Symbols (Pocket Guide) Review

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(More customer reviews)I love this book, It was the first Symbols book I ever bought and I still find myself looking through it. Sandra Forty shows you a large picture of the symbol, and underneath the symbol gives you a brief caption of what the Symbol means. I have read all the symbols in this book (over 700) and I still find myself reading it thinking "maybe I missed something" Great book to have. A must buy!!

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The word symbol is derived from the Greek, symbolon, and is a graphic sign for an idea, concept, or object. The oldest were of the five basic elements: fire, water, earth, sun, and wind, which evolved into elaborate Egyptian hieroglyphics. Despite alphabets and languages, symbols continue to develop and evolve in every culture. Featuring over 300 color photographs, Symbols looks at the meaning of over 1,000 signs, categorized into esoteric, ideology, philosophy, religion, and science.

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Be Your Own House Contractor: Save 25% Without Lifting a Hammer Review

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(More customer reviews)In 1990 I had my ten acres paid for, and was ready to being building my retirement home. A friend gave me Carl Heldmann's book, Be Your Own House Contractor. I had a set of plans made from my sketching, and got three bids for building. The cheapest was $97,500.00. I decided to try my own general contracting, with little to no experience in construction. With the help of some friends whom I bounced ideas off of, I started out with a spread sheet of sub-contracters, getting three bids from each in their order of appearance. In six months, we finished our home, and without cutting any real expenses, built our home for $67,500. All due to the teachings and following of Carl Heldmann's book. Even if you do decide to use general contractor, this book is still invaluable in the detail and advise given. I have since given this book to three friends who have built homes, and all three were very impressed with the subject matter. A MUST read, in my opinion, for anyone who is going to undertake building or having a new home built. I know of no where else one get such a step by step explanation covering the do's and don't of every phase of the process.

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Ecodesign: The Sourcebook Review

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(More customer reviews)this book is cool - lots of pictures, the text is brief. there is a good mix of concepts and production products ( concepts are always more fun to look at and have more pure ideas. production parts show how it all works in the real world). in fact, the best part of the book is that it finds positive things about a lot of products. it isn't demanding that we stop using plastic or batteries - just finds the best examples of products that use them wisely.
One important section is buried in the back. pages 327 - 330 give eco-design strategies. the are brief desicriptions of how to design an "eco" product. for example, one says "self-assembly: designs that are assembled by the consumer, therefore saving valuable space in transport and storage". most writers would take several pages to say the same thing.

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Architect's Portable Handbook Review

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(More customer reviews)This handbook brings together all the rules of thumb and reference facts for architects. Its quite the cheat-sheet for quick references especially in terms of costs. He has included cost (labor and materials as a % of the total) for just about everything in generic terms. Need to know a budget number for a solid core door relative to a hollowcore? its in there, painting by sf of drywall vs CMU or even fee % breakdowns. Having this book makes you look good and esp for architects that know the big picture but cant'remember the actual size of a conc block or what 11 block courses equal (vert or horiz) I tell people to get this book and keep it in your car or briefcase, so you can go look up the answer to those questions that put you on the spot esp on the job site.

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Organized in easy-to-follow CSI Materformat, which parallels typical job progression, the text covers initial planning and estimating through design and construction. Included are materials and specifications checklists, design data for major building materials and components details.

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How to Plan, Contract and Build Your Own Home Review

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(More customer reviews)This book is lives up to the first two parts of the title - Plan & Contract. It falls short on the building process but if you know you are going to use a Builder or General Contractor, it is a great source of information.
I haven't got the time to manage the building process but I know I can intelligently talk with my contractor. This book gives the reader a firm footing in dealing with the house design and contractor processes.

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Step-by-step blueprint for do-it-yourself home builders. From locating an architect, to hiring workers, to selecting features and fixtures, and more, here's how to build or expand your own home from start to finish--and save! Richard M. Scutella and Dave Heberle's soup-to-nuts guide, How to Plan, Contract and Build Your Own Home, Third Edition, leads you through the perils of homebuilding to make sure you end up with exactly what you want. You get point-by-point tips on choosing a site and style, keeping home traffic patterns sensible, deciding on the right size for rooms, preparing plans, getting permits and more. Unique "quality control" insights into each stage of construction highlight problems to watch out for--foundation, roof, floors, walls, stairs, walkways and driveways, heating and cooling, electrical capacity and wiring, even computer wiring and alarm sensors. From turning the first shovel of earth to the final inspection, this homeowner's construction manual makes sure your dream house will be a dream come true.

