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.

Designing for Second Use

Designing for Christmas & other holidays,

Kicking around new ideas based on limited use.

sddrawings.com

I've been kicking around the idea of talking about different facets of design we each use everyday.  There have been so many great ideas by so many talented people, that me trying to recreate the wheel and come up with something completely new seems silly to set out and try to do.  Kind of how 3M didn't come up with the tape you used this Holiday season to wrap your presents, they just make the tape better (Yet, sometimes it just happens; still waiting and working on that watershed moment).

A good designer considers all the uses currently needed and possible future requirements prior to finishing a design.  For instance, you build a house; in said house you have a hall.  Sure you can use that hall for walking down now, though will it be wide enough should you or someone else need a wheel chair sometime in the future?  That is planning for the future.

Which is exactly what I've been thinking about, being able to design in future and cultural uses into our built environment.  For instance, Christmas...  Now that this year's holiday has come and gone, there will still be another one soon enough.

Seems like everyplace I've lived, I have always "tucked" our little tree into some corner.  Obviously a decoration, like a tree, that is only around for a couple of weeks probably should not have a dedicated spot reserved for its use year round.  Yet we place so much emphasize on this season, maybe we should think more about a specific space for something like that.   I'm not surprised either that we as a society do not build a "Christmas Tree Room".  What normal family has the funds to dedicate a portion of their house to only a 3 week period to house a single tree?

Which makes me wonder why, if we're okay with multi-purposing space, why we do such a poor job of it elsewhere. What I am much more interested in is the reuse of space, let's call it "Designing for Second Use".  Let's come up with ideas for Double or triple the use of an area.  The pantry is a perfect example.  So many people live with 24" deep pantry shelves that get filled from back to front so that you just can not find anything in the dark recesses of the kitchen pantry without spelunking (caving) gear.  My answer is to look at my hiking gear.  I like to carry as few items as necessary and look to make double or triple use of items.  A tent stake not only holds down the corner of my shelter, though a well designed one also acts as a latrine shovel (hey, design can be a dirty business, but you don't want to forget the toilet, so we have to talk about it).

Furthering on that idea is the hide-away bed.  I'm not initially against them and the thought of creating something that can be stowed away when not in use and provides another option, perhaps a fold out desk when the bed is lifted might be really cool.  I even have an idea for side tables that act as a night stand when the bed is engaged, then "swing in" to work with the table for all of your pens and papers you would normally leave on a bed.

This is what I mean by designing for Second Use. I'm not creating anything new, I'm simply working on ideas to make something better.