4 comments about The Interior Designers Guide to Pricing Estimating and Budgeting.

1. I wish I had come across this book earlier! Then we would not have made the mistakes that we did. Williams is very right. What she experienced in America is the same as our experiences here in Malaysia. There's a wealth of knowledge to learn here and this knowledge is adaptable anywhere and in every situation. Already 8 years in this business, we are still learning and growing with this book!



2. This is a fabulous book for anyone in the industry, it is realistic, informative and motivating!



3. This is a phenominal book for pricing and structure in any business. As an independent consultant one of the most difficult things when starting out is finding the right pricing structure. This book covers that as well as many suggestions on how to effectively organize and run a business. I have already recommended this book to my husband who is in Home Improvement and a friend who has a curtain business. I think it is so well written that it could be of value to many types of businesses small and large.



4. One of the hardest things to learn about interior design, or any other service industry is that the only thing you have to sell is your time. To do this in a profitable manner, you need two sets of skills.
   
   The first is the one you know about. You've got to find customers, you've got to do the job they want done and you've go to make them happy. This is probably the job you've trained yourself to do through experience, through training, and through the basic aptitude that you had to get into that business in the first place.
   
   The second job is harder. You've got to realize that you are a business manager. You need accounting (to keep your business partner the IRS happy). You need to develop a busines plan, budgeting, etc. You need to know how to prepare and send out bills and how to handle the money when it comes in. And the most critical of all, telling the customer what your effort is going to cost him.
   
   In this book Mr. Williams gives an excellent introduction on how to do these critical things. He also includes enough war stories from his past to give you the understanding of how he learned these things.
   
   I really enjoyed his page one story of starting his own company: sold his car so as to eliminate the payments, crammed his office into his bedroom, paid off all credit cards, in general reduced his expenses to a minimum. When I started I did almost exactly the same: I had a very tiny kind of dumpy house in not too good a neighborhood - but no payments. I had an ancient vehicle - but no payments. Like with him, I was profitable the first month, but you had best not bet on it.
   
   Mr. Williams has been there, done that, walked the walk. His book makes excellent sense.

5 comments about Architecture of the Absurd: How "Genius" Disfigured a Practical Art.

1. I bought this book because I storngly dislike the work of architects like Frank Gehry and Daniel Liebeskind, and I thought it would be refreshing to hear an intelligent person handily dissect and dismiss these absurd blights on the profession. I haven't even gotten to the fun part yet and I'm already disappointed.
   
   A quote:
   "The drive toward absurdism in art has accompanied a decline in standards of taste in popular music and movies and the prevalence of tattoos and body-piercing ornamentation..."
   
   He also goes on to attack numerous works of conceptual art such as Smithson's "Floating Island" and Doug Michel's "Cadillac Ranch."
   
   The argument against these conceptual works as well as body art in general has almost nothing to do with the merits of good architecture and does very little to support his general argument. Rather, they expose this man to be what he almost certainly is: a somewhat dull, crotchety old person with a narrow vision of what art can and should be. I can see already that his arguments against these architects are not going to be at all interesting, as he has already bored me half to death.
   
   I bought the book on Amazon and I will most likely be selling it back. Don't buy it unless you would like to have your own boring sensibilities buttressed by a fairly un-influential, pseudo-designer's rants...



2. Silber clearly demonstrates one of the internal discussions of the profession of architecture: is it a "practical science" or is it more akin to "fine art"? His experience clearly tilts him toward the "practical science" aspect but he has picked his examples with a closed eye to all the issues with each of the projects he portrays.
   For example, the Sidney Opera House, which he loves -- took 12 years and was 800% over budget when finally built -- the delays caused by the inability of the engineers to build the thing. Bilbao (which he hates) was built on time and on budget and has been credited with revitalizing an economy of a previously dwindling seaport. In fact, magazine articles are written about "The Bilbao effect" of a stunning piece of architecture to revive an economy.
   He speaks to the practical aspects of architecture -- and those are many. (he uses Sert as an example of an architect too closely identified with his Spanish origins to understand the Boston climate). He doesn't address the spiritual aspects of architecture, though, and in some cases, those are equally important as the practical aspects. Gehry, who he reviles, has been equally praised in the book "The Architecture of Happiness" for his joyful designs. (I agree that no one said that about Cobusier). Holl has been praised for his solemnity; Liebeskind for this thought-provoking designs. People travel to see the work of these architects. He also does not discuss the work of Holl, even though he is mentioned as one of the "absurd" triumvirate.
   
