Manic Pixie Dream Architecture: please point me towards any websites/books/magazines/blogs/etc. which show weird/cool/unique/interactive design features (e.g. secret/hidden doors) in non-mansion homes. [more inside]
posted by julthumbscrew on Mar 7, 2013 - 8 answers

I have designed a house (in Google Sketch Up) that I intend to build. I have not insignificant relevant experience, but I'm neither an engineer nor an architect. Can I just give my design to any old architect and have them turn it into a coherent blueprint for a house that won't collapse? How much should I expect a thing like that to cost? [more inside]
posted by cmoj on Aug 18, 2012 - 18 answers

What are good resources for seeing sample house plans and construction drawings? [more inside]
posted by slidell on Apr 17, 2012 - 11 answers

Why are most buildings rectangular? [more inside]
posted by Wretch729 on Dec 30, 2011 - 26 answers

I'm looking for an architectural term. I'm sure it's one I should know, but I'm blanking on it. To make matters worse, I'm having a difficult time searching for a picture of the feature, because I can't come up with the right term. Let me try to describe what it is. [more inside]
posted by sardonyx on Dec 19, 2011 - 9 answers

Why are modern/minimalist homes so expensive to build? [more inside]
posted by halseyaa on Aug 9, 2011 - 20 answers

Architects, builders, and engineers -- what is the best software for drawing up a basic set of floor plans? What's the most cost-effective way to get a set of working drawings for a basic house rehab? [more inside]
posted by slidell on Dec 30, 2010 - 10 answers

Have US home construction techniques improved since the 1920s? [more inside]
posted by zippy on May 23, 2010 - 33 answers

Building a new garage. It will include a dedicated space for brewing fabulous beer. Technical design and planning questions inside. [more inside]
posted by BrooksCooper on Mar 21, 2010 - 7 answers

Seeking books or articles on corruption in large building projects, ancient to modern. [more inside]
posted by IndigoJones on Sep 23, 2009 - 12 answers

Is there an architect or graphic designer in the house? I need line/blue print style images of windows and doors for art pieces I am designing. Please help! [more inside]
posted by Ponderance on May 14, 2009 - 16 answers

How was this made? [more inside]
posted by TheOnlyCoolTim on Jun 24, 2008 - 15 answers

What US neighborhoods are best known for interesting examples of Craftsman homes? I know about the various bay area neighborhoods - the Maybecks of the Berkeley hills, Westwood Park in SF, etc.; I'm familiar with Pasadena and its Bungalow Heaven, as well as Santa Barbara's many restored bungalows - and I'm familiar with similar neighborhoods here in Sacramento, where I live now. What I'm mainly looking for are out of the way, underrated or less-known neighborhoods with interesting historical and architectural character, specifically expressed in homes built in the Craftsman aesthetic - from the conservative late Victorian through the Prairie and Mission revival. [more inside]
posted by luriete on Jun 7, 2006 - 21 answers

How can I get a short-term, labor-intensive job in a field I'd like to start a career in? [more inside]
posted by itchi23 on Jan 19, 2006 - 4 answers

Apart from "modernist, very expensive, and very good", what words does one use to describe the kind of home architecture/construction in which there are no baseboards or traditional moldings, everything fits together perfectly, floors and walls meet seamlessly, etc.? What terms do I need to know in order to find someone who does this type of work?
posted by stonerose on Dec 12, 2004 - 10 answers