2 comments about Best Ugly: Restaurant Concepts and Architecture by Avroko.

1. This book is unlike anything else out there. It gives valuable insight for anyone interested in design, architecture, restaurant design or working in any of these industries, it's also great for anyone who is curious about great design and art or has heard about AvroKo. They have won numerous awards and being able to see their projects in-depth is a truly unique way to see how this top design firm works. The photos are amazing and beautifully shot and the design of the book itself is the best I've seen in any kind of art or design book like this. It also gave me a really great look at their design process and the outstanding projects they've designed. I've been to Public (which is one of the coolest restaurants in NYC) and this book makes me want to visit all the restaurants they've designed. I would highly recommend it as both a beautiful book to own and give as a gift.



2. THIS BOOK IS BETTER THAN ANY DESIGN BOOK I HAVE EVER READ THE PICTURES ARE AMAZING I JUST WISH THIS COMPANY WAS IN THE UK

5 comments about Country Houses of John F. Staub (Sara and John Lindsey Series in the Arts and Humanities).

1. My objections to 'Country Houses of John F. Staub' begin with the title. Why the Staub works included in the book are defined as "country houses" is quite unclear. The majority of these houses are in fairly dense urban/ suburban neighborhoods. While the architectural ancestry of many of the designs is that of English, American and even French country houses, Staub's works are very much in the mainstream of American suburban house design of the mid-twentieth century.
   I lived for many years in a neighborhood rich with Staub houses, and I have always loved them for their understated and impeccable design. The earlier book on Staub by Howard Barnstone has become a collector's item and I am lucky enough to have a copy which I have read and re-read many times.
   The current book, I am sorry to say, is virtually unreadable. Stephen Fox's text is laden with impenetrable sociological jargon with the thesis being, as far as I can tell, that the newly rich of Houston wished to reside in tastefully traditional houses. This 'insight' is belabored to the point of comedy. To read passages of this prose aloud will make you roll over laughing at the convoluted language used to explain the obvious.
   Sadly, the overwhelming sociological point-making of the text completely dominates the book, rather than discussion of Staub's space-planning, detailing and architectural imagery.
   Richard Cheek's photographs, however are positively stunning. For me, the ideal would have been a re-edition of Howard Barnstone's earlier book on Staub with the addition of Cheek's photography.



2. Many of us are subjected to the new mega mansions in our neighborhoods and in other areas of our city. It's not just the close in Arts & Crafts and cottages that were our once our modest childhood homes at stake anymore. Many historical structures by talented architects in Houston such as John Staub, Barnstone, etc are now be razed to build homes that more resemble bank buildings to satisfy the nouveau riche excess taste. Even in Texas, bigger is not always better. This book chronicles many of these homes that I once remembered in awe, but now gone forever. While globabl warming may be hoax, the loss of these beautiful homes is a reality that needs to be addressed. Great book for your library and memories.



3. John Staub's attention to detail as illustrated in this wonderful book was second to none. The book's wonderful illustrations showcase many of the architect's beautifully designed homes in Texas. These homes would be very suitable for construction in most parts of the country and would fit right in. The floor plans show Staub's designs for the upper middle class as well as the truly wealthy class of people and reflect the quality of detail and craftsmanship prevalant in the late 1920's and into the 1930's. I assure you, this book is an asset to anyone's library who is interested in architecture.



4. This book is a true tribute to Staub and the world he created for his clients--mostly Houstonians. It is a beautiful well illustrated book that gives you a historical paradigm for which to better understand and more appreciate the homes showcased within. Great for coffee table reading or for the serious student alike.



5. Having been in one of Staub's homes in River Oaks, I can concur with Howard Barnstone's quote - "the bodily experience of moving through a Staub interior as - the divine float"... Stephen Fox was the perfect person with the necessary education and love of architectural detail to take on the task of writing about Staub who was surely a national treasure for his unique and lasting body of work. This is a book to read, enjoy keep and pass on to future generations.

5 comments about In Detail: Single Family Houses (In Detail (englisch)).