   Note that Boston College (where Silber administered the building program) has never been praised for its campus or architecture.
   
   There is work-a-day design, which is appropriate for a Costco store or Best Buy, but there is design that challenges and is thought provoking -- and Silber seems to want the best of each, when he decides it is appropriate.
   
   This is a one-sided screed that never should have been made into a book. When someone makes a film of the "architecture of Boston College" perhaps I will alter my opinion.
   
   
   I gave it two stars because the photos are rather nice.



3. Seeing Gehrey's work on the jacket of the book piqued my interest since I saw Sidney Pollack's movie about Gehrey. I just have to say, I never "got" Gehrey, so reading Dr. Silber's "rant" (as other posters have described the book), I feel better knowing I'm not the only one with a problem with Gehrey.
   
   I think Dr. Silber's book is thoughtful. I think the photos are very representative of the issues he discusses. If I were monetarily responsible for building great buildings, then I would certainly first read Dr. Silber's book to appreciate what NOT to do.



4. This is a bad book. Don't buy it. We set up an "Architecture Book Club" and share opinions about our readings. "The Architecture of the Absurd" was the worst pick so far. The ideas are poorly expressed and thinly researched. The writing is... well, how to put it? The writing will make you want to throw the book accross the room. It's hard to agree with anything he says. If you NEED to buy this book, make sure you buy it second hand... so, at least, you save some trees.



5. No, I have not yet read John Silber's book, but he has always been an excellent BS detector, encouraging people to use their own sense of the world to challenge the Sophists of our time. I first encountered his challenges when he was my undergraduate advisor in philosophy at the University of Texas. Silber can be controversial and even wrong, but he always catalyzes clear thinking in the service of social action in the gadfly tradition of teachers throughout history. I recommend a look at his book on the basis of his history as a philosopher engaged in life and education rather than in intellectual pretensions.

5 comments about Your Home A Living Canvas: Create Stunning Faux Finishes & Murals with Paint.

1. Being in this house must be like walking around in a dream.This man is highly gifted!



2. The exquisite cover of this book embraces you from the start and continues that embrace throughout the pages and pages of beautiful photos and very helpful how-to instructions. This book kick-starts your imagination into the beauty of our surroundings, in and around your home.
   
   The heart of this artist, Curtis Heuser, is found in every photo, detail, and writing of this awe-inspiring book. By opening the pages--
   "YOUR HOME" can truly become "A LIVING CANVAS".



3. Mr. Heuser accomplished his mission! His book is, indeed, truly inspiring and encouraging!The personalized narrative piqued my interest in exploring each process and project in his home renovation--not just the ones of particular interest to me. I gleaned marvelous insights regarding the use of color and ways to create added warmth and meaning to a space. The before, during and after illustrations inspire confidence, as do the detailed materials/sources lists. From my experience, as a lay person, this is by far the best publication I've found on the subject. Heuser's talent is awe inspiring and his passion for art cannot help but engage any reader in the creative process--individually, or in partnership with someone who can help to create a living canvas for their home. Curtis Heuser and North Light Books have done a splendid job in producing a book that will be loved and appreciated by many!



4. Very motivating book. Excellently detailed instructions. Mr. Heuser is very creative with color ,texture and design.



5. I have worked with many different designers on interior design for new construction. This book would be an invaluable tool in creating new spaces while giving them an older feel. Not everyone wants their new home to feel new. These procedures give a home warmth and character.
   I have personally toured this home and the effect of all of these designs together in one home is just simply amazing. Kudos to Curtis for having the patience and vision to put together this amazing book.

5 comments about Materials for Design.

1. It is really a nice book. The definitions for each material are clearly represented. The case studies are up to date. I like the demonstration of all of the details.



2. I highly recommend this book. I am an architecture student, and I have found this book to be interesting, useful, and full of great projects. The book does a nice job of talking about the history, uses, strengths, and weaknesses of building materials. The book is organized by material with building projects that utilize those particular materials in an innovating and interesting way. The photos are great and the detail drawings are very nice to see as well.



