James Brillon

Alexander Loyer Hughes, AIA believes in holistic energy-saving solutions. Experiments in Brooklyn have shown that turning townhouses into passive houses can maintain a perfect indoor temperature of 72-73 degrees for five days without electricity, even in February. Fresh air circulates constantly, proving the effectiveness of this approach. 🔷 Holistic Approach: Energy savings should not be viewed myopically. Combining strategies, like upgrading HVAC systems and improving insulation, is crucial. 🔷 Cost Efficiency: Many spend millions on new HVAC systems only to lose efficiency due to poor insulation. A balanced approach can reduce system size and stress, saving money and energy. 🔷 Collaboration: Engineers and architects must work together to size systems correctly, ensuring the project's goals are met without oversizing. By looking at the big picture you get the most out of your investments. Ready to make your building more efficient?

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In the second part of Archinect In-Depth: Licensure, we chart the origins of licensure in the United States. We explore how a combination of safety concerns, technological advances, and insecurity among architects over their own relevance led to the protection of the title 'architect,' legislation which remains in force in every jurisdiction of the United States today.

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The key to navigating complex projects and regulatory mazes lies in effective collaboration among architects, designers, and project managers. Embracing collaboration transforms challenges into opportunities, ensuring that projects not only meet but exceed expectations. #construction #architecture #nyc #InteriorDesign

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The key to navigating complex projects and regulatory mazes lies in effective collaboration among architects, designers, and project managers. Embracing collaboration transforms challenges into opportunities, ensuring that projects not only meet but exceed expectations. #construction #architecture #nyc #InteriorDesign

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When architects talk about architecture, many times it’s inspiring. They describe their process of creation, the connections they find are surprising, their definition of humanity is inspiring. Sometimes, however, it’s annoying. I’ve heard several architects simply drag out phrases that weren’t going anywhere, many times because they just weren’t prepared for a speech. Other times, they were actually trying to describe some architecture. But it just came across oblique or even pretentious. Buildings are fairly easy to describe because they are objects: finite, they are tangible, they are physical. Architecture, however, is neither of these things. That makes it difficult to describe. So what type of thing is architecture? Architecture is a hyperobject. If you’re curious about that, here’s an article I wrote a little while ago. https://lnkd.in/dnbKcf44

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At IMC Architecture, they believe in the power of design ownership. In my recent interview with Eugene, we discussed how his unique firm structure empowers staff to take charge of their projects, leading to diverse and inspired designs. Here’s what sets them apart: 🔷 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: Each team member contributes, resulting in buildings that reflect a variety of styles. 🔷 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻: They draw inspiration from our surroundings, ensuring their projects fit seamlessly into the urban landscape. 🔷 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹: Their buildings are designed to look great today, and even better in 10 or 20 years, whether contemporary or classical. Working in New York City, with its unique and diverse neighborhoods, fuels their creativity and passion for design.

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In high school, I considered a career in architecture. I always marveled at the New York skyline and thought it would be so amazing to construct a building. But alas, after some classes, I realized it was too math heavy and formal for me. What I find interesting today is how I migrated to design where in our field of product design there are many analogies to physically building a structure. Here are a few. 1. Prototyping: Both fields create prototypes to visualize and test ideas before final production. Architects build models and mock-ups, while product designers develop digital prototypes. 2. User-Centric Design: Both disciplines emphasize understanding the needs and behaviors of users. Architects consider how people will interact with and use a space, while product designers focus on user experience and journeys. 3. Iterative Development: Both fields employ an iterative design process, continually refining and improving their designs based on feedback and testing. 4. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Architects and product designers often work in teams with various experts, such as engineers, quality assurance controllers, and stakeholders, to ensure all aspects of the design are addressed. 5. Accessibility Guidelines: Both disciplines follow specific guidelines to ensure their designs are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Architects adhere to building codes and standards like the ADA, while product designers follow WCA3 guidelines. 6. Design and Building Systems: Both fields use comprehensive systems to ensure consistency and quality in their work. Product designers use design systems that include guidelines, reusable components, and standards. Similarly, architects use building systems, building codes and standards, modular construction techniques, architectural patterns, style guides, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) to manage and streamline the design and construction process. Can you think of any other similarities? #uxdesign #architecture #designsystems #Skwair

