2 comments about Tadao Ando: 1941 (Taschen Basic Architecture).

1. this books introduce lots of important works of Tadao Ando
   good print quality, nice pictures with reasonable price



2. This is the first Taschen Basic Architecture volume about a living architect. The earlier Taschen volumes have been about the Modernist masters such as Mies, Le Corbusier, Loos, Wright, Kahn and Neutra. If there is any living architect who can measure up to this Pantheon of Greats, it is Pritzker Prize winner, Tadao Ando.
   
   Like the other volumes in this series, there is a short biographical essay, followed by short chapters that focus on key works. The German Publishing Company Taschen publishes some of the best architectural books. Their books are always of the highest quality and reasonably priced. At Ten Dollars, it is hard to imagine a better introduction to the works of one of the most important architects of the Twentieth Century. Highly recommended.

5 comments about Great Houses on a Budget.

1. This book was very informative and has great photographic examples.
   I look forward to applying them to the next house that I build.
   The simplicity of the building materials breaks the boundaries of the common myths of building designs. I would live in any of these houses and find bliss.
   Highly recommended for anyone interested in living wisely, environmentally friendly, and whether on a budget for building or not, one who could appreciate space and design that is well appointed.
   I would also not hesitate to buy another copy to give as a gift to someone thinking of building their own home.



2. Good photos, and some good details and ideas, that could well be developed into an expression of your own living space.



3. Look, this book is a picture book... but so are all James Grayson Trulove books. If you are not familiar with his books then you are missing out. His books are not case studies with pages of boring text. He does not teach in his books, but rather inspire. You know when you have a favorite actor and no matter what they are in you go see it... that is the type of author that Trulove is. He is constantly producing new books with great houses that can give you great new ideas. If you're expecting alot more than great pictures of great houses then get something else. But if you want to peak behind the doors of some really cool new houses then you will love this book.



4. As with everything else from this author, it is just a collection of pretty pictures, with absolutely no detail on materials and construction techniques. There is a reason his books are so cheap.



5. I liked this book alot and refer to it often for innovative modern design in designing my own home.

5 comments about Rural Studio: Samuel Mockbee and an Architecture of Decency.

1. The book has great photos and text, the work itself is questionable. I reminds me of being a sophomore in design school. Much of the work is by the students and it's a bit overdone and not always as practical as one would hope.



2. After reading this book, I for one would loved to have worked at Rural Studio under him. But the stories and the student work is what completes the book. If every community had a "Rural Studio" of their own no community would have homeless. The pictures are also fantastic, I can't wait to buy the next book.



3. It has been nearly two years since the AutoCAD disappeared from my desktop. When I dropped by a new bookstore near my home, I looked for the architectural section. It is because I felt that I got too far away from architecture, my original work area.
   
   But most architectural books were still in their old-fashion: planning manuals, master architects' theories, works of recent architects and architectural histories. In addition, some others are focused on the architects' political(?) intention. Consequently, I could hardly find a meaning of such publications, meaning that could be understood even by the general public.
   
   This book gave me a meaning in two aspects; an architect should do his social responsibility and an architect should participate actively in communication with the general public like Sang Lim Lee, an architect who translated the book to Korean.
   
   The style of writing is rough as is shown in blogs. But, in other words, it can be understood easily by the general public. We can see Mockbee's work both with a view of respect and a view of jealousy. Nevertheless, I would like to focus on his achievements in communication with regional community and in giving his students significant opportunities. His vision has not degenerated into profit-seeking one and has been sustained by his successors until now.
   
   After reading this book, I got to think that an architect should not be exempt from cause related marketing.



4. Maybe the most important architectural idea since the series of pattern language treatises by Christopher Alexander. I think this is a must read for anyone involved with real estate development. Surely a model for New Orleans. I'm planning to take a trip and pay homage. Mr. Mockbee was a genius.