3. I absolutely agree with the two previous reviews-- it is a seamless combination of technical info and aesthetics. The book was recommended in my Masters of Architecture program by the Construction-I professor and since then it has been circulating widely in the design studios. It is a great resource for material detailing AND design inspiration. Wa-hoo-wa, Victoria Bell, great job.



4. Architecture is an interesting mix of enginnering and art. All too often one of these is emphasized too much at the expense of the other. If too much art is emphasized, it is easy to design structures that cannot be built with the materials being specified.
   
   This book is an attempt to bring the two together. It is broken down into five sections: Glass, concrete, wood, metals, and Plastics. In each category there is some description of the material itself, its history, and some generalized design characteristics. Then there is a set of descriptions of buildings built using that material. Each building is deacribed in some detail, photographed from several views and in most cases contain some line drawings of particular points of construction being used.
   
   Obviously this is an idea book that can be used in the early phase of design when the broad concepts are being discussed. The designs in the book stretche the normal thoughts in design with the particualr materials. It is far more interesting than most as it also stretches shat can be done with these materials.



5. If you've seen beautiful design and wanted to know how it was actually made, this is the book to show you. The case studies are the best of recent work and each has clear concepts, many color shots and ALSO clear construction drawings and details which are impossible to find. Some books only tease with images but not explanations, and technical manuals miss the beauty of design altogether. This book brings the two together. I don't know why this approach was not taken before, but it's what I've been looking for.

5 comments about Practical Pole Building Construction: With Plans for Barns, Cabins, & Outbuildings.

1. This book is fine, as far as it goes, but does not address the trend towards using cast concrete pole bases and untreated poles rather than using direct-burial treated poles.



2. This is a very complete book that doesn't leave the reader asking for details like so many others. It's written so beginners can understand it and it contains all the design criteria, load tables, joint details, and so forth that an experienced builder needs to get a building permit and construct a building. Seddon inlcudes practical "how to" answers beginning with construction of a temporary frame to lift tall poles into holes in the ground without killing yourself trying. Framing and jointing details, connections, siding, windows and finish are all here. I built many stick frame homes over several years and was looking for information on construction of a pole frame home. I found it very useful and practical.



3. Although the book had some helpful hints I was looking for more practical instructions on how to build a pole barn. The book did not go in deepth enough and had little information on pole barns. I was looking for ideas to help setting the floor grade and where to get started after lay-out is finished



4. This book is very good. The information is presented in great detail in a very useable way. I found myself wanting to build with poles! Highly recomended.
   Sincerly, Adelbert M. Vinal Jr.



5. I'm 2/3 done with a garage that's based on a plan in this book. I'm using this book for pole barn-specific info, and "Building a Multi-Use Barn : For Garage, Animals, W..." for the rest. Together, these two books give me enough information, without going overboard. Good luck to you; I'm having a blast!

5 comments about Time-Saver Standards for Interior Design and Space Planning, 2nd Edition.

1. Besides just being large and heavy, this book is filled with great information. For a beginner, it can be overwhelming, but it is definitely a book every designer should have on their bookshelf. It provides guidelines, dimensions, and tons of illustrations for creating the proper space. The book acknowledges designing for handicap, retail, hospitality and residential spaces. It reviews the standard sizes for furniture pieces, ceiling heights etc...Once you find what your looking for (through all of those pages), you definitely get good direction from the information provided on it.



2. I am a last semester interior design student and just bought this book-I wish I had had it from the start! The book has nice sections on historical periods and furniture dimensions, residential, office, hospitality, retail, health care, banking and public restroom spaces, with lots and lots of plans, elevations and sections for each category. There is also a general reference section at the back of the book with lots of tables (space planning, wall covering or yardage amounts, as well as electrical and math tables). As well there is a nice colored section of wood and marble samples-a real time saver indeed!



3. Very comprehensive source for specifications and details that are relivent to interior design. Not sure yet about the ebook.
   Ed



4. I purchased this text as a required reference material for a college interior design course. It is packed with useful information and I anticipate referring to it often. Also, the Amazon price is much less than the campus bookstore!



5. While there is a lot of information in this book, most of it is too small to read or see easily. Many of the drawings are too small and unclear. Also, the material is not presented in a way that makes it easy to access. I will be looking elsewhere for the information. I sent mine back in spite of the shipping cost.

1 comments about BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors.

