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DESIGN FOR CLIMATE CHANGE: The Flood Proof House, Part 1
We can design a flood proof house to withstand the next British Columbia flood event. That's important because while not everyone lives in
HEALTHY HOME DESIGN: Top 10 Ways to Reduce the Cost of Building a House
You Can Build a High-Performance House for Less Money Than a Typical House - Learn design strategies that will both reduce the cost of build
HEALTHY HOME DESIGN: Daylighting Design for a Happier Space
The right daylighting strategy can greatly improve the quality of your family’s life at home for little or no extra expense.
HEALTHY HOME DESIGN: Better Indoor Air Quality Using Better Air Barriers
A typical house has countless tiny holes that lead to mold, but better airtightness can make your house healthier and more comfortable.
DESIGN FOR CLIMATE CHANGE: Roofs for Cold Weather
Our homes are not adapted to the colder winters of the coming century, and the beautiful white snow is slowly destroying your house's roof.
HEALTHY HOME DESIGN: A Multigenerational Home Could Be Your Best Retirement Plan
The trend of families living in multigenerational homes is not new but is increasing and evolving. The idea of a multigenerational home...
DESIGN FOR CLIMATE CHANGE: Architecture for Extreme Weather
Design for climate change is architecture that performs well during extreme weather and is critical as climate change accelerates.
HEALTHY HOME DESIGN: How To Improve Your Home's Indoor Air Quality To Improve Your Health
Improving the air quality in your home is one way of improving your physical health.
DESIGN FOR CLIMATE CHANGE: How to Design a Fire Resistant House to Protect Your Home from Wildfire
Unless you live in the middle of a large city, there is a growing risk of your home being destroyed by a wildfire in the next few decades....
DESIGN FOR CLIMATE CHANGE: How Passive Cooling Keeps Your House Cool During Heatwaves
Most air-conditioning systems are ill-equipped to handle the new heatwaves, but passive cooling strategies may solve this problem.
UPGRADE YOUR HOUSE Part 2: The Solution To Your Sick Home
HEAT YOUR HOUSE WITH A HAIRDRYER. YES, A HAIRDRYER. OR A TOASTER. NO, NOT EVEN JOKING. This is a follow-up to my article "Is Your Home...
UPGRADE YOUR HOUSE Part 1: Is Your Home Slowly Killing You?
As much of the white-collar world - me included - gradually turns to working from home either part-time or completely, we are forced to...
Responsible Design
What's my greatest skill? Design genius? World's most responsible designer? Maybe some day, but my greatest skill today is something...
YOU DON'T NEED TO HIRE AN ARCHITECT. OR DO YOU?
Most people have misconceptions and don't realize the advantages that an architect gives to a house construction project.
Guide to People in the Construction Process
Here is a guide to the professionals whom you will encounter over the course of a construction project.
PERMITS, Part 5: Moving In
Before a building can be occupied, the project must pass the inspectors' final review and receive an Occupancy Permit from the AHJ. This...
PERMITS, Part 4: Building Codes
In my previous article PERMITS: Part 3, we looked at the Building Permit process. In this article, I delve into the maze of literature...
PERMITS, Part 3: Building Permit
The Building department reviews the technical construction aspects of a proposed project to help ensure that it provides fire and life...
PERMITS, Part 2: Planning and Development
The Planning Department reviews the proposed use, size, and exterior aesthetic of a proposed project for compliance with the zoning...
PERMITS, Part 1: The Players
In the realm of construction, what's a 'permit'? Basically, someone -- usually City Hall -- who has the authority to dictate what can...
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