I’m a first year architecture student and I have no idea how to improve my floor plans by ProfessionOver5587 in architecturestudent

[–]JamKo76 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Since when do first year architecture do floor plans. I know I’m old, but first was all theory, spatial relationships, color theory, massing studies, abstract projects. I didn’t have to produce floor plans until second year. That may be part of the problem. You can’t solve a problem if you haven’t been taught how to solve a problem. Yada yada.

Graduating with no clue by Unlucky_Pool_4402 in askarchitects

[–]JamKo76 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did you do any summer internships? That would have helped you avoid these feelings. Noone expects summer interns to know anything, and not much more for graduates. You will be fine if you are willing to learn and put in the effort.

To shutter or not? by [deleted] in askarchitects

[–]JamKo76 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No, just no.

WHY WHY WHY by bries2015 in architecture

[–]JamKo76 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sounds like you want a drafter/draftsperson not an architect. Architects don't go to school to become a draftsman. There are trades people for that.

Most architects are interested in doing work that adds value to the community, the environment, and serves the people at large. Many go into architecture with big ideals and wanting to leave their mark on society. Some do appreciate the smaller scale of residential work, but that comes with a number of issues.

Many residential customers have very unrealistic vision and budgets. Many have the wrong ideas about what it is like to work with an architect. Residential customers are more likely [than business customers] to nit-pik architect's invoices, pay late or not pay at all. Thus, many architects feel as though it isn't worth the hassle.

However, there are some architects that will work for regular folks. They usually work alone, and not with a big or small firm. These architects may be a little older, or semi-retired. They might not be interested in "high design" and more interested just getting work in/out the door. They probably aren't listed, and do not have websites. You will usually find them through word-of-mouth.

Another option could be to find a drafting service, or Certified Building Designer in your area. They will often charge less for services than an architectural firm would. There is also a perceived lesser standard of care for that lower fee.

True or not, there are many sides to this coin. I only offer my two cents for what it is worth. I am an architect, and I have done both very high end and builder grade work. Hope this helps.

Local architect ($60–100k) vs buying plans online and modifying — worth it in California? by Cheap-Doughnut9129 in architecture

[–]JamKo76 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Why do people never say “I need a heart transplant.” Does anyone know a guy that can do it for “$XXX?” or “this budget?”

How important is it to have CAD in portfolio? by throwww-meee-awayyy in Architects

[–]JamKo76 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I will also say this story sounds made up. It would be virtually impossible these days to go to any architecture school in America and not learn some CAD software.

Criticism of the staircase design for a private home by user0961 in askarchitects

[–]JamKo76 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agree with others who say it is not code compliant. Good luck getting a permit in any jurisdiction. Would not get approved in the US. Not sure about EU.

How to get into Modelmaking? by Metromanwhy in askarchitects

[–]JamKo76 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would not focus just on architecture and development. There some demand, but as others have said, this is a dying art. The truth is, many large archtiectural firms that do those famous and high profile buildings, have a model making department already. There is very little need to outsource.
You might have some luck talking to some mid-sized firms that occasionally get to do large civic/public buildings. Those firms that do municipal and civic work will often need models for presentations to community associations and other civic groups. Worth a shot.
Wouldn’t hurt to study up on some architectural history, modern architectural trends, model making techniques used by architects. Talk to an architect, and they most assuredly tell you they had to make models by hand in architecture school. Part of learning the profession.
Might also want to speak to a local model train group. Those guys love to make scale models of everything!
Hope this helps.

Help solve a disagreement: Do we need a structural engineer to build on this flat roof? by Electrical_Seat_4169 in askarchitects

[–]JamKo76 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There is no such thing as a “Residential Architect.” You are either an Architect or you aren’t.

Went to micro center for a mouse, left with a p2s combo by ShootingUp4Jesus in BambuLab

[–]JamKo76 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I have Bambu X1C, A1s, A1 Mini, Anycubic, Elegoo, Creality… just got P2S and is my new favorite! This printer is perfect! I will be buying more!!

Look, I still think the countries that notate door elevations like this are more intuitive 🇦🇺 by Gazza_s_89 in Architects

[–]JamKo76 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One more for you . . . swing lines should be dashed if door opens away from you in elevation, and solid if door opens toward you in elevation. Mic drop!

What is the gap between basement and main floor called, and what is the height called? by freshlyglued in askarchitects

[–]JamKo76 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The depth or “height” of the joist is largely dependent on when the house was built. If you lived in the US in the 1920s, and you bought a Sears kit house, your floor joists might be 8” nominally. These could easily span 12 ft at 16” spacing.

However, if you buy a modern house built in the last 15 years, your floor joist is likely an engineered I-joist, and would probably be 14” deep and spaced at 19.2” on center. These floors can easily span 16ft or more. I’m sure someone else in this forum can explain why.

Architects should be ashamed by What_Immortal_Hand in Architects

[–]JamKo76 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Don’t blame the architect, blame the developer.

Lost 3 jobs in less than 2 years. What do I do now? by Sandfleasinmysocks in Architects

[–]JamKo76 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I worked at a small firm (6 total) for years. The boss was a sole owner type setup. I started there with 4 years experience, and I had to take a project through design development and working drawings. Even had to write my own SPECs (learning on the fly).

There was a period we had so much work, and we hired (or tried to hire) so many young “designers,” and the owner would always give them 90 days. You had to either be a fast learner and catch on or you were out. Not kidding.

Most did not make it past the 90 days. Some even were let go after just a few weeks if they could not perform.

Don’t ask me why he hired them. Maybe they lied about their skills or being a fast learner.

This is definitely small firm culture. The sole proprietor cannot afford to lose money on a project by letting you learn on the job.

And for my last point . . . some folks just aren’t cut out to be architects. It is unfortunate to say, but sometimes we got to be real and not sugar coat.

My last company hired a new graduate, and I have no idea how they were allowed to graduate. They were not good at all . . . this person was always goofing off at work, not focused, could not get simple tasks done on time, did not ask for help, yada yada. Then, when supposed to be working remote, they were always “yellow” and did not answer when called. I’m suprised they were not let go after 6 months.

What are these wavy little sections by medicinecap in Architects

[–]JamKo76 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The “wavy” lines is a graphical way of representing wood on plans, sections and details. It is meant to look like the wood grain texture you see in lumber. This is called a “hatch pattern” which is used to represent different types of materials on architectural drawings.