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Design An Expandable House: For Present Needs And Future Dreams Review

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(More customer reviews)This book fell far short of my expectations. Not much meat for $40. Seemed more like a pamphlet than a book. I was expecting more design information that would make it possible for me to build my own expandable house.

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"Stanley Mazor is one of the architects of the information age... So it was not surprising that when Mr. Mazor turned his hand to building a vacation house, his approach would be inventive..."- The New York Times, 2/5/2005This unique guide chronicles the multi-staged development of a 3-story French Chateau using novel Styrofoam ICF building blocks and other innovative materials.The techniques used and lessons learned during this project are illustrated with more than 70 photographs and many diagrams.In this practical guide, an amateur architect shares the lessons learned designing his home using novel building materials. Follow his journey to France to find the original chateau, and his work with local Oregon craftsman to create a work of art and a contribution to his community.

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More Fabric Savvy: A Quick Resource Guide to Selecting and Sewing Fabric Completely Revised and Updated Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a sewing professional, and I also own Clare Shaeffer's Fabric Sewing Guide, which is excellent and does cover more fabrics. However More Fabric Savvy is really the indispensible guide that should be right by your sewing machine. MFS is not as big, so one is more inclined to open it up and take a look at the suggestions. Also, the spiral binding on MFS lets it lie open flat so you can refer to it easily. MFS is a re-issue of the original Fabric Savvy, and it addresses all the shortcomings of the original - far more fabrics are covered. There is also an extensive list of alternative fabric names, so you can really find the details for any fabric one needs. The size of MFS means you can put it in your bag and take it with you to the fabric store, and I'd recommend doing this, as it will make you more aware of interlining needs, or fastening limitations, BEFORE you spend all your heard-earned money on the fabric of your dreams, only to find out you really need to spend an extra $40 (which you don't have) on silk organza to interline the garment. All the review for the original Fabric Savvy spell out the great features of this book - this edition really just fixes the few criticisms people had.

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America's best-selling quick guide to selecting and sewing fabrics is now completely revised and updated. More Fabric Savvy brings over 100 new tips, over 400 new color photos and drawings, the latest new fabrics, and entirely new and useful features, including a handy guide to stain removal. From Sandra Betzina, the dynamic host of HGTV's Sew Perfect, this easy-to-use reference belongs on every sewer's bookshelf.

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Building Systems for Interior Designers Review

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(More customer reviews)This updated guide to technical building systems for interior designers comes from members of the building design team and has been revised in its second edition to address the concerns of blending the interior designer's functions with a design team's overall building objectives. Technical building systems and engineering systems are explored for interior designers in chapters that discuss how to communicate with architects, engineers, and contractors alike. Any college-level arts collection needs this.

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The first desk reference on technical building systems for interior designers
Building Systems for Interior Designers is the first book to explain technical building systems and engineering issues in a clear and accessible way to interior designers. The technical knowledge and vocabulary presented here allow interior designers to communicate more effectively with architects, engineers, and contractors while collaborating on projects, leading to more accurate solutions for problems related to a broad range of other building considerations with an impact on interior design. Information on sustainable design is integrated throughout the book, making it a relevant tool for current and emerging trends in building design.
Written in a straightforward, nontechnical style that maintains depth and accuracy, this book is the first complete text applicable to interior design courses and provides thorough preparation for the NCIDQ exam. Engaging, clear illustrations support the text, which is accessible to those without a math or physics background.
Topics covered include:
Heating and air conditioning systems
Environmental issues
Water and waste
Thermal comfort
HVAC systems
Electricity
Lighting
Security and communications systems
Fire safety
Transportation systems

With numerous case examples illustrating how interior designers apply this material in the real world, Building Systems for Interior Designers is a valuable book for students, as well as a practical desktop reference for professionals.
Content from this book is available as an online continuing professional education course at http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/Section/id-320255.html#fire_safety. WileyCPE courses are available on demand, 24 hours a day, and are approved by the American Institute of Architects.

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Architect's Pocket Book of Kitchen Design Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a great little book with lots of useful information packed into a clear and concise format. Note to American buyers: The book is published in Britain and contains metric units, EU energy efficiency ratings, and a bit of regional information about the UK.

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Terence Conran Kitchens: The Hub of the Home Review

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(More customer reviews)Beautiful and practical. The photography's lovely, sure, but the spaces and their design for use are quite inspiring.