5. The evidence of Mockbee's brilliance and compassion. Proof positive that Mockbee deserved all the awards and acclaim. Great pictures of both the architecture and the house recipients. I love this book and share it often.

5 comments about Painting More Animals on Rocks.

1. I purchased this book along with the first one, "Painting Animals on Rocks" as a gift for my father who loves to paint. He really has enjoyed them. The details and the "how to" descriptions are great for learners and those who enjoy a challenge.



2. I stumbled upon this hobby by accident. I was an art minor in college and have done a lot of oil paintings. When a friend told me about painting animals on rocks, I had no idea what she was talking about. I have painted my first animal (a leopard) and it turned out great. I gave it to my cousin and she raved about it. The author is wonderful in her ability to inspire and direct "the student." My only disagreement is with having to draw the outline on the rock starting out. I think that may add a certain difficulty. I just go ahead and paint, making slight adjustments when needed. I find doing it that way to be much easier. I am really loving my new found hobby and hope to possibly sell some animals on rocks in a craft fair held annually here where I live. I am 67 and retired.



3. This book has so many ideas for a craft person. The instructions are very easy and the rocks are fun to make. My 5 year old grandson found it easy too. He made a Lady Bug. This book is worth having if you are loooking for a project that doesn't cost much money, and is really fun to do. You can take the whole family out on a hike looking for rocks, this was a nice outing too. Have fun and enjoy.



4. This book has so many ideas for a craft person. The instructions are very easy and the rocks are fun to make. My 5 year old grandson found it easy too. He made a Lady Bug. This book is worth having if you are loooking for a project that doen't cost much money.



5. I had been interested in Lin Wellford's books for a long time, but never really painted an animal rock. I bought this book, ready to try it. First I did a frog, which was very simple.
   The furry animals use a script liner, and that is not my favorite paint brush, so I was a little nervous that I couldn't achieve the fur strokes.
   I went ahead and tried a squirrel, and I was so surprised at how easy the fur turned out to be. I've painted a few more animals since then, and they are very easy to do. Very watery paint and a #1 script liner (the shorter one) makes it very easy.
   If you are looking to start painting rocks, don't hesitate...this is the perfect book! I would recommend it to everyone who is interest in painting!

2 comments about Bamboo Style: Exteriors, Interiors, Details (Icons).

1. For anyone interested in design who wants to see examples of what others have done, this is a great book - lots of excellent pictures. For someone who wants lots of explanation of what they are looking at, it is a disaster as there is virtually zero text (whole book has maybe 1 page, pictures have no titles or descriptions of any sort, no idea of location, anything. So for the artist, designer who has a need for visual stimulation (like going to an art gallery), it is great.



2. I was given this book as gift by Joerg Stamm a famous bamboo builder. It is one of the most popular books in our library in our sales and design office. Shot mostly in Bali area (I think) it is a great photo essay of design possibilities using bamboo materials. Since it is what we do for a living we are always looking for ideas to help us create new tropical sanctuaries for our customers. I recommend it highly for design ideas, and a fine coffee table book filled with delicious images sure to inspire.

1 comments about Residential Interior Design: A Guide to Planning Spaces.

1. As a textbook purchased for class its great. It works great as a reference guide when your doing a project.

5 comments about Becoming an Interior Designer (A Guide to Careers in Design).

1. I bought this book because I am interested in going back to school for a 2nd degree in Interior Design. This book gives a great breakdown of the industry. It breaks down the different specialities and highlights the major points in each specialization. It also discusses education and certification. I love the Questions to Interior Designers section, because they interview practicing interior designers. I have made my final decision to go back to school and this book has helped alot in my decision making process.



