Class Q’s Post

Great piece. I wonder about the tradeoffs between fire safety and earthquake safety. If the use of wood is restricted for construction, what are implications for earthquake resistance of alternative materials?

Solutions don't have to be costly measures, they just need to be consciously crafted. Craft of a home used to be about beautiful detailing. Generally speaking, it is something that has dissipated over the past few decades. In 2024 there were 27 climate events in the United States that caused over $1 billion in damages each (NCEI). Of this damage, a substantial amount was the loss of homes. It is time architects begin to bring craft back into the fold, not just as an aesthetically beautiful detail, but as carefully constructed ways to protect these homes that are shelters to provide safety and to collect memories. Architecture probably won't be able to remedy all natural disasters, it would be vain to think so. But there are simple steps we can take when we design. From landscaping, to material, geometry, and construction details, we have the ability to give residents to have a better chance. Let's get back to it and honor our responsibilities of protecting public health, safety, and welfare.

This is one of our favorites! Check out the case study below ❤️

Have an older home or historic building? They often have unique architectural features that we celebrate on World #ArchitectureDay. But did you now they may also require specific coverage in case repairs or reconstruction is needed and new codes must be met? Ordinance and Law coverage may help you meet the needs for these risks in older buildings. #Architecture

A predictable outcome is colossally important. But how do you achieve a predictable outcome when it comes to building your home?  Building the home that you’ve designed and poured all of your dreams and money and decisions into is a vulnerable process. Kind of like the delicate process of a caterpillar converting to a butterfly. My friend and colleague, Dan Marshall, principal of Marshall Architects, says “Who’s protecting YOUR butterfly as it develops?” Our signature process is based on the concept that we are your protectors from design to build. We’re able to work with independent architects and designers throughout the Chicagoland area based on your specific needs and architectural style. The best part of this approach to every project is: → We are the single source of accountability all the way through. ✓ You know the contacts for everyone involved.  ✓ You know the schedule of all parties. ✓ You have access to every cost. ✓ You even have access to the conversation log. Donatelli Builders is the central hub where all activity must flow through. It’s why our clients feel safe, secure, and well-advised throughout the process. #chicagoluxuryhomes #chicagoluxuryproperties #chicagoland

🏛️ Preserving History, Empowering the Future: The Dyer Building Restoration Project 🏛️ ECRS is proud to partner with T&G Constructors and collaborate with Patuxent Engineering of Florida on the transformative restoration of the historic Dyer Building in Miami, Florida. Built in 1933 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this architectural masterpiece holds deep historical and cultural significance. Our Role: 🔹 System Scaffolding: Designed and installed to provide safe and complete façade access for intricate stone restoration and cleaning. 🔹 Stair Towers: Ensured seamless access for restoration teams while prioritizing safety. 🔹 Wall Access: Engineered configurations to navigate the building's towering Corinthian columns and ornate limestone façade. 🔹 Engineering and Design Services: Collaborated with Patuxent Engineering of Florida to deliver customized, compliant, and preservation-focused solutions. 💡 Why It Matters The Dyer Building is more than a structure—it’s about safeguarding Miami’s architectural heritage while adapting it for modern use. From preserving the delicate limestone to enabling a seamless restoration process, our solutions ensured the perfect balance of innovation, safety, and respect for history. ECRS is honored to contribute to the revitalization of this masterpiece. Once home to significant moments like the Congressional Kefauver hearings and the trial of Manuel Noriega, this iconic building is now set to shine again as a functional facility for the University of Miami. 🔗 Read the full case study here: https://lnkd.in/gq_sCWdD #ECRS #HistoricRestoration #ScaffoldingSolutions #AccessSolutions #StairTowers #WallAccess #MiamiHeritage 

RB+B Architects commissioned our team to photograph their addition to High Plains P-8 school in Loveland, Colorado. This project showcases the firm's expertise in educational facility design and their ability to create spaces that enhance the learning environment. RB+B Architects sought visual documentation of their addition project for portfolio enhancement and future opportunities, with specific focus on capturing the new spaces, highlighting key design features, and demonstrating how the addition integrates with the existing school structure. Read more about our challenges, solutions, and outcome for this project: https://bit.ly/49JOKQW #architecturalphotography #interiordesignphotography #coloradophotographer

Los Angeles’ new Resident Protections Ordinance, introduced on March 12, 2024, is a game-changer for tackling the affordable housing crisis. Here’s what developers and building owners need to know: Key Highlights: Replacement Requirements: Demolished housing units must be replaced with equivalent affordable units. Tenant Protections: Tenants have rights to remain, relocate, or return if demolition does not proceed. Affordability Covenants: New developments must ensure affordability for at least 55 years. Priority Populations: Focus on housing for those displaced by government actions. Streamlined Processes: Reduced barriers and expedited approvals for affordable housing projects. READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE: https://lnkd.in/gKKbPg-n Ready to generate profit from your vacant land? Learn more & Check if your project qualifies: https://lnkd.in/gUA5PbC2 #architecture #archilovers #architecturephotography #architecturelovers #architecturaldesign #buildings #cityscape #modernarchitecture #architectureschool #architecturaldigest #architectures #landscapedesign #interiordesign #artchitecture #architects #urbandesign #architektur #architettura #homedesign #skyscraper #concrete #house #building #architecturedetail #sketch #drawing #architecturaldrawing #3dmodeling #rendering

It seems that article after article indicating that homes that survived LA fires have several things in common that saved them: none combustible materials, no eaves, none ventilated attics, heat resistant roofing assembly, no foundation planting/landscaping. There are other factors as well, such as concrete walls around perimeter that prevented fire spreading along the fence line (unlike the wood fencing). There are no “junk”, trash cans or vehicles parked by the houses. We know the fires will affect building codes in the future and that is perhaps what’s needed, but will that affect HOA’s as well…

Controversial thought: Architects are often asked by clients if they follow VASTU when they design buildings. But being a Landscape architect, I ask: If we care so much about VASTU inside buildings, why do we forget about it outside? There are specific TREES recommended by VASTU to bring success, yet we often overlook them because we don’t want to leave any open spaces in our plot. Shouldn't we fully commit to VASTU beliefs, even if it means sacrificing some indoor space to make room for Trees?