1. Very informative and gives a clear precise description of varying types on renovation and adaptive reuse.



2. This book is part of a deliriously excellent series of Birkhauser's In
   Detail collection, a series of books emphasizing and celebrating the importance of architectural details and the susbsequent spatial magic that emerges from the vigilant attention to design craft. I must say its excellence SHAMES the building culture of The united States of Kitsch. The level of American work in the field of architecture, by comparison, is stunted, nostalgic to the point of senility, and plastic garbage overseen by power broker idiot clients. Sadly, it's painfully, pathetically true, and these books prove it as a matter of course. Why are we (American) practitioners, builders, teachers, students, clients, laypeople, basically everyone really SO ill informed about design????
   Don't we care?? Is there so much discord and disagreement?? It's puzzling.
   Get these books and feast on the International wisdom; let's get half a clue.



3. The book was exactly as I expected, high quality, detailed explanations in the Caliber of detail magazine. I will defiantly be purchasing the other books in this series.



4. I found the essays on simple construction to be variable in quality...The chapters on wood and steel either suffered in translation or were student composition exercises to begin with. The projects illustrated, however, are of uniformly high quality, and are documented with Detail's typical precision. For an American architect, many of the projects using wood construction will be eye openers. The stone and clay construction projects are wonderful for daydreaming about a different building culture in this country. Well worth it for the photos and drawings.



5. The book describes simple and neat residential building design in detail , shape, and material. The book should be applicable to architects or designers who aspire to work in modernism or minimalism on housing and who desire to improve the residential detil design to be more insighfully clean and blight. As well, the analysis from the publication could be developed to function in other architecture types.

2 comments about New Classicists: American Architecture (New Classicists).

1. We bought this book because Mr. Baker is on the short list of architects we are considering for our new home. It is a very beautiful and educational book, with comprehensive pictures of the exteriors and interiors of many lovely homes of all styles. It has helped me greatly in deciding what I like and do not like - I have spent hours pouring over this book and will spend many more I am sure.
   
   I also purchased Bill Harrison's book at the same time and it is not nearly as good as this one, although Mr. Harrison has designed many lovely homes too. Mr. Baker's homes, for the most part, seem to be homes you could actually live in - cozy and warm, even though many are large. Lots of close ups of the details, and even some landscape plans as well.
   
   All in all, a very good purchase!



2. If a book can be elegant, this one is, the images are crisp and vivid and the text is very informative. The book is very thorough, though never pedantic, you are educated not lectured. If you any interest beautiful new homes or just enjoy beautiful books, then I can imagine you being disappointed. Highly recommended.

5 comments about Prefab Modern.

1. as a new-to-prefab lay researcher, i loved this book. a friend passed it on to me after we were all chatting about building our "dream houses."
   it gives a basic survey of different types of prefab, from modest to elaborate, and creative diversions in between. i found it an inspirational starting point to daydreaming about fun prefab modern living. the source lists are helpful as well. enjoy!



2. Beautiful book with impressive photos and info on contemporary and cutting edge designs in prefab home. Great sampling of the most modern designs and some info about them. Could have been more detail on the homes.



3. For anyone new to this subject matter this book is a basic starting point. However the more you learn about the topic from other sources the more you realize this book is just lightweight fluff. This was simply opportunistic publishing of a coffee table book while the topic was hot. The author has little expertise in the subject matter (is she a contract writer? - her previous book was about tiles) and the book reads like breathless brochureware. If you want to research the topic for free check out the great web site fabprefab.com which predates this book and is frequently updated. Also there are other great books on prefab such as Colin Davies The Prefabricated Home.



4. This book is incredibly well-written (even poetically written in places), meticulously researched, and beautifully illustrated. It's written by a pro, not someone who just decided to write a book. The book "Prefab" by Alison Arieff was in fact literally written off of (i.e. plagerized) websites and from articles (check the text against the architect's website and you'll see paragraphs and paragraphs were literally lifted directly from the site, likewise articles on those architects.)
   This book is the real thing.



5. I was disappointed with this book. It includes profiles of 15 architectural firms. Seven of those profiles were of firms that have done one-off architect-designed homes made largely of pre-existing materials (usually shipping containers). That is not my definition of a prefab house. To me, a prefab house is one that I can order to be built on my lot. Of the eight firms that offer prefab houses, for three of them only computer-generated images were presented (not photos of real houses). That leaves only five firms offering prefab houses ready for market. Of those, one builds 10 houses per year in Finland. Another is in Australia. Two offer only really small homes (generally intended as second homes).
   
