Weston Rodberry

We really enjoyed this blog post on Demystifying Architectural Language by Austin Design Works B Corp™️ What are the terms that regularly confuse your clients? https://lnkd.in/eUCGXqgG #architectureterms #architecture #askanarchitect

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(Late) TAKEAWAYS! 📝 Bisnow Development & Construction Dillard Adams, Jr, SE Venture Alex Sanders, Mortenson Mike Simorelli, TI Builders Martin Stroble, Somera Road Chip Meyers, Mycon Creative approaches to financing, speed and control: -Creative Financials- taxes and bonding structures, in house financing etc. -Subs getting involved -Land owners getting involved -TIFFS -Programming clarity, feedback from team, and accurate (true) pricing EARLY to control proforma. -Physical space utilization considerations (NOTE- right-sizing data! Talk to Reen L. Baskin, Baskin Startegies 💡 -Design-build is key- offers “certainty and opportunity of choice”- Martin Stroble -Work with a permit expediter like Municipal Inspection Partners -Procurement considerations- refrigerants for HVAC, over 1500 amps, chillers, etc have long lead times. Build around those. National energy codes are getting higher and higher and they’re changing the Freon requirements. Huge delays with chips etc from China. Design build method gets these ordered early! -Self performing contractors -Continue to do deals- don’t kill the experience journey with current trends and problem solving. -Local market partners and relationships with local utilities. -Skilled, specialty trades and appropriately staffed oversight (knowing when not to use Union trade) -Hospitality- Ensure staff is in order and ready to go.

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Architectural lighting is not just about what you illuminate, it's also about what you obscure. Drawing focus using lighting is an old trick in theatre and is a lesson that can be applied to architectural lighting as well. Check out my article, "Seen Versus Unseen" in the latest (all digital!) edition of the AIA Dallas magazine, Columns. https://lnkd.in/g2R_HtJM

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Maximize ROI with Architectural Visualization​​​​​​​​​Architectural visualization is more than just imagery—it’s an investment. By allowing clients to see the design's full potential, you can accelerate decision-making and enhance sales. ToPa Studios helps you deliver a clearer vision, leading to quicker approvals and higher ROI. ToPa Studios – Bringing Architectural Visions to Life. #ArchitecturalVisualization #ROI #DesignRendering #ToPaStudios #InvestmentInDesign

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Many of our clients have needs beyond design services alone, and iS design offers services to augment those provided in our two studio groups. These include: + Existing Building Measurements and Documentation + BOMA Square Footage Analysis + Code Analysis and Consultation + ADA Building Survey and Report + Building Stacking Plan / File Maintenance + Building Renovations / Enhancements + Marketing Floor Plans + Marketing Boards + 3D visualizations and renderings #commercialconstruction #buildingmanagementservices #3Drenderings #commercialarchitecture #architecture

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A new tower in Austin for ISCS

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Recently, I had the pleasure of taking my son to the Texas Science and Natural History Museum on the UT Austin campus. Despite its small size, the museum, with its Art Deco influence, exudes a stoic presence both inside and out. As an architect, I perceive buildings differently than most. I focus on the details, the lighting, and the emotions a building evokes. Understanding the how and why of a structure excites me—it's a passion that, as design professionals, we need to feel deeply, even if it sometimes drives my wife a little crazy. Then, I see my two-year-old son, bursting with raw excitement as he charges into the great hall. He lets out a roar as he nears the 33-foot T-Rex on display. In that moment, everything else fades away, and I'm completely absorbed in his joy. After we returned home, I reflected on how that building brought me so much joy. The combination of the architecture and the exhibits created a memorable experience. Isn't that what we're all seeking? The experience, the emotion, the joy... In my work as an architect here at DLR Group, we strive to bring joy to everyone who interacts with the environments we create. This joy can stem from the building itself or from what occurs within its walls. It's about crafting spaces that foster enjoyment and growth for those inside. While we don't always get the chance to work on grand civic projects, we make it a mission to infuse every project with that same sense of joy. #DLRGroup #Design

