Building a tiny house on wheels

Tiny House on wheels

Inspirational blog...

I think it's great to share ideas, that's how we all grow and learn. Here's a great little blog about someone building their own tiny house.  Looks like it'll probably be more like a 5th wheel Camper, a house built on a trailer.

http://imbuildingatinyhouse.blogspot.com


If you're interested in house plans or cabin plans, get in touch, I've been drawing on lots of great designs we can work together on.

sddrawings.com

Gifts to the Street, a very brief recognition and study in urban planning.

Gifts to the Street

A very brief recognition and study in urban planning… or, The problem I have with Huntsville's newest art installation.

It doesn't take a long jog or walk here in the South to recognize when a shady bench has been installed for pedestrians, especially in the summer time.  This photo taken this morning, shows just such an installation in the City of Huntsville, AL (taken on a cold Fall morning).  Why it's put there when it's cold, I'm not sure.  Still sounds like a good idea though, though for a moment,  let's consider the problem with putting our backs to the street.

Someone undoubtedly had the good idea to do some planters, a bench and playfully colored awnings.  Looks great right?  Now, what is harder to see in this photo is the downtown street JUST on the other side of this canvas awning.  There is absolutely zero chance I'll be able to relax on this bench, knowing cars are zipping just behind me a few feet away.  So here's to who ever had the good idea to make an art installation; great idea, poor planning.  We want to at least see the Ford that mows us down, and before I get lambasted for my critical thinking, please read on…

Pedestrians have every right to feel safe from these fast moving metal boxes on wheels.  We do not do so well when taking them on, "Mano e Mano".  So if we were to design in several very easy fixes into our streetscapes, we could easily become a much more walkable town, see general health and mental well being surge.  I do not hold a PHD, though it doesn't take a rocket scientist to recognize the benefits of healthy exercise such as walking to contribute to a community's good health and mental well being.

My proposal is to offer Pedestrians a more friendly bench, in the form of "Gifts to the street".  This is where the general edge your house or business stops being part of your property and falls more into the public realm.

In this picture, you can see a very old rock wall that denotes the edge of lawn, clearly defining the house's property and the public domain. The water service should give you an indication of the age of this streets cape   

What the above design gives pedestrians, is a place to sit that faces a sidewalk and the street.  There is a sidewalk with a grass border and street trees.  The street trees serve many functions.

1. Shade in the summer
2. Blocking wind in the winter, while allowing sun light through
3. A mental and physical barrier from the street

Further more, on street parking offers yet another layer of protection for pedestrians.  So taking cues from long ago, you can see a much more safer "Gift" to the street, than the art installation.  Though this rock wall looks weathered, you can dress this up as much as you would like.  Look around you neighborhood and see how pedestrian friendly it is designed.

sddrawings.com

Sneak Preview

A Sneak Preview

After burning the midnight oil...

2d Cadd still is the best method of producing a quick and accurate set of plans.  Here is a client's house with a wing set at an angle.  For more unique designs, check out our projects after the jump.

sddrawings.com

DIY, With a "Can Do" attitude

DIY inspiration

Now I just need my own lot and a forman...

http://littlehouseonthehill.weebly.com

Great little blog about someone building their own Cabin.  Great inspiration for the DIY types.
If you're interested in cabin plans, get in touch, I've been drawing on lots of great little plans we can work together on.

sddrawings.com

Casual Friday, Bathroom Follies

When the design and follow through just don't Jive 

Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades...

Pictures speak a thousand words, sometimes they can be just as funny. Looking at the bright side of design and construction management, here are a few unknown images I've borrowed from the web. Note: if these are your images, let me know, I'll credit you.  

For Best Friends at Home:

For Best Friends at the office:

Client must have REALLY needed extra room on the other side of this closet

There are times when things are built and a contractor will build EXACTLY what a designer draws or a client requests.  More often times than not, it is a passive aggressive stance they are taking to prove a point.  I have no doubt that these situations were rectified, though the hilarity in each point can be appreciated.  Happy Friday, hope all you and yours have a great weekend of being able to appreciate the time you get to spend with one another.

sddrawings.com

Like the launch of a new boat... so goes a book review

RE: Selected readings to grow 

Well read and practiced, grows your mind and your business...

I have a lot of theories on building and design.  What I believe looks good, what has to be done so something can work and then there are topics I know I should research more.  Trade publications and books on construction and design fill those gaps.  Though there is more to running a business than just learning more about your trade.

Running a business sounds daunting.  For the most part it can be.  The biggest obstacle you will face is revenue, which is directly connected to how many people even know you are available and what you can do for them.  For Designers and Builders, we are constantly looking for the next niche to find great work.  Sure the grocery money is nice so you can fill the pantry, but getting your name, your brand out there can be one of the biggest questions marks on just how to do that economically.

