#1 (permalink)

Okay, I'm not sure how many active members of this forum have taken, are currently in, or will be taking an architecture class (I'm sure it's fairly low), but, as a second year student with aspirations of someday becoming a licensed architect, I thought it would be a good idea to make this thread. Hopefully I, or anyone else with experience in architecture, will be able to answer any questions you have on the subject.

[-work in progress-]
House Design - Primary Considerations

Site Considerations:

• Legal title - A legal title is a document which basically says you have full claim to the property. It would be wise to invest in title insurance to avoid any problems that may arise.
  
• Grading - This is essentially how much dirt needs to be moved. Moving anything over 5 feet of dirt may require additional legal work and fees.
• Drainage and seismic issues - These are pretty straightforward. Know the history of the land before you buy it. Things to consider are floods, earthquakes, landslides, etc.
• Cost for bringing utilities to the site - Standard utilities include water, sewage, gas, electricity, cable, phone service, internet service, etc.

Zoning, Codes, and Restrictions:

• Setbacks - These are restrictions as to how far the structure needs to be from the property lines. Safe assumptions would be: front = 25', rear = 20', and sides = 5'.
• Easements - These are rights to the property for a specific purpose (road construction, mining, water, etc.)
• CC&R's - Stands for Codes, Covenants, and Restrictions. Protects property owners. Think homeowners association.
• Coastal Commission - For oceanfront property. Protects things like the environment and other people's views of the ocean.

Family Needs:

• Parents (age, needs, hobbies)
• Children (how many, gender, needs, hobbies)
• Grandparents (age, needs, hobbies)
• Other Residents
• Cost: ($200/sq. ft. Conditioned [Living] Area, $50/sq.ft. Non-Conditioned Area)
• Getting a Loan: 28% of net income max

Areas for Family Activities
Consider the following when putting the floor plan together.

• Preparing Food
• Dining
• Entertainment (TV, Music, etc.)
• Hobbies
• Laundry
• Study
• Dressing
• Sleeping
• Working
• Storage
• Bathing
• Accommodating Guests

Modular Construction
Most based on increments of 4.

• Plywood, drywall, paneling = 4' x 8'
• Lumber lengths = 8', 10', 12', 14', 16'
• Concrete blocks are 8" x 8" x 16"
• Carpet is in 12' and 15' widths.
• Exterior walls are optimal in lengths that are multiples of 4'. They should be, at least, multiples of 2'.

Meeting with the Client
Be sure to discuss the following.

• Note the time the meeting starts and finishes if you're being paid by the hour.
• Clients' names
• Clients' ages
• Children (how many, gender, age)
• Grandparents/other occupants
• Joint income
• Budget
• Maximum house payment (28% of gross income)
• Time restraints for design/building
• Lot size/dimensions
• Lot topography
• Lot setbacks
• Easements
• CC&R's/Coastal commision

__________________

AIM: Me7zger | MSN/Email: Me7zger890@hotmail.com

Architectural Design Thread

#2 (permalink)

Im going into third year at my high school. anything i can help you with?

__________________

#3 (permalink)

Ive taken all of the drafting classes at my school. Im also certified in AutoCAD 2000, so i should be able to give help if anyone needs it.

__________________

#4 (permalink)

i did board drafting last year and this year im taking CAD...so i could help a little bit..

#5 (permalink)

I used to want to be an architect a little while back. Not anymore, but it's still a pretty kick-ass profession IMO. I haven't even started high school yet, so I cant help.

But good luck =D

__________________

#6 (permalink)

ya me and xcore are in our 3rd year coming up... 1st year was more engineering than architecture until the last like 1-2 quarters but still, we can help

__________________

#7 (permalink)

Architecture huh?


Mr. Wiesner will be pleased....