Tag Archives: Architecture

Magic and Mysticism in Scandinavian Vernacular Architecture – on Folklore, Superstition and on How the Gods Really Were in the Details…

Posted on December 30, 2012 by annamadeit

The urge to decorate is as old as mankind. Since time immemorial, adornments have served as status indicators, cultural and national insignia, as well as tribal trademarks. Heraldic badges and coats of arms mark political and familial affiliations, and entire … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, On Building, Scandinavia | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

HGTV is not Reality TV!

Posted on February 5, 2011 by annamadeit

With the arrival of computers and programs like Illustrator and Photoshop, the world experienced a flood wave of newly hatched “graphic designers”. Sure, they might be prodigious navigators of the above mentioned programs, but were they really putting out good … Continue reading →

Posted in Client Education, Creative pursuits, On Building, On Design | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What Color Should It Be?

Posted on January 24, 2011 by annamadeit

A friend of mine who is a realtor often gets asked by her clients what the latest color trends are. Good question, but in regards to architecture and interiors, it is pretty hard to answer in a satisfactory way. On … Continue reading →

Posted in Client Education, Color, On Design | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Designer Fees and How To Control Your Costs

Posted on January 22, 2011 by annamadeit

The fee structures of the architectural design world can be a bit confusing to clients, but there really is a method to the madness. Design and remodeling is an affair consisting of many layers, so there is a level of … Continue reading →

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Do I Really Need to Hire a Designer?

Posted on January 21, 2011 by annamadeit

Well,  that depends on your expectations…. I could list a long rant about years of training, practice and construction experience, but I’m not going to. Instead, I will tell you about some interesting DIY  and “undesigned” solutions I have seen … Continue reading →

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Cut your heating bill in half!

Posted on January 19, 2011 by annamadeit

Came across this wonderful solution to short growing seasons in the North! The architect Bengt Warne was w-a-y ahead of his time when he designed and built this house in 1976. Check it out here: http://inhabitat.com/naturhus-an-entire-house-wrapped-in-its-own-private-greenhouse/

Posted in Environment, Green Living | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How cool is this? Super-strong, über-green German building material!

Posted on January 12, 2011 by annamadeit

November 18, 2010 Sometimes, just considering the awe-inspiring properties of some of the new materials available on the market, offers an exhilarating exercise in beautiful possibilities! For the collective benefit of us all, brilliant engineers at the German company Consido … Continue reading →

Posted in Cool building materials, Green Living | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

R.I.P David Niland

Posted on January 12, 2011 by annamadeit

26 September 2010 Sometimes Regret hits you right in the solar plexus and sends you reeling in a way that is absolutely merciless, and without even a remote chance of remedy. About six months ago, I was cleaning out files. … Continue reading →

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Plug your cell phone into your solar curtain!

Posted on January 12, 2011 by annamadeit

1 August 2010 Shield your windows and collect solar energy to power your home at the same time! An ingenious concept first launched by Sweden-based Interactive Studios in 2005, as the Energy Curtain, a window shade that is specially woven … Continue reading →

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