for the love of buildings
We love old buildings at Foxtail Studios. Whether new construction or existing, it’s essential that the professionals you trust with your building reference the resources available to make the best choice for your project. These resources are published by manufacturers, international testing agencies or trusted organizations specialized in the areas of their expertise. When I am asked an opinion, or need to document a scope of work for a project, I rely on the guidelines issued from institutions dedicated to research in those areas. Personally, through education and experience, I have developed my ability to understand and how to refine, or substitute, elements within the standards to achieve the same purpose. Working in this industry requires consistent education through conferences, sponsored presentations and research to provide appropriate solutions.
For this reason, I have dedicated Foxtail to being a learning studio for architecture with a focus in client education. The guidance and experience shared with me by the mentors and advisors I’ve had is invaluable, but the most influential information I learned was how to find the right solution myself by starting with these three questions:
How will it look?
Will is the quality?
Is it doable, legally and practically?
Each of these questions have different sources specific to the detail, material, element, fixture, finish etc. As an owner of an existing building, or new construction, relying on trusted professionals to design and execute work is the best option, but for this article I am going the share a little treat in the spirit of Valentines, because we love buildings.
An architect’s favorite resources for building material research:
1. ICC Codes Online - An online collection of Building Codes and additional design standards. The digitalization of codes has made our buildings healthier, safer and more inclusive by expanding free access to numerous titles of codes and regulations to everyone. Always check with your local AHJ for which codes are applicable to you.
2. USG Wall Assemblies - An amazing online resource for UL tested assemblies with gypsum products complete with product specifications. This resource is a tool to be utilized by qualified professionals to evaluated and prescribed various assemblies in construction.
3. National Park Service, Secretary of the Interior - Yes, the National Park Service has information on buildings, specifically old buildings! They are the federal agency tasked with the conservation of our nation’s resources, and buildings qualify. So even if the building, park or other structure in question is not deemed as significant today, I still reference their materials for best practices in handling of existing materials. The state you live in may have additional resources for architecture and building types specific to your region.
4. Professional Organization Websites - Often founded and financed by members professional organizations publish research and guidelines for best practices in their areas of expertise. The International Masonry Institute is an essential for one building or designing masonry. Real Cedar has great content and resources for building with cedar products.
My only additional note is that search engine responses, YouTube, social medias, or AI for construction is great for the inspiration phases of new projects, but double, triple verify the information with trusted resources like above. If you’ve enjoyed reading this article and would like additional resources similar, sign-up to get resources directly sent to your inbox.
