Toepfer Architecture

After months of writing and finishing our new book, "What the Hell Is Architecture?" returns to its regularly scheduled time and channel! This week we discuss the rising concern of other industries misusing the terms "Architect" and "Engineer," with focus on the IT and Computer industry. Which has not only been creating "illegal" job titles, but has started to misuse the terms so much that many titles and job descriptions offer no weight or explanation whatsoever. This topic... is no stranger to anyone in the industry and has been debated time and time again, but we figured we have to at least throw our hat (and opinion) into the discussion. Give it a read and please let us know what you think!

Now that we've recovered from the blur of Holidays from Thanksgiving to New Years, "What The Hell Is Architecture?" has returned from it's hiatus and is back to explain all your Architectural questions. This week we tackle a question that we are asked often, whether or not it is worth converting an unused garage into a livable space. We also delve into the "Thermal Envelope" and Energy Code requirements to ensure your project is code compliant. Give it a read and let us know what you think!

I have to save money on this project, so I am going to skip working with an Architect or Engineer. Meeting with potential clients these last few months has been very rewarding, but sadly the above sentence comes up much more often than I ever would have thought. Its nothing new that our rates are always seen as high, but sadly people seeing them as unnecessary is another issue altogether. Focusing on the cost is all too easy. However, an Architect can not only complete a pr...oject significantly faster, (therefore much cheaper than others) but will also finish the project CORRECTLY. It may sound dramatic, but a single omission or error on a project can cost SIGNIFICANTLY more than the entire fee of the professional. This mentality of saving money also always forgets the fact that any Architect is unmatched in their skill for Value Engineering. A sad fact, but NO project has ever been completed without cost cutting, meaning the Architect is skilled at saving money and providing you with the most bang for your buck on any project. I’ve none too subtly put a message on the bottom of every one of my previous posts, but the reality is No matter what project you are working on, if you want to save money, you NEED to hire an Architect or Engineer.

"What the Hell is Architecture?" veers off the topic of Architecture this week to delve into how our Air Conditioning systems work. Give it a read and let us know what you think!

"What the Hell is Architecture?" returns from its three day hiatus with its newest post! This week we will walk through the construction of a building corner with models to help explain just how much is involved inside your walls. Give it a read and let us know what you think!