Architect Steve Mouzon has authored a new book where he shares inside knowledge pertaining to the architecture and construction industries titled New Media for Designers and Builders.  In his book, he shares where we've been as a profession and insights into where we're heading; how to talk to clients as a layman and challenges any entrepreneur (not just to those in the design/build fields) 

He asks "What are we doing to cultivate a more authentic voice", which spoke to me as the entire basis on our new networking and advertising path we all find ourselves on.  He rightly justifies what not do as well as steers the reader in a beneficial direction towards getting their name/brand out there.  His book very well could be used across industries, so if you're in IT, business, marketing, etc... consider checking it out.

"So Great, what's so special about a book geared towards media for Designers and Builders?"

Well, While reading his book, I noticed I kept coming back to previous bookmarks to research ideas further.  He makes it very convenient to look into additional material by the way his book is designed compared to other media.  Just as in his Architecture practice, Steve is ahead of the curve on using technology to circumvent the printing press and is using smart devices to engage the reader.  Part of this format is in the use of

external links,  where at the other end of a click, you are greeted with a light hearted and often amusing story regarding the topic at hand.

The book sets a precedent for interactiveness other media just hasn't touched on yet with 

internal links, allowing you to explore ideas and topics easily.  You can even jump to an online discussion forum to ask and answer questions for each section in the book.

this is truly unique

sddrawings.com

2 houses, 3 doors down

Two Houses, 3 doors down,

It's pretty special to make a site visit to see two of my houses so close...

Bungalow #1 started Design months ago, we had a snag on setbacks, and have finally pulled a permit.  http://www.houzz.com/projects/292461/Bungalow-Design By clicking the link, you can see the design as well as the forms set up for the slab to be poured.

Bungalow #2 is well under way, with the footings and slab poured and curing.  Framing to come next. http://www.houzz.com/projects/330211/Bungalow--2  After the jump in the link, you can see the design of this house as well as construction photos.

I want to ask for you to check me out on Houzz and leave some feedback, so I'm just going to leave the links in this post and let you see the pictures of construction and design after the jump ;)

http://www.houzz.com/pro/michael-sherrod/sherrod-drawings

As always, you can contact me through my web site

sddrawings.com

I would like to give a special thanks to Renaissance Builders for their hard work and determination to get both of these projects off the ground.

The story of two hammers

Two different hammers,

Sometimes you're reminded how good that old hammer is...

Finally taking a step towards using AutoCad 2013 for Mac.  The juxtaposition between the CADD system (engsw.com) I am used to drawing with and the "industry leader" as two competing CADD packages shows noticeable differences.  I'm convinced if I were operating on a standard PC, the software would be much more robust.  Thus far, the Apple version of AutoCad leaves much to be desired.  I had no idea that you actually have to construct a door instead of having a dedicated tool palette.

The above graphic shows the same plan at different stages of

production on 2 separate CADD systems.

Furthermore, The Trim line function is nearly non existent without having to look up special "codes" to be typed in.  As I dig further into the inner workings of AutoCad, I see that one can get everything done with the same software I was raised up on, but it seems backwards and non-intuitive.  As if only special members of the club are invited.


As a "for Hire" Draftsman and Designer, I really have to make every hour count.  Maybe learning a new system will glean me more clients and help me to be more valuable and useful to the ones I have.  Here's to hoping so.  Through it all, I think using a new tool, that effectively drives the same nail into framing will be neat to use. It should get the job done, it's just that I know how to use one hammer over another with more in-depth knowledge.

Powercadd
Two screen shots showing the difference in tool pallets. You'll notice this screen shot, Powercadd (by engsw.com) has all the tools readily available.  Reminds me of the old Microstation CADD from the 80's.  Which featured a huge board with each tool right at your finger prints (you actually used a stylus).  One thing I really like about PC (powercadd) is how every single item from line weight to a specific function or tool is easily configurable as key commands.  Also built in are powerful informational tools and a developer who will actually take your emails and call you on a saturday morning to discuss your ideas and needs in a cadd package.  My only problem, text conversion can be an issue between this and other platforms.  You also lose fills, gradients and hatches when converting.  Though the native tools can help you to create an amazingly beautiful drawing.  I would say it is the premiere Apple compatible CADD system, even the late Mr. Jobs may approve of.

Autocad 2013 for Mac

Autocad 2013 for Mac, limited tools are readily available, and everything is more chunky. Requires memorizing specific tool commands.  This may be good for Architectural firms and drafting shops that need people to operate a system that is already configured for use. I understand Autocad has some good features, it wouldn't be the Q-Tip to the Great cotton swab industry if it didn't offer a way to get the job done.  It seems to lack any kind of shading and intuitive use.  Drawings look clear and crisp like Powercadd, though very technical.

