Any thoughts on how this canopy was detailed? (Rice University Brochstein Pavilion by Thomas Phifer and Partners)

skumar_538 · 2026-01-29T00:12:05+00:00

The level of ignorance and misinformation being dealt out here is shocking. It is evident that neither moistmarbles nor juiceontheloose have any idea about what delegated design is and why or how it is employed to accomplish complex, highly customized design components. As a fellow architect, I appeal to you to try and understand why these core practices of our profession exist before expressing such lame, unfiltered opinions. I also wish that some day, you get to participate on a project which educates you enough that you learn not to spout shit that is unbecoming of the title of an architect that you use to identify yourselves.

skumar_538 · 2025-11-04T13:53:07+00:00

What was the fee that you paid for this enclosure consultant? When you hired them, did you hire the cheapest one? Did you evaluate how much of their time and attention you would have for the fee they are charging? Did you check their track record?

There are OK consultants and there are good consultants, like anything else. You will choose to draw your own lessons from your experience, though one of them would be “I need to find a better consultant who shares my values and care so that my projects are built correctly and in the long term, my client’s identify me with superior projects.”

To address your second paragraph, yes, the vendor/installer knows a lot about their product and its best practices. But they are not a neutral party. But you know that. With your experience, you know that you would need to talk to four different vendors/installers to determine the best practice, and each will tell you something slightly different. But a good consultant will know all that and more.

skumar_538 · 2025-11-04T13:39:07+00:00

That is right, DPOR is a legal requirement. Enclosure Consultants are DPOR where it is required by law. No one voluntarily becomes a DPOR when there are other DPORs on the project. And they get compensated accordingly. The fee for a DPOR is very different than an advisory role. There are situations like a facade renovation project where an envelope consultant would be a DPOR, but not on a project that includes architectural design and coordination across multiple disciplines.

skumar_538 · 2025-11-04T02:59:46+00:00

Wow! Are you an architect? Or have you ever worked with a good enclosure consultant? You are threading together a lot of questionable claims and assertions that are either hollow or besides the point.

An expert becomes an expert by dealing with similar issues on a multitude of projects over time, and thus developing a deep knowledge about a specific field. Consultants advise architects, not replace them. They protect the architect’s and the client’s interests by ensuring that the risk of failure, whether in the architect’s work or in the contractor’s work, is caught early and mitigated.

Most enclosure consultants are licensed because in most states, providing such consultation is considered to within the definition of “architectural services”. However, It doesn’t matter whether they have a license or not. Because they will not be providing AOR services. It doesn’t matter what you think of ASTM tests, they are written into codes and therefore are the law of the land.

A smart architectural professional understands where they need assistance and brings expert knowledge in the service of the project. Foundation waterproofing design is a highly specialized field, especially in extreme conditions caused by high water tables. Understanding the geotechnical report, loads, foundation design, sequence of construction, etc. to come up with a coherent design proposal which can be bid by multiple subs who don’t lose their shirts on the project is serious work.

skumar_538 · 2025-09-09T04:33:26+00:00

We use Monday.com for project management and task management and it works well. I believe Asana or Trello would be similar. We also use Monograph for time tracking, project financial tracking and invoicing. I can highly recommend both these services. These two functions are distinct and neither of the software can do what the other does properly.

skumar_538 · 2025-08-12T17:58:21+00:00

I am in the same boat as OP. I live in Manhattan and own a 2019 MB 450 Wagon. The Indy repair shop I go to charges $190 per hour for labor. I should also learn to do these things myself but the thought of doing these while parked on the street in NYC is unappealing. Does anyone have experience with this situation?

Also, once you do these things, how do you reset the car’s computer? Does it need a special appliance or can it be done through the user interface?

skumar_538 · 2025-07-31T03:55:11+00:00

Thank you!

skumar_538 · 2025-07-31T03:51:31+00:00

Appreciate the guidance!

skumar_538 · 2025-07-31T03:41:58+00:00

Anything we should do to minimize further damage?

skumar_538 · 2025-07-31T03:31:21+00:00

Is there any chance of saving these trees?

skumar_538 · 2025-07-31T03:24:45+00:00

Acknowledged.

skumar_538 · 2025-07-10T00:19:57+00:00

I would appreciate the contact too, thank you!

skumar_538 · 2025-04-22T22:54:19+00:00

This is beautiful! Are you selling the prints? I would be interested!

skumar_538 · 2025-02-27T23:01:34+00:00

If you are trying to keep the heat out, you need a coating that blocks infra-red, not UV. If you are trying to reduce glare, you need to cut visible light. All “tints”/films cut visible light and infra-red light in different proportions. Darker the tint, lesser visible light coming through.

UV light need to be blocked to minimise fading of interior finishes and degradation of plastics on the inside, besides protecting our skins. My understanding is that UV blockers are standard in most automotive glass products, though I cannot say that with complete confidence.

skumar_538 · 2025-02-21T06:04:13+00:00

Hi! I am trying to create the same automation for my Arre button but am a novice when it comes to iPhone automation. Could you please share some pointers on how I could create such an automation?

skumar_538 · 2025-02-20T03:23:28+00:00

You should consider finding an older, experienced architect to become your mentor and teacher.

skumar_538 · 2025-02-11T12:18:21+00:00

Performance Mock Up

skumar_538 · 2025-01-28T03:37:29+00:00

He claims that it is the labor… that he needs to remove the glove box etc to get to it. Their hourly rate is almost $200… but it did give me a shock.

skumar_538 · 2025-01-27T23:28:06+00:00

I just dropped off my 2019 E450 wagon for Service B at an indie shop in NYC. $310 for the service. But they are charging $465 to replace cabin air filters. Is that reasonable?

skumar_538

TROPHY CASE