in it's earliest stages. Workarounds are a must.

Model what you will see in exterior elevation because that is viewed from several sides. If you can do 2d linework in 3d familes, by all means, DO IT! Treat the client's money as if it were your own, coming out of your wallet. We all need to keep in mind that the finished product is the physical building and the service to get there.

I have much to learn, but there's got to be a good way to get from the first idea to the first day of occupancy.
Business is open!

Kidding... Just playing in Photoshop.

Calm Before The Homework

Reece's last day of swimming lessons was yesterday. Overall he did very good! I am going to wait for his attention span to grow before signing him up again. After getting close to knocking his head on the diving board when he fearlessly leaped off, I'd like him to be a little older next time so he can follow instructions.

I've wrapped up Term 1 at Doane and have a break this week from that school. I am still finishing up my Algebra class with SCC. That comes to an end next Wednesday. Term 2 at Doane starts next week so there will be a bit of an overlap. I signed up for five classes today at Doane and the girl registering my classes looked at me like I was nuts. That and the bill for the term made me second guess my work load... Not to mention the combo of Pre-calc with Managerial Accounting. Being that these are eight week terms, they are even more fast paced than SCC. I'll have a couple weeks off to catch my breath in May.

Plans are underway for Texas. I think Mike and I are holding our breath as to how well the kids will do. Mainly, Reece getting through the long trip there and back plus getting enough sleep so his world isn't constantly setting him off, and the girls existing peacefully in each other's presence. Renting a larger car is going to make too big of a dent in the bank, so my Stratus will have to do... hopefully.

Reece's double-ear infections continue! He started his third round of antibiotics today. I think he's become immune to them! Dr. Houston said if this doesn't work, then she's going to try the antibiotic shot (starts with an "R"), then if that doesn't work, off to the ENT doctor. I'm ready for him to get tubes put in now.

So, all-in-all, not much has changed since my last entry. Picture setup is still taking me awhile. I still need more practice!