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Now, forget everything you know about proportions, modularity, and rectilinearity of brick (as shown in my previous post ( https://lnkd.in/gCW67VMT ) and have a little fun! (Just remember to make it constructible.) Enjoy this discussion and examples of buildings that break all the rules. And then I bring it full circle (no pun intended) back to arches. #ArchitecturalBrick #Brick #NoRules

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Here are the rear units off the alley from my post about pivoting and our project on San Pablo. And here’s the back story again in case you missed it: In 2005 I worked on a multi-unit podium entitlement for this lot with my last employer that was scrapped in 2008. I started my shop in 2009 after partnering with the same developer on my first deal, and they ultimately hired me to redo the project as a more flexible mini-lot arrangement. The project could now be phased and there was flexibility on rental and sale strategies. Project breakdown is 20 units on 8 mini-lots (4 triplex and 4 duplex condos). Units average ~ 1000sf with 2 bedroom / 2 bath. Market value for the triplexes ~1.5M and duplexes ~1M and / or rents are at ~3500 / mo per unit. I’d say the construction was at ~1.2M and 800k respectively. Soft costs per lot ~100k and the basis was valued at zero due to a partnership on a long time family owned property. At the time of construction the vacant land was probably worth 50k per lot. The original entitlement and permit work ran around 500k. All in cost at ~8.5M (or ~9M with previous work included, or ~9.5M with estimated basis), and total exit value at the time was ~10M. Most of the units went to rentals.

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What an amazing day at Bisnow in #Austin #TX! The room was filled with incredible industry friends from around the architecture and design community. https://lnkd.in/gcGYJesK The first panel discussed a blueprint for progress. Everything from growing pains in this great city, to the abundance of opportunity to develop Austin and our surrounding communities for generations to come. Some of my take aways from the first panel were: *Austin’s robust growth identity is our live arts scene filled with destinations for parties, boots, bats & bbq, music, culture, and heritage. *Colorful characters & innovation are welcomed here. Our frontier is an abundance of tech, SBSW, and finding a middle ground for a global city’s perceived identity. *Some growing pains are missed opportunities. How do we retain diversity, climate, and culture that resonate within the public realm? It’s up to municipalities, our architecture, and development opportunities to create a responsible movement of consciousness. *Art is an evocative activator for pathways, providing elements to acheiving traffic flow and lower crime rates in select parts of the city. *We are a Global city filled with opportunity, it’s our responsibility to continue to strive for great design and the desire to be here. 2nd panel discussed: *Hitting the suite spot of abiding within budget, finding unity and beauty & the teamwork within design. *Discussions on internal processes, alignment of partnerships and consultants. *Good contracts, agreements, and healthy client situations. *What makes great listeners through cinematography, extracting intel that will map us toward a great outcomes when working with clients. *And lastly balancing budgets with the rise of VE conversations to establish value. Can you beat Budget, Utility, and Beauty? It was an inspiring day full of connecting, networking, and making new friends. Doug Voigt Daniel Brooks Kirsten Cessna Wyatt Frantom, FAIA Jennifer Brener Seay Guy Smith AIA David Dalton, AIA, NCARB Eric Van Hyfte Maija Kreishman Cynthia Dehlavi Matthew Isbell Jenna Steinbeck, AIA George Blume Your generous spirit to share your wisdom, knowledge, inspiration and some of your “play list” was encouraging, and make up the fabric of our community. My goal within six months is to break bread with each of you. HLB Lighting Design Perkins&Will Envelop Group KIRKLAND & ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS, P.C HELVEX US Webber + Studio, Architects UNStudio Kirksey Architecture Foursquare Builders HOK Faulkner Design Group StudioSIX5 SixthRiver Lake|Flato Architects EnvelopiQ KW Landscape Architects Michael Hsu Office of Architecture BOKA Powell Kirksey Architecture HLB Lighting Design Art + Artisans Consulting Gensler Page Architects Michael J. Herman Michelle Senner Matthew Tanteri, FIES, IALD Assoc., CPHC

