Here’s a quick video of how I finished our concrete floor with no sealer!

Are you interested in being an architect? This video documentary ‘Archiculture’ shows what Design Studio life is like on a college campus. I have to say… it is so accurate to my experience that I had knots in my stomach. On one hand I missed those times and on the other, man, I am glad that is over! The chaos, camaraderie and the finding of one’s own skill and design philosophy is shown in its raw glory. Frankly, I wish everyone would watch this documentary to gain an understanding of our chosen career…and passion.

Source: Arbuckle Industries

Yep -that’s right. Someone actually wanted to ask me questions about architecture! WisconsinRealEstate.com, a web based resource for all things real estate, wanted information about working with an architect on a residential project. There are always so many facets that go into designing a home with the biggest variable being the Clients themselves. Everyone sees things, expresses things, wants and needs things differently so for me, the structure of the design process is somewhat loose. I describe it like a road map to get from Point A to Point B but there can be many different routes. Always an adventure!

The article is called ‘How an Architect Designs Your Home’. Check it out!

It had been a while since my last video discussion with Scott Glowe of St Croix Insulation. We are specifying more and more spray foam insulation in our projects and thought it would be great to have a conversation with Scott about the product. Some off the things we discuss are:

-What is spray foam insulation?
-How does it compare to other types of insulation?
-How is it applied and in what applications?
-What are the costs and benefits of spray foam insulation?

Feel free to contact Scott through his website or via email at scott@stcroixinsulation.com
Icynene website

Please subscribe to these podcasts also via iTunes. Search for the title Design and Other Fun Stuff.

The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization is a past Client and are experts in everything water. With winter on the way, they have put this video together on tips to keep salt and other pollutants out of our streams and rivers. Great information!

As if I can’t find enough ways to embarrass myself… I was asked to be part of a panel to discuss Social Media at the AIA Minnesota Convention this week. While I mainly focused on the ‘Weblog’ and Twitter, I put this video together equating Social Media to being invited to a party. My 12 year-old daughter helped pull this together. We added most of sound in later as we discovered the microphone battery was dead… so I may have pushed the Foley a bit! Enjoy!

Options for Approaching Social Media from michael huber architects on Vimeo.

Also, I tested out an egg timer thingy with my old GoPro. Below is a brief timelapse of the start of the seminar. GoPro Hero 3 Black on order!

Seminar TimeLapse from michael huber architects on Vimeo.

Today we speak with Mike Langer from Langer Construction about the mysterious gas ‘Radon’. A few questions discussed include:

-What is Radon gas and where does it come from?
-How does Radon get into our homes and what are the health risks?
-What are a few misconceptions?
-How do you test for Radon and what do the various levels mean?
-What are the options for removing the gas from your home?

Feel free to contact Mike Langer at 651-261-1830
Dave Langer at 612-987-1878
or email Dave at langer427@gmail.com

Please subscribe to these podcasts also via iTunes. Search for the title ‘Design & Other Fun Stuff’.

Today we speak with Chris Matson from Environmental Landscape Management, Inc. A few questions discussed include:

-What is your approach and philosophy to landscape design?
-Walk me through the process of working on a landscape project.
-Are you seeing trends to a more ‘natural’ landscape vs traditional or formal?
-How do you integrate the design/plant selections with the site and architecture?

Feel free to contact Chris at 715-386-7100
or email him at chris@elmonline.com

Please subscribe to these podcasts also via iTunes. Search for the title ‘Design & Other Fun Stuff’.

Today we speak with Bill Gautsche III of Pella Windows and Doors. Bill guides us in understanding what is important when selecting windows for your project. A few questions discussed include:
-What are the basic components that make up a quality window?
-What are the different types of windows?
-Clarify the difference of R-value versus U-value.
-What options are there for glass and what is important to be aware of?
-How are windows installed? New construction versus replacing existing units.
-What future technologies do you see related to windows?

Resources can be found at:
Pella and HERE for information and installation videos

Please subscribe to these podcasts also via iTunes. Search for the title ‘Design & Other Fun Stuff’.

After years of trial and error I have finally settled on a handful of pens that are my favorites. Take a look at the video and below are the links to the specific ones I discuss.

Pentel EnerGel
Sharpie
Pilot Varsity
Pigma Micron
Pilot Bravo

What is a septic system and how does it work? A spontaneous interview with an out of focus camera and on a windy (noisy) day. I couldn’t pass up talking with Ken of Ken’s Septic.

I am working on a new facility for the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (see MWMO Project Update posts). While attending some meetings at their current office space, I saw the instructions and ‘fixins’ for Alice’s Wonder Spray – an environmentally safe cleaning spray you can make yourself inexpensively. I mixed up a batch and brought it home. It is amazing. I don’t worry about toxic or abrasive chemicals with this and it cleans! It even took some stains off my exterior siding without dulling the finish. Unfortunately, I don’t know Alice’s story but print out the label below, stick on a spray bottle and mix some up in her honor!