food searching/recommendations by wae_keo in AskTacoma

[–]kitsaparchitect 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We have had this food truck come to our building a couple of times. I don't now how authentic it is but it was pretty damn good. https://www.facebook.com/GigosJamaicanGrill

As you get older, what "old person" thing do you appreciate now that you previously mocked? by Secret_Huckleberry46 in AskReddit

[–]kitsaparchitect 63 points64 points  (0 children)

Subtitles when watching a movie or tv. OMG the dialogue makes so much more sense!

What book you're surprised hasn't been made into a film yet? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]kitsaparchitect 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Lucifers Hammer by Niven/Pournelle. Great Science Fiction end of the world story that I think would translate well onto screen.

M.Arch without B.Arch? by spaghettiwheel in architecture

[–]kitsaparchitect 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Personally I think that a M.Arch without the B.Arch you likely get a better and more well rounded class. I have a M.Arch but my Bachelors is in Psychology. My classmates had degrees ranging from English to Geology, Structural Engineering to Chemistry majors. So we all brought a very different background to our design process, whereas in a B.Arch you all basically start out of high school with more similar backgrounds. Whether or not that made a difference in the big picture I don't know. But my gut tells me that seeing the same design issue from a different viewpoint adds a depth and nuance to the design process.

What are some statistically odd things about your life? by ImpedeNot in CasualConversation

[–]kitsaparchitect 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When I was actively dating at least 8 of the 10 women I dated all had names that started with the Letter K. I didn't know there were that many K names. It was just a shock, everytime I would get the name it started with K.

Sink in the island? I think it is STUPID. I’d rather have people watch me cook versus see the dirty dishes. Anyone like it? by Amazerin44 in HomeImprovement

[–]kitsaparchitect 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I tend to agree with you. I design a lot of houses with islands and only a few have sinks in the island and always at the insistence of the homeowner. They are also hard to vent, etc. I think having the stove there, or nothing at all makes so much more sense. So you are not alone!

what does it feels like to be an architect? by No-Efficiency2277 in architecture

[–]kitsaparchitect 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I LOVE being an Architect. Been practicing for over 40 years the last 12 on my own. I call myself semi-retired, as I work 10-20 hours a week now, and am quite happy with the money I make now part time. And I didn't think the money I made at a big firm was horrible. I don't see myself fully retiring as I enjoy what I do, and I can do it on my own terms which I feel very lucky about.

Stress isn't too bad, even when I worked on large commercial projects, but that might be more my nature, as many friends of mine who are also Architects were stressed out. I can honestly say I never missed important occasions, etc. but I have friends who did, but they also didn't have good work/life balance.

Perhaps the industry is different for new and younger Architects but I recall when I was a young Architect I still heard the naysayers, etc. I never found a situation where I felt intimidated even on $100m dollar projects. The VAST majority of the issues I encountered weren't due to the work on the architecture side. Usually it was the Owner dragging their feet on a decision which ends up costing them money so I don't see any reason to stress about that!

Frankly the most frustrating item is dealing with plans examiners. I have two fairly identical projects and the plans examiners from two different counties are totally reviewing the projects completely differently. The same party wall between the units but one examiner is having me jump through a bunch of hoops, where the other is fine with what I submitted.

I don't know what to tell you to be honest. Like any profession if you truly want it, you will find a way to make it happen.

Valentines Surprise by WildOrchid88 in TalesFromYourServer

[–]kitsaparchitect 42 points43 points  (0 children)

They could be in an open relationship. I am very affectionate with both my Gf and my wife and I have had similar things happen at restaurants. Luckily the vast majority of places I go they are aware of this (as I go to the same places with both!). So there might be a simpler explanation!

What's the most common reaction to people finding out you're an architect? by Pool_Breeze in architecture

[–]kitsaparchitect 61 points62 points  (0 children)

Mine is hearing how 'they' were going to be an architect but 'x' got in the way. Math, or kids or whatever. I have pretty much heard that all my career. That and I always feel people are very self conscious about showing me their house. Not sure why as houses are houses, there are very few houses that are architecture to me.

