Here is a video describing the Fundamentals of Design, primarily focusing on branding. It is a great little synopsis of what we as architects think about but on a more grand and complex scale.
Source: Erica Gorochow

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.

It was awesome to be part of the Design Team and help the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization create a new educational and office facility. This past weekend was the Grand Opening. I gave building tours, ate cookies, and meet a ton of great people. Below is a video put together of the event by John Akre of the Minneapolis Television Network. We appreciate him taking the time to document the day!

And if you want to see some of the landscape features in action, check out this video by MWMO showing that ‘Green is Not an Afterthought’.

A simple idea turned into a non-profit organization dedicated to make a difference in urban environments. We are using ‘white roofing’ more and more as people become educated to the energy and financial impact not only for the building itself but to its surroundings as well. Learn more at The White Roof Project.

The layering of technology in our homes is inevitable and already occurring at an accelerated rate. We built our home only 8 years ago and some technologies I had anticipated have been passed up by others. Who knows were we will be in another 8 years? This video from Openarch takes a stab at that vision. Some fun (and silly) ideas ensue. Enjoy!

Openarch || FILM from Openarch on Vimeo.

Today we speak with Tom Graf, founder of Concrete Arts. Tom is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about concrete. His company is on the innovative edge with chemistry, finishes and the basic limits of concrete. A few questions discussed include:
-What is the history of concrete?
-What ways is concrete being used today?
-What types of finishes and sealers are available?
-Explain the sustainability of concrete.

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

This is Part 1 of a series where we take a 1920’s era house and transform it into modern and fresh home for an old friend… not that we are old! Follow along (subscribe!) as we face many design, budget and construction decisions as well as navigate through the process of remodeling in an urban setting.

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’.

We are in the final design stretch! The details need to be refined, actual materials selected and, most importantly, make sure we are on track with the budget. The preliminary drawings are out for pricing and we hope to move forward so construction can start right away in the spring. Click on the images to see some of the interior concepts.

Panelized and factory prepped, this 30 story hotel in China was built in 15 days… once on site. There was much design and prep time completed prior to pull this off. Impressive non-the-less. Take a look at the time-lapse video to see it happen.
Source: Huffington Post

I personally don’t get it… We are so fortunate to have clean water delivered right to several rooms in our homes and even to ports on the exterior, but still we pay extra and use resources for ‘better’ water. Is it really better -and what truly is the impact of our choices? Check out this video by ‘The Story of Stuff‘ that breaks down the debate.

I am not sure why, but I love furniture design. Maybe it’s because furniture is a focal-point accessory that you physically engage with. Maybe it is because I am constantly searching for something more inspiring then an over-stuffed Lazy-Boy I can relax in after a long day without the embarrassment of having a monstrosity in the Family Room. Whatever the case, take a look at some of the below efforts to ‘re-think’ the art of sitting. Click on the images to enlarge.

The Cube Pavilion
Made from various sizes of PVC pipe, this fulfills my wildest pipe dream…

And for those dying to sit down and take a load off, how about the Coffin Couch? These are, believe it or not, recycled? coffins turned into high-end seating.

How about a chair made from old computer parts? From BRC Designs, this electrifying design really flips my switch.

And for those who need a little help with their numbers, letters…and primary colors, we present the ABC123 chair! (another from BRC Designs- I need to contact these guys and see if they can make me a lounge chair from left over pizza boxes and a few empty beer bottles)