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Have you ever wondered about how OMA NY operates within a team setting and what it takes for an Architect to get in? Join our CEO, Pati Garcia and Gonzalo Samaniego in their chat while they discuss his experience at OMA NY and much much more! • Learn about Gonzalo's journey and: ✅ Gain a better understanding of how OMA NY operates from an insider. ✅ Learn about the different work schedules the Architects have depending on circumstance: project or normal day at work. ✅Gain insight into the team dynamics at OMA from the perspective of a J1 Visa holder. • Find out more about how Gonzalo leveraged his academic experience in Holland to make it over to NYC!!✨ • Are you interested in working at OMA and have a few more questions to ask? Let us know in the comments below!!!👇👇👇 • 📌 Watch Gonzalo Samaniego's full chat and find more young architects inspiring interviews on our YouTube Channel at the link below!!!!!! • [ Link in the first comment below! ] • #architect_us #usavisa #j1visa #usajobs #interviewseries

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In our latest episode of Buildings 2.0, Rutger Huiberts, AIA, Design Director at KPF, shares insights from his journey leading innovative projects around the world. He dives into the importance of designing cities with humans at the center, the challenges and rewards of working across different time zones and continents, and the future of sustainable and data-driven architecture. In this episode: ✅ How technology and parametric design tools can create smarter, more artistic buildings. ✅ How different local regulations impact architectural design, and the importance of working with local experts to navigate these frameworks. ✅ Trends in urban development, such as the integration of mixed-use spaces and the shift towards more livable, walkable cities. Tune in to Buildings 2.0 to learn more: 🔊 Listen on Apple: https://lnkd.in/eR_8WBbY 🎵 Tune in on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eUwB6x8a https://lnkd.in/eB-naQx8 #architects #architecture #infrastructureinnovation #realestate #urbanplanning #urbandevelopment

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User Research Case Study Understanding New Yorkers in Relation to Construction by Krystal Ebron The NYC Department of Design & Construction (DDC) provides communities with new or renovated structures such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, courthouses, and senior centers. They also offer sidewalks, street reconstruction, water mains, sewers, and pedestrian ramps—quality infrastructure essential for a healthy, resilient city. The DDC wanted our help finding ways to better inform the people of NYC about the construction going on around the area. Through observational fieldwork, diary studies, and co-design sessions, we identified ways they could better curate information through various touchpoints, increase awareness about ongoing projects to alleviate inconveniences, and more carefully consider the needs of people with mobility-related accessibility needs. Check out Krystal's work: https://buff.ly/3Y0gywF More from Pratt Institute's Center for Digital Experiences: https://buff.ly/44mQdsz

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🔍 How can architects leverage research to foster diversity, equity, and cultural competency in their work? Episode 152 of Practice Disrupted features Kendall A. Nicholson, Ed.D. discussing the crucial role of equity and social justice in architecture. From his unique insights on the 'Where Are My People?' series to advancing equity through ACSA's initiatives, Kendall unravels the layers of diversity and representation essential for our built environments. Dive into a conversation that bridges research with real-world impacts and reshapes our understanding of architecture’s role in societal transformation. 🤝 Tune in and be inspired to think deeper about the spaces we inhabit and the narratives they hold.✨️

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While I won't argue that this is the best design, and I wish builders would stop diminishing the concept of "mixed use" when the reality of their developments are far from it... I think cities also need to realize that retail and office is transitioning more and more. You can force it to be in a development, but that doesn't mean the space will ever be occupied. Vacancy rates for commercial spaces are at historic highs... let's not hold up housing to build more vacant space. #development #mixeduse #housing #housingcrisis #housingforall https://lnkd.in/g-6Wan2C

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A lot of people I talk to are skeptical about the value add of #DesignForDisassembly (#DfD) until the building's "end of life". While DfD benefits the owners and occupiers of buildings throughout their #lifecycle, with less expensive and less disruptive repairs and renovations, plus easier #retrofits and #adaptations to new uses, the sad truth is that most buildings don't reach their "end of life". #LandUseChanges are responsible for the removal of most buildings, and those changes can come at any point in a building's lifecycle. As it did for these four houses constructed less than 10 years ago in 2016. Happily these four will be relocated, but many of the houses removed to make way for new development are not candidates for relocation and will be demolished, with minimal recovery of their materials. It takes decades to "work off" the embodied carbon of building materials through increases in energy performance, and having been built to a similar energy performance standard, the "energy efficiency" argument doesn't fly when we're churning through our buildings so quickly. We need to transition to a #CircularBuiltEnvironment. #BCIT is providing a path forward, building capacity within the industry to deliver a #CBE. Learn about #BuildingRelocation, #Deconstruction, #DesignForDisassembly and the current reality of the life expectancy of building materials, in the Applied Circular Economy: Zero Waste Buildings micro-credential: Construction Material Flows: https://lnkd.in/gDgEWRbA Design for Disassembly: https://lnkd.in/giW6cg64 Deconstruction Management: https://lnkd.in/gMXQHu63 Image credit: Nickel Bros.