1. In the BIM Handbook (A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors), a remarkably knowledgeable and credential team of authors has provided a sound, thoroughly researched and comprehensible review of the technology, the market drivers and the business transformation issues surrounding Building Information Modeling (BIM). This book is a must-read for anyone involved in the design, construction or operation of buildings who needs to understand and apply effectively the emerging BIM tools and techniques. University professors of architecture, engineering and construction will find this an excellent text for introducing BIM to the emerging generation of design and construction professionals.
   
   The concepts underlying BIM have been evolving for a quarter century, as the book makes clear. In the past few years, however, market drivers and technology advances have converged to produce software tools that have an extraordinary positive impact on the design and construction of buildings. In the industry scramble to take advantage of this potential, there has been much confusion about what BIM is, how to use it and who benefits from it. The BIM Handbook tackles all three questions.
   
   Highlights include the chapter on the interoperability of building models, which clarifies what is probably the least understood technology issue related to BIM. Of immediate utility is the evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the major BIM software products. Even the most design-oriented readers will marvel at the variety and innovation demonstrated by the ten case studies. The very thoughtful chapter entitled "The Future: Building with BIM" provokes lively conjecture and debate.

5 comments about The Not So Big House Collection (Susanka).

1. Although a few people panned this book we found them somewhat useful.
   Good picts to give us ideas for our future retirement house.
   Although she talks about a green/passive solar house, the pictures detail don't quite bring in what you'd expect to make it a great renewable energy home.
   we liked the books as guide on how to think of ways to work on a decent price and size to live in.
   2000=2500 sqft is the max we want. didn't think about staggering the ceiling height great idea.
   since we wanted an open floor plan we plan to use tips from here to design up our texas house.



2. Susanka's series demonstrates that bigger is NOT better. Her focus on livable details to enhance the home environment are valuable to anyone who's considering remodeling.
   
   Grandiose over-development of some homes in our older neighborhood encouraged me to consider another solution.
   
   I recommend this collection.



3. Sarah Susanka has managed to give us an understanding of why so many modern homes do not "feel right". Forcing us to think about how we really live on a daily basis she looks at what we need to feel really comfortable and how best to achieve it. This is not a one solution fits all but the thinking persons guide to pesonal solutions. Her ideas are based on a lifetime of dealing with different people and their wants and needs even looking at some time in England as a child. Forcing us to change the commercial idea of "bang for bucks" into lifestyle comfort, she has made me look at what I really need in my home.
   If only we could find mass produced houses that really suit the masses.



4. Quick and easy transaction. Fast to get it shipped out. Very satisfied with condition and entire sales process!



5. Nice reference and will hopefully be useful on our next project. Good photo ideas.

No comments about Great Houses Of Texas.

3 comments about Home is Where the Heart Is.

1. I love Ilse Crawford sense for decoration, but I must say I was deceived by the book (which unfortunately I bought at the same time as her other edition Sensual Living, which is more or less the same). I found both books too much concerned about phylosophy of living instead of orineting on practical issues for interiors. I must admit I am looking for ideas to bild my new house, and if this is the case, this is not the book. In fact you do not get to see much of any of her projects except some pictures of her own home, more or less the same as those appeared in AD. Sory, but for me it was not worth buying it.



2. the best decoration/home book ever.
   congratulations to ilse crawford, the pictures, the texts.
   it warms your heart, it caresses your soul.
   definetely, home is where your heart is, but this book helps out a lot.
   enjoy your reading.
   Ana, Portugal



3. Since my home was demolished in the hurricane, I have been thumbing through the likes of Veranda, In Style and other similar magazines, seeking ideas about color, arrangement and "style". Though this isn't an "idea book" with gadgets and wall paper, it offers something that is missing from most of my current reading. It opens your mind with philosophy and helps you get to the core of what you really want your home to be. It helped me focus on the important aspects of a home.
   
   Some may find it more akin to a book of "feel good" statements. I, however, found it helps break down the boundaries we let others put on us when we express ourselves through our personal style. Basically, it gets those creative juices flowing by helping you to prioritize. The essence of your home should be a reflection of who you REALLY are-not how you want others to see you. Lest I forget, it is a beautiful book to display for easy access.
   
   Great gift for young couples, hostess gift, anyone who is a fan of decorating magazines or is ready for a change in scenery.