   The book does include (small) design plans and many photos for most of the houses. However, the fact that very few of those homes are available for me to purchase makes the book almost useless.
   [...]

5 comments about Traditional Mexican Style Exteriors.

1. I am a landscape designer in central Florida, and I am always looking for inspiration for specialty projects. The photos in this book are outstanding! The text is well-written and interesting!



2. If you are building a Spanish home and we are, then this book will provide you with a wealth of ideas about what to do beyond the 'box of the casa.' Filled with brilliant photographs of terraces, swimming pools, fountains, outdoor rooms, columns, entrances, furnishings, use of paint, etc. you will refer to this book over and over again as you design and continue to decorate your dream home.



3. The photography is excellent and the ideas abound. It is a book that's fun to thumb through and colorful. I enjoyed it! It's sister publication is just as good.



4. I have bought more than a Dozen Mexican Design Books already. And none can compare to the Traditional Mexican Style Exteriors and its Companion Book Mexican Style Interiors by Donna McMenamin.
   
   It is a wonderful book! You will not need any other book if you are planning on redecorationg your house. But, even if you will not decorate your house, this Book(s) are a worthy read. The Pictures are wonderful. Giving detail to what is really Mexican.



5. Every time I re-do a room or make a home decor purchase these days, I'm looking for things to make my house look more Mexican. This book, and its companion volume "Traditional Mexican Style Interiors" are wonderful reference books for anyone looking to copy that style.
   
   If you're just a fan of Mexican style, or have been to Mexico and want to have a way to go back without leaving your easy chair, this book is fun to read and magnificent to look at. Although it emphasizes exteriors (facades, architecture, etc.) there are photos of gardens, courtyards, and plenty of other spaces that you could create on your own property, even on a very modest budget, and without knocking the house down and starting over.

5 comments about 10 X 10 _ 2 100 Architects 10 Critics.

1. The publishers did a fine job on the quality of this book. Although 10x10 was not at all what I was looking for others may find it useful. I found that it had extremely contemporary design throughout, current and old. Its focus was more on the very soul and defenition of contemporary that is shown in form. I am not a designer or architecht, but am sure that type of person would get more from the book than I did. Basically I was looking for a collection of ideas that could some how be implemented into other forms, but I was not successful. All I could see was page after page of a revolving theme that I now know does not appeal to me in its purest form..



2. Im an architecture student at the University of Florida and this book, including 10x10 are a must have. Simple as that. Full of pictures and small captions describing projects. Great for a student in design courses.



3. As a web designer, going through this book of beauifully designed homes and buildings give me layout and design ideas. Full color with large pictures and descriptions, I would reccomend this book for starting architects.



4. I am currently a design student - and this is an indispensible resource for recent and fairly obscure architecture. Has full rich photos and a wealth of information inside. Great selection of buildings as well. The photos can be used for ideas on detailing to spacial organization. I highly recommend this to anyone who needs to get a fresh breath of air and clean out the cobwebs. Everytime I close it I am ready to design.



5. I was thrilled when I received this book. Being an architect myself, I appreciated the excellent photos and disussion of the featured persons in my profession. A wonderful book that will be a worthwhile read for anyone with an admiration or even mild curiosity in the subject. Highly recommend.

4 comments about George Washington Smith: Architect of the Spanish-Colonial Revival.

1. Our church is changing our open garden to a cloister-type space enclosed by a wall. The church was designed in Spanish Revival architecture so we wanted something in the California Mission style. This book has proven to be an invaluable resource for us.



2. An interesting book from a historical and academic perspective. It is well written and illustrative photos are included. Good as a reference book for architectural style but not a book for those interested in interior decoration.



3. When one thinks of southern california architecture, spanish colonial revival style always comes to the forefront and George Washington Smith was at the apex of the style. This is a well researched and chronicled book on this singular architect. The images are crisp and well thought out. This style of architecture suits the mediteranian climate of southern califoria perfectly, it really is the perfect blend of style and setting. When someone asks me, where would you live if you could choose anywhere and i always answer, Santa Barbara, where spanish colonial revival florishs unabated and the sun shines year round. If you have any interest in great residental architecture or just appreciate wonderful books, then i cant imagine you being disappointed in this purchase. Highly recommended.