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Every project we work on starts with drawings. If they exist, we study them to see exactly how a space is constructed. We can see what is possible -- what walls can be removed, what can be repurposed, where plumbing can be located, and more. If there are no drawings, we create them. A huge part of design is knowing the exact proportions and measurements of a space. Our goal is to design spaces that can realistically be built. Whether we're designing from the ground up or renovating an existing space, it has to be doable, meet the budget, and look beautiful. Learn more about our #liveableluxury design services: FisterDesign.com #fisterdesign #interiordesignerideas #interior #interiordesign #interiordesigner #designbuild #outdoorliving #exteriorremodeling #remodeling #greatroomdesigns #kitchendesigns #bathroomdesigns #Miamidesigner #hospitalitydesign #hoteldesign

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Hard to believe the next ARE prep course is only a little over three weeks away. If you are currently on your architectural registration journey and looking for information and strategies to take this exam consider registering!

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The latest issue is out!

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For years, the New Orleans metro area, like many, has been grappling with the death of the retail market, as demonstrated by the many articles over the years hand-wringing about what to do about malls. Blame abounds - Katrina, bad ownership, even the citizens themselves. Now New Orleans is about to have a second reckoning with another pillar of city commerce: office space. Once again, we’re searching for a cause - COVID, crime, parking, even cleanliness. But Hurricane Katrina emptied office buildings just as much as COVID, crime peaked in the 1990s, parking is the Eternal Problem - and real estate was able to recover and thrive in spite of any of these setbacks. And cleanliness issues certainly haven't hindered the development of Manhattan. All these scapegoats seem insufficient to explain the scale of this collapse. So how did we get here? Revisit one of my blog posts, with links to articles:

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Daniella Glaeze is turning heads on TikTok with millions of views for documenting her new 3D printed home in Wolf Ranch (great name) in north Austin. The neighborhood, developed by Lennar, showcases the future of housing with a community of 100 ‘printed’ homes. 🔧 𝗖𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴-𝗘𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: The homes are being crafted with “lavacrete” a special type of concrete, using Icon's impressive printing technology. This printer is an impressive 45.5 feet wide, 15.5 feet tall and named Vulcan - another great name! 🌟 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲? • 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻: These homes stand out with unique aesthetics, featuring curved walls and a textured layering unlike traditional homes. • 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Lavacrete is well-insulated against heat and robust against heavy rainstorms, even withstanding hurricane-force winds—essential for Texas living! • 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: While the purchase costs align with other area homes due to Lennar's pricing strategy, the utility costs are significantly lower, thanks to the material's insulating properties. 🌿 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵 As with all new technology, this is just the beginning. The 3D printing approach to construction promises to become faster, more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable. Daniella Glaeze loves the seamless, clean lines and the peace and quiet her new home offers, thanks to the thick, well-insulated walls. Check out the video to see the technology in action and stay tuned for more civil engineering innovation news with Technical Hires. #Civilengineering #Texas #Sustainability #3DPrinting #Innovation

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WATEL DESIGN COMMUNICATION concept sketches Perspective aerial sketches allow the viewer to quickly understand the proposed design...

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Building Tools App🏡 + Vectorworks Cloud Services🌤️ QR-Code Links A significant portion of my professional life has been spent wading through codes and standards. I love this service by Jerry Tyrrell and the BuildingTools team. Tools™ presents the National Construction Codes (NCC) as interactive graphics that are easy to understand for designers and tradies alike. And Tools™ links are easily sharable via QR-Codes. Thankfully, using Vectorworks’ Hyperlink tool (*), you have a built-in QR-code generator. Simply: – Select a hyperlink object. – Choose the QR-code function. – Choose a heading (if required). – Copy and paste the Building Tools app link. – Select the size of the QR-code. – And insert the code. It’s that easy. If only Building Tools app was around when I started out. (* Note: when you are logged into your Vectorworks Cloud Services account.) https://buildingtools.co #Architecture #ArchitecturalDetail #DesignWithoutLimits #Vectorworks

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