Regardless of what system you use, branching out and trying something new is always good.  Then sometimes you realize how good you already have it. Any Cad package is essentially a hammer used to drive a nail into a wall.  It's the final design and attention to detail coupled with the ability to listen and help guide Owners in building, that make a designer worth while.

sddrawings.com

Late Night Design

Working through difficult problems,

Why rush something good?

Often clients want and need something right away.  I have been going around the block several times to formulate a plan that will meet a client's needs in a floor plan, of course it has a deadline.   I'm sure every designer has the same problem.  What client's can do (and I think I have the best in the world) is to give us a little room to work the design over. Sometimes you just need to let an idea "stew" for a bit.  Usually we know you're due a drawing and when that hour is.  We feel the pressure to get the job done and keep you happy.  After all, you're paying our graphite bill.

Sometimes you just need  

to let an idea "stew" for a bit

Letting us work through a design is good for you and us.  The final product can be something we both can be proud of.  Let alone the devastation to a neighborhood should something ugly be built.  You're neighbors may never ask you over to the cook out, maybe that's a good thing.  Sometimes we just need to find inspiration, often from an unknown source.  In the case of my latest triumph over a design, it was a good long jog.  Getting out of the office and away from the computer / drafting board is healthy for any of us that wear the desk jockey hat.

I actually JUST had this conversation with my partner today.  We discussed how easy it is to over work ourselves in production mode, and not take care of the other aspects that make us a well rounded and balanced person.  I imagine any profession can be that way.  Designers, especially the great ones, are usually more introverted.  They express themselves through their ideas that are seen in a finished product.  This is not bad, it is a sign of high intelligence.  What it does though, is to create a shell, where the person is more comfortable at work and "plugging" away than interacting with the world at large.  Those brilliant minds I've seen who have unchained themselves.. are some of the happiest, most productive professionals.  Their designs and abilities have expanded ten-fold, certainly someone to admire.

So in essence, if you want an amazing product, give you guy/gal some room to do their thing.  You hired them for a reason, you knew they had the skills to bring you an amazing product.  And let us go for that jog, we'll work better and harder when we get back in.

sddrawings.com

When Residential Apts meet Downtown night life

When Residential Apts meet Downtown night life:
A cause for concern in Urban Planning and noise ordinances.

"What causes a band to be fined $500"

or alternate title;

"Why move to the Bar district and complain about the noise"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=uQ8yPXTaAAM

A letter to a High School Artist

from: Sddrawings.com

Kudos on the painting. For some reason your picture looks "washed out". Like the colors aren't very rich. I'm going to assume it's the way you took the picture of the painting. Use natural sunlight if possible to photograph your work. Or, when you get to the point of being serious about it, almost ALL print shops have a large flat bed scanner now. They normally charge a few bucks to create a PDF of your work.

As far as "African Sunset" goes, I really like the leaves in the tree and the birds, you did a superb job on recreating those. So you're coming along, the biggest thing is to never stop painting. There's that old adage, it takes 10,000 hours to master something. You're young and have lots of spare time, use that time to paint instead of going out to party. Spend a few nights a week in and work on your craft.

Now If I Google "African Sunset", I see some striking pictures (see [http://muliebrousmartha.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/work-4058962-3-flat550x550075f-african-sunset.jpg](linky)Notice how the sun is actually almost white and the colors fade and blend very richly? Don't paint what you THINK you see, paint what you actually see.

Don't be afraid of painting things you see around you either. I take photos of places I travel to and come back home to paint from those photos. Try it, it'll make your work that much more meaningful to you and other people. I don't know where you are, but I can't see it, because I don't think you're in Alabama. SO I would like to see other places and people's perspectives, think "local", think "home grown".

When you take photos to paint later, remember your best times will be morning and afternoon. This is when the sun is rising or setting and gives a lot of great contrast, rich colors and nice deep shadows. Often times I have to plan exactly where I want to be when the sun is setting that day. I see a scene and think "I need to be back here at 4PM to get ready to capture that scene again".

One of the best things I've done for my art was to pick up a photography book. Because what you are doing is in essence is to capture that scene like a photograph, it's just a different medium.

Another pro-tip, never use black. Use it to mix in with other colors, but never use straight up black. There are lots of reasons, google it. You'll learn more by researching it, than for me to tell you why. Also, don't be afraid to use straight up white. Another pro tip, don't worry about canvas, they are expensive and in my opinion, not that great. I prefer wood. I'll find some scrap plywood, cut it tot he size I want, prime it, let it dry, prime it again (kiltz water based for acrylic & kiltz oil based for oil paints).

I'm proud of you as a young person for following your desire. I always wanted to become a classical artist, though I knew I couldn't feed my family by it, so I went into Architecture which was a nice marriage of the arts and money making. If you look at the paintings we herald as a culture (think Van Gogh, Mucha) those are all people who made painting a priority. They were people just like you & You could be that person too. It's all in your drive.