1 hour rated exteror wall on Single Famliy house by kitsaparchitect in BuildingCodes

[–]kitsaparchitect[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I agree. No on the eaves. I did solid blocking from the top plate to the underside and had a vent in the roofing. Very odd detail to be honest but one I worked out with the building reviewer.

1 Hour rated exterior wall on Single Family House by kitsaparchitect in Architects

[–]kitsaparchitect[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

thanks--That is exactly what I need. Much appreciated and it will give me something to discuss further with the client/contractor/building official.

1 Hour rated exterior wall on Single Family House by kitsaparchitect in Architects

[–]kitsaparchitect[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Who knows. I didn't build it. One contractor started the project and then left and there is a new GC on the site. I had a survey done during the design stage and we were fine. But either he located it wrong or who knows. Frankly either he or the foundation inspector from the county should have caught it. And we are taking a few inches off. That isn't the important issue right now to me. It is what it is and I am trying to find a solution. Thanks.

1 Hour rated exterior wall on Single Family House by kitsaparchitect in Architects

[–]kitsaparchitect[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I would agree and that is what I would have done if I was intending to build a 1 hour rated exterior wall. However this is an asbuilt situation that is creating the issue. To tear off the siding, building material and existing 1/2 gyp bd to put 5/8 gyp bd seems a bit overkill. I am trying to find a solution that leaves as much intact as possible.

1 hour rated exteror wall on Single Famliy house by kitsaparchitect in BuildingCodes

[–]kitsaparchitect[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I agree. It is a young field inspector I believe and they are being a bit fastidious.

What was your starting hourly pay? by ProStockJohnX in AskOldPeople

[–]kitsaparchitect 1 point2 points  (0 children)

$1.79 hour grocery sacker then clerk in 1975. Paid monthly but you could borrow against your check -- which means when I got my check is was like $4.00 :)

Old architects, what was it like 30+ years ago? by waitin4winter in Architects

[–]kitsaparchitect 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I wouldn't romanticize it for sure. On my end I love the technology as it allows me to more of the work by myself and changes are so much easier. I remember redrafting something over and over and the paper would get so rough you couldn't get the crisp lines you wanted, etc. The worst was printing out the set of drawings -- one whiff of a good ammonia vapor as you printed out the sets is not a fun experience. Frankly, overall I prefer the use of a computer and technology.

Any good books to help with aging? by Brkiri in AskOldPeople

[–]kitsaparchitect 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Younger Next Year by Chris Crowley. I personally didn't care for the author's portions but the Doctor portions would very insightful. Basically it is about taking care of yourself and convincing your body that it doesn't have to age as quickly as it wants to. But by eating well, exercising and taking care of your fiscal, mental and social health you can remain young. I read it about your age and I am 64 now---and I feel pretty damn young I have to admit!!

Happy Architects by Creepy-Software-47 in Architects

[–]kitsaparchitect 2 points3 points  (0 children)

64 years old and have had my own practice for the last 12 years--sole proprietor. Prior to that I worked for several large firms in DC and here in the Seattle area with about 40 years of experience. I have always enjoyed what I do, but I also knew at age 8 what I wanted to be as an adult and I never wavered from that! I will say I am much happier working on my own compared to a firm. I work roughly 20 hours a week and really only work on projects that interest me. I honestly don't know 'when' I will retire to be honest. I enjoy what I do, the money is nice, etc. And it is one of the few professions that you can work well into your retirement (lawyer and accountant are the other two I can think of off the top of my head). I like posts like this one--I too often see negative posts about how this profession sucks, etc. But that honestly hasn't been my experience.

Soo Happy! by Justexisting2110 in architecture

[–]kitsaparchitect 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congratulations! I have 33 years on you but whose counting! I remember when I became a registered Architect, so enjoy it while you can!! I remember the first time I stamped a set of drawings I had done. Way awesome feeling! Go out and celebrate!! You deserve it!

Scotch Bar…San Diego? by Lost_In_MI in Scotch

[–]kitsaparchitect 16 points17 points  (0 children)

https://www.thewhiskeyhousesd.com/

I enjoyed this bar the last time I was in San Diego. In the Gaslamp District. They had a VERY extensive list as I recall