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Updated with all-new content for 2002, Terence Conran's invaluable reference on kitchens tackles the most complex design project in the house. In many ways the heart of the home, the kitchen is a place where style and function can coexist magnificently. International style king Terence Conran shows us how to do just that in Terence Conran Kitchens. In terms of planning, the kitchen makes unique demands, and Conran covers both the overarching style concerns and the nitty-gritty practicalities of making your dream kitchen a reality. The book ranges from the basics of good design (whether you're starting from scratch or fitting new appliances into an old layout) to an encyclopedic look at all the materials (storage, lighting, worktops, and more) available to the kitchen designer today. As always, Conran provides case studies and floor plans, bring-ing the best kitchens within reach of every reader. No one embarking on the demanding task of redesigning a kitchen wants to do it without the right book for reference and inspiration. With up-to-date information on the latest styles and a thorough look at classic appliances and materials, Terence Conran Kitchens does it all.

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A Complete Guide to Kitchen Design with Cooking in Mind Review

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(More customer reviews)Don Silver's book was a well anticipated arrival, but alas much of a disappointment. As one who is designing a kitchen at present for a house to be built in the next few months, I was a let down by the book's content.
Let's start with the good stuff. The first chapter on design basics is great, though Silver's makes a big deal about "breaking free of the kitchen triangle". As one who has lived for the past seven years with an island in the way of the refrigerator, I would have welcomed the "kitchen triangle"! While there are other workable solutions--and he introduces them--the old triangle has survived for a good reason and it is not as bad as he indicates, and is certainly necessary in some cases particularly where kitchen size is an issue or limitation.
Silver introduces some great concepts such as the 30" deep counter, two sinks, etc. but spends far too much time on silly mundane issues like a cursory review of cabinets (visit a Home Depot and or pick up a few cabinet catalogs and you'll get much better and more detailed info) and a tired review of pots and pans (!) which should be very old hat for anyone going so far as to buy this book.
More annoyingly, Silver consciously avoids mention of any brand names! It would be worthwhile to review some, particularly when he has such a penchant for separate "char-grills" (which I have yet to see in ANY appliance store). For example, I'd like to see a review of issues like flame spread and cleanability. My own homework revealed that while a Dacor gas cooktop looked great, the flame spread was too big for normal pots and pans; Viking's non-sealed burners looked "cheap", made out of stamped stainless and would be difficult to clean.
Lastly, the illustrations for the most part looked amateur.

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This book is the first guide to kitchen design from a cooking perspective.As the only book for the homeowner who wants a kitchen that is beautiful and that cooks beautifully, it takes the most complex room in the home and addresses its function as well as its form. With forty years of experience in the design and cooking fields, Don Silvers has discovered that most people have no idea of the pleasure that can be added to cooking in the right kitchen. This book will add new joy to cooking for every reader, even those who have previously disliked cooking.

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Kitchens & Baths for Today & Tomorrow: Ideas for Fabulous New Kitchens and Baths Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a Kitchen & Bath Designer and own my own Showroom. I have put together one of the best reference libraries, for my clients. I preordered this book and received it today. I generally give them a look thru and see if any pictures jump out. I must say that I found myself reading this book. It has great information for anyone wanting to redo their kitchen or bath. It educates in very clear language but not so elemetary to bore the design professional. It is peppered with little nuggets of wisdom from designers and the author .....things that even us "old" designers can learn from. It covers everything from floor to ceiling and everything in between. They have included sections on Universal design, which we are all always looking for new ideas to incorporate accessibility in an attractive manner. I would highly recommend this book to both the homeowner or designer.

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The heart & soul of kitchens & baths
This inspirational book allows readers to dream about their ideal bathroom and kitchen, but it doesn't stop there: Kitchens & Baths for Today & Tomorrow also helps readers transform their dreams into reality. From simply practical to fabulously luxurious, this book is written specifically for do-it-yourselfers. Photographs of beautiful rooms are right alongside insider tips, detailed instructions on how to plan and design kitchens and bathrooms, as well as money-saving ideas that can be adapted to personal plans, clever do-it-yourself projects for each topic, hints and tips from professional designers, a glossary of terms, and a valuable resource guide for DIYers.
The book gives bathrooms and kitchens equal attention in their own sections. Both sections open with an introductory planning and design chapter specific to the room, and then move into detailed chapters discussing key elements of the room, including: walls, floors, ceilings, storage and display, lighting, fixtures and fittings, and ventilation. The kitchen sections also offers ideas to aid in food preparation and cleanup, and dining and hospitality. The photos, descriptions, facts, and details from Kitchens & Baths for Today & Tomorrow will help readers plan kitchen and bathroom projects wisely.