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Maxwell Connop, Regional Practice Lead – Architecture, AtkinsRéalis, said: "Over the past three decades that I have spent in this sector, the architecture industry has witnessed massive evolution. What once seemed static, has now become so dynamic that we do a lot more with less. Moreover, the performance of buildings is increasingly driving a whole moral, social, and sustainable era. Technology advancements have accelerated our processes and the latest complimentary aspects of computational, parametric, and generative modes of creation have opened new possibilities, enabling architects to conceive designs that were previously unimaginable." #atkinsrealis #architecture #design #middleeast

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Architecture and Urban Planning: A Symbiotic Relationship When we think about the built environment that surrounds us, it's easy to perceive architecture and urban planning as separate disciplines. However, the truth is that these two fields are intrinsically intertwined, forming a symbiotic relationship that shapes the very fabric of our cities. Let's delve into this fascinating dynamic and explore how these two worlds converge to create harmonious and sustainable urban landscapes. https://lnkd.in/gCCpJvWV

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🚀 Will AI Save Us? 🚀 🎧 ARKI (Antler W23) recently joined Jason Boyle on the "Broke Architect" podcast, uncovering our profession's stark realities. 🏗️💡The Big Question: Despite dedication and creativity, why does financial stability seem out of reach for many architects? The answer may lie not within the structures we create but in the mindset we employ. 🌐🔨 Integrating technology into our daily practices isn't just an option; it's necessary for survival and prosperity. 💻✨ Now, imagine a world where AI takes on the mundane, freeing us to innovate and design more effectively. This isn't a distant dream but a tangible future we can start building towards today. 🚀🌿A Call to Action🚀🌿 It's time to break free from the traditional shackles that have bound our profession. Let's embrace technology, not as a threat but as a co-creator and accelerator of our architectural visions. The future of architecture is not just about the structures we design but about the innovative and sustainable approaches we adopt. What are your thoughts? Join the conversation below. Have you experienced technology's transformative impact in your practice? How do you envision AI and tech shaping the future of architecture? #Architecture #Innovation #Technology #AI #FutureOfArchitecture

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From Rion Willard, ARB at The Business of Architecture Podcast: In this episode, I speak with Preeti Sriratana about co-founding and running the NYC firm Modellus Novus. This was a brilliant conversation with a firm owner who is truly dedicated to doing things differently and changing the industry for the better. Listen in to hear: [11:33] Preeti’s journey helping startup Sweeten | Sweeten Enterprise raise $20+ million in capital (“It was my unofficial MBA…”) [22:48] From 90-hour weeks, borderline alcoholism, and literally running between meetings… to a more sustainable lifestyle [28:27] How Modellus Novus got almost all of its 60 projects from referrals and repeat clients (with zero website, PR, or marketing) [37:19] How Preeti has enforced and maintained a very strict “no a**hole rule” in the firm’s dealing with clients [39:31] Why, when it comes to diversity, there is no “recruitment" problem – “The real problem is that the industry is not financially stable and does not give people an opportunity to come in and be successful.” [40:05] How Modellus Novus has built a team “as diverse as New York City”, with 50% women Give this one a listen and let me know your thoughts in a reply to this email, or in a comment on the YouTube video: https://lnkd.in/eDdga3kQ Cheers, Rion Willard

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Tiny Queens Passive House designed by CO Adaptive Architecture was recently featured in The New York Times. Among a row of attached homes in Astoria, this two-story brick townhouse, originally built in 1945, is not like the others. Intentional modifications were made to bring the home to Passive House standards. "The hints are in the bright blue louvers shading the windows and the blue checkerboard patterns embedded in the brick," writes Julie Lasky in the NYT. “The shades, as cheerful as geranium beds, move to admit or block sunlight, while the checkerboards mark places where embedded devices regulate the temperature and humidity of air passing through the walls," ⁠ ⁠ CO Adaptive’s renovation maintained much of the original program and existing framing, since the original layout was already efficiently planned. “Describing their process as deconstruction rather than demolition, the architects repurposed what they could, turning a couple of the joists they extracted from under the flooring, for example, into kitchen lights”, writes Lasky. Whatever was removed was either reused or sorted for down or up cycling. Insulation, a solar canopy, and triple-glazed windows are among the other strategies that have nearly eliminated the client’s energy bill. ⁠ The project exemplifies the firm’s mission of retrofitting existing building stock to create energy-efficient and climate-resilient environments. CO Adaptive’s co-founder Ruth Mandl tells Lasky, “It’s an important way of extending the life of existing buildings, to make sure that they’re resilient enough to come into the next century with us. The home also marks the first building project of the firm’s new construction management arm.⁠ Click the link below to read more. https://lnkd.in/ecUkR-Ka Photo by Naho Kubota #design #architecture #retrofit #passivehouse

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