4. Patricia Gebhard has done a superb job in carrying on the tradition of David Gebhard, her deceased husband, who was masterful at the collection of information on architecture and able to portray it to the reader in a very logical way. It is the most completely detailed book written yet on George Washington Smith, one of the most forward and original developers of the the Spanish Revival style that swept America in the 1920's and has enjoyed a rebirth in recent years. The illustrations are excellent throughout the book, both old and new ones. Anyone interested in this style of architecture, whether an architect, designer or any person interested in this style that has left such an important mark in American architecture, should buy and enjoy this book.

5 comments about America's Painted Ladies: The Ultimate Celebration of Our Victorians.

1. WOW!! This book is truly a feast for the eyes, and that's no exaggeration! There are so many first rate photos and plenty of text. Every page has multiple color photos. It is a very heavy book! The paper is high quality and the photos are extremely high resolution and stunningly beautiful. What a great job they did just in printing this book! If you love Victorian homes, then this book is a must have! I like it so much I think I will eventually buy a brand new hardcover copy of it (I bought a used paperback copy). I plan on getting all the other books in this series too. Some of the very best Victorian homes are in this book. They kind of remind me of Disneyland with all the colorful paint schemes and fanciful shapes and decorations.



2. Believe it or not but the main reason I purchased this beautiful book was for reference material for scale model building (i.e. LEGO, etc.). I was hunting forever for a book on Victorian homes--with pictures of the OUTSIDE (as most of the books on Victorian architecture deal with the classic interior designs, furniture, etc.). LEGO and Victorian homes go hand in hand, as this book's wonderful color pictures perfectly illustrate--who could imagine such combinations would actually look so stunning!? In addition to excellent photography the text is well written, with interesting facts about each home, why it's unique, yet how it fits into the overall "Painted Lady" lineage... excellent. :-)



3. A fantastic book, a must for anyone who is thinking about painting a Victorian house. It was very helpful to me and my husband who had to come up with a color scheme for our three-story Queen Anne built in 1895.
   
   If you're in the same boat, then you know that deciding on a color scheme for a detailed Victorian house isn't easy and takes careful thought and consideration. This book will help you. It will give you countless ideas, and just looking at the photos is inspiring.
   
   And then, the book will appeal to any fan of Victorian architecture as well. I love looking at the numerous photos of the houses and find myself thumbing through it again and again. Every time I look at this book, I see something intriguing that I hadn't noticed before. Such a book serves to keep me inspired during the remainder of our home's renovation, which is trying at times.



4. i was speechless each picture was so beautiful , i love each and every house. a great book



5. Taller than any of the other books and nearly twice as thick as the thickest, this gorgeous 1992 volume (Ms. Pomada, isn't it time we got a fifth??), once again produced with the help of partner Larsen and photographer Keister, is, like "Daughters of Painted Ladies," a survey of Victorian homes from all over the country. From Searsport, ME, where the subtly detailed, white-bodied Mansard Carriage House Inn welcomes its guests, to a pink 1887 Steamboat Gothic in National City, near San Diego, here are dozens of Victorians, large and small, somber and vivid, plus an assortment of interiors, some fully period, others furnished in more contemporary style against the richly detailed background of the time. If you buy it to "get ideas" for your own Painted Lady, you'll find more than you can choose between. If you buy it just to look at, be prepared to spend hours drooling! A treasure trove for lovers of period detail, which is so admirably brought out by the creative combinations of color used in decorating these buildings.

2 comments about The Country Houses of Robert Adam: From the Archives of Country Life.

1. Excellent superb photography a classic informative book, a must for those interested in interior design / architecture recommended highly



2. Robert Adam was one of the most influential architects and decorators of the 18th century. His work influenced Hepplewhite and Sheraton to just name a few. This book does a fine job of making the reader understand the influence and the range of Adams work. The text is highly informative and well researched and the images are crisp and vivid. This book is expensive, yes, but if you have any interest whatsoever in this subject I can't imagine you being disappointed. Great book to buy, if you have the means to buy it.