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Made to Measure: New Materials for the 21st Century Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a very delightful book. The author is excellent at covering technical details in a charming recounting of the evolutiion of ideas and his depth of knowledge is impressive. This was a labor of love and it shows in all the details. There are many pictures and graphics that compliment the text and these help to keep the reader pushing for more. It is a comprehensive yet story-like overview.Makes you feel well informed enough to consider designing smarter materials yourself........

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Building for a Lifetime: The Design and Construction of Fully Accessible Homes Review

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(More customer reviews)It really helps to lead you in the design and placement of all items and objects, as well as the general layout of you houseplan, rooms and location of house on lot, to make it more convenient and easier for you to get around no matter what your age, height, or physical strength is. It helps you decide the right height for switches, outlets, windows, etc., where they should be in proximity to doorways, beds, work zones, etc. It also gives a good discussion on types of lighting, why and where each is best suited, types of switches, step heights, ramp heights and lengths, the need for less steps, proposing the need to consider letting mechanical aids do the work rather than tired or frail and aging bodies. Helps lead you to the thoughts of doing your exercise in the gym and not be forced to do it in the house. Gives an excellent discussion of what and how for heating, air conditioning, lighting, everthing that goes into a house. It also gives excellent pointers as to what scales to use in creating your house plan drawings to avoid confusion and mistakes by the builder in implementing your plans. Compares accessible building standards to the currently accepted building standards and provides the reason for the departures from the norm. A lot of information is provided on the methods of testing and developing the standards that this text espouses, sort of like in depth and pragmatic time and motion studies. Much of this can be ignored by the reader, but for the doubters out there it does fully explain and support the standards and approaches provided.

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NATURAL HOUSE CATALOG: Where to Get Everything You Need to Create an Environmentally Friendly Home Review

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(More customer reviews)I have come to like this book as it has given me a zillion new ideas and especially where to find those things. Each section is organized with lot of colored pics of houses and brand products. Although the idea of mentioning the names of the companies which sell products in the end of a chapter is excellent but it needs updates. Many telephone numbers are incorrect or have changed, as I tried many of them. And there is NO MENTION OF WEBSITES at all which I find surprising. Most of these companies have websites now.
Overall a good book/guide to start with. And then move on to more specific catalogs/publications.

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The Natural House Catalog is more than a book, it's a movement!If you are looking to design a truly healthy home. The Natural House Catalog draws on the very latest environmentally sound technology, providing all the information you need to create and maintain your ideal living space. With the enormous number of materials, products, and services now offered, this book is the ideal reference.For easy accessibility, The Natural House Catalog is divided into two parts:Part One features over 100 Topic Pages, covering everything from water power to worm bias, thermal storage to feng shui. Completely illustrated in color and black and white, each page describes alternative systems, how to make them work efficiently, the most appropriate locations, and different available options. Also featured are full-color Shopper's Pages, which display a diverse range of obtainable products. Here you will find a variety of goods such as photovoltaics, paints, control devices, and candles, all fully credited to the manufacturer, retail outlet, or catalog.Part Two comprises the Directory, which combines suppliers, products, and resources. It is divided into sections for easy reference and contains up to 2,000 listings and advertisements. The Resource Pages cite groups, organizations, and publications offering more advice on specific topics. The Natural House Catalog is an indispensable and comprehensive source book that evokes and shares an optimistic vision for a brighter future and helps make that future accessible to all.

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Interior Designer's Portable Handbook Review

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(More customer reviews)This book is an excellent resource for my entire class of graduate students. It has a wealth of information, and is easy to take along to sites, classes, etc. There are even pages for you to take notes on. It is organized well and easy to follow. You won't find everything you ever needed to know (and didn't need to know), but you will find essential and most-used codes guidelines and dimensions for interior space.

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Organized in a modified CSI MasterFormat, this text covers initial planning and estimating through design and construction/installation. Included are materials and specifications checklists, quick references to applicable codes and standards, design data and typical details.

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The Green Studio Handbook: Environmental Strategies for Schematic Design Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a great book for anyone interested in designing sustainable buildings. There are 7 sections - envelope, lighting, heating, cooling, energy production, water and waste and case studies- with different strategies in each. The sections are very clear and explain what each strategy is, how it's achieved, the problems and design considerations for each. Also there are lots of diagrams, charts and real-world examples. I would highly recommend this book it is very easy to read and it makes what may seem like complicated sustainable systems, easy to implement into your own designs.

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