The link between architecture and shapes dates back to ancient times when the two disciplines were virtually inseparable. Egyptian pyramids and Roman temples were some of the earliest examples of architectural shapes at work. Today, shapes continue to define the residential landscape, and thanks to modern technology, architects can explore seemingly infinite design options allowing them to design groundbreaking homes. In this article, we look at the use of basic shapes in residential and home...

From a warm and welcoming exterior adorned with green climbers, to a wooden construction of a jungle-themed restaurant, or a mirrored glass on the front of a corporation head's office, a facade is an essential aspect of commercial buildings. The word facade is actually derived from the French word facade, which means frontage or face. A facade in a building is the interface between its external and internal environment. It is usually one exterior side of a building, usually but not always the...

Considering Size on Commercial Office Design Determining how much office space your business needs is not an exact science. During the design phase, you must come up with an estimate. But how do you know the exact number? And where do you start? At Bill Whitaker, Registered Architect, we get this question often. We’re happy to help our clients estimate the office spaces they need, now and, in the future. In this article, we'll break down: Average space requirements Determining...

Orientation is the positioning of a building in relation to the sun’s path during winter and summer. A well oriented commercial building can save a lot of money in reduced heating and cooling costs. This is especially beneficial with the ever-increasing fuel prices and the rising cost of electricity. By having orientation options for a building, you can reduce energy costs by up to 80%. Another benefit is that there’s nothing more to incur with orientation, hence it being element of ‘pas...

Choosing the right residential architectural style for your Alabama dream home is an exciting task whether you're building for the first time or the umpteenth time. With a plethora of home styles to choose from, the sky is the limit when it comes to selecting the right details and features that will single out your home from the rest of the cookie-cutter houses in the neighborhood....