2. I purchased this book for my high school aged daughter who in interested in a career in interior design. The book is ideal for someone like her. It provides a good overview of the design process, design specialties (residential, commercial, hospitality, etc), educational preparation required, where jobs are, and general business aspects of the field. A defining feature of this book is that author includes several interviews with people in the field asking practical questions such as "How did you become an interior designer?", "What is the greatest challenge of your work?", "What is the single most important skill an Interior Designer needs to be successful?", "How important is Interior Design education/Certification in today's industry?", "What do you look for in Hiring a new designer?", etc. This aspect allows the reader to hear from several real people rather than just getting a dry Occupational Outlook view. The interview responses are practical, sobering (you realize how much work it is!) and inspiring. Just right for helping someone make an informed choice.
   My only knock against this book is that at $23 it is a bit pricey for a paperback with only black and white photos. It strikes me more as a $15 book. I might look for a used copy. That said, it has been very valuable and I would buy it again.



3. Piotrowski writes about the steps on how to become an interior designer. There are several chapters describing the design process and the different types of design. There are detailed accounts of what is put into residential and commercial spaces. She takes a look at the future of the profession. There are several testimonials and showcases for active designers giving their opinions and advice on the profession. This book offers an in depth account on the profession and what is to come in the interior design field. As an aspiring interior designer, this book talked too much about current designer's experiences and not strictly about the profession. The book overall was helpful and knowledgable and I suggest those interested in the field get this book and take it to heart. This book is a fairly easy to read book; it rates only at the twelfth grade level on average. It is appropriate for those in high school and older. It helps inspire those that are looking at the profession and those already in it.



4. I recently read Becoming an Interior Designer by Christine Piotrowski, ASID, IIDA, for a critical analysis paper in my english class at OSU. After reading it, I would agree that interior design is more complex than the average person might assume. Throughout this selection, Piotrowski discusses the types of design, the changes in the profession over time, and the educational preparation to gain a better understanding of the career overall. This informative "how-to" book discusses commercial and residential areas of interior design and what is important to know in order to become successful in the rapidly growing field. In her attempt at writing an educational book, Piotrowski uses techniques, variety, and tips that ultimately reveal to readers whether this career is suitable for them. This book is best for anyone who is interested in the field and is looking for a quick light read. I found the book to be repetitive, not necessarily intellectually challenging, but a fun read that can either discourage or encourage one to follow their dream to become an interior designer. So if one has the desire to learn more about this book check out this guide to careers in design.



5. This book is an excellent source of information for those interested in becoming designers and those already studying interior design. This book explains commerical design well and gives truthful information on what potential employers will expect from a design education. If you are serious about becoming an interior designer, read this book - so you will be completely informed on this fun and dynamic profession. It is not decorating!

2 comments about Beach Homes (Best of Fine Homebuilding).

1. As with all Fine Hombuillding boks, Beach Homes is a valuable reference
   book.



2. Good short book with a number of high quality photo's and good of ideas for renovating, or building from scratch.

3 comments about 50 Great Bathrooms by Architects (By Architects).

1. I got both 50 New Baths and 50 New Kitchens.
   Each is a nice little book but neither offers much
   in the way of fresh ideas for contemporary spaces.
   The photos have almost no accompanying text, which
   might be acceptable if the photos were less stingy.
   These books are OK if you can get 'em cheap,
   otherwise, they're both rather disappointing.



2. I've been an architect for many years and bought this book to show clients some ideas from it. Good book. good photography. Worth the cost and more.



3. This series of books, two so far, the second of which is of similar title dealing with kitchens, is a poorly and sloppy attempt at presenting the works of contemporary architects' approach to design. The choices selected for the books are of such poor caliber that the we have to wonder about the qualifications of the author. It appears that this book was assembled by the writer to capitalize on the current market trend of the educated home buyer who is more receptive to a modernist approach to minimalism in a contemporary setting.
   There ought to be some sort of a standard barometer that individuals should meet before allowing them to publish.

1 comments about Project Management for Design Professionals.

1. Who would have thought that learning about project management could be so entertaining? Ramroth has included numerous examples, illustrations and commentary to propel readers through what would normally be a rather bland subject. I laughed out loud while reading and surprised not only myself, but also my napping children!