10 Classic Misconceptions of Architects

While every profession contains certain stereotypes, architects tend to be right up there with engineers when it comes to misconstrued notions. 

When you think of an architect, what is the first thing that comes to mind? We bet it is one of these top ten classic misconceptions that we have compiled below. While every profession contains certain stereotypes (and some may be valid), architects tend to be right up there with engineers when it comes to misconstrued notions.
Look at our list of ten classic misconceptions of architects to see if any are ones you hold, and perhaps consider if these are truly valid ideas or are they are myths that need to be debunked?

Look at our list of ten classic misconceptions of architects. Consider if these are truly valid ideas or perhaps they are myths that need to be debunked? Image Source: Hammer and Hand

1) Architecture Is For Men

There are so many misconceptions of architects, but perhaps this is the first one that should be debunked. While it is true that architecture is a male-dominated field, it is not true that it is a career solely for men.
Great female architects are finally getting their due attention with female architects such as Teresa Borsuk receiving the 2015 Woman Architect of the Year award.  Women certainly have a place in this field of design.

While it is true that architecture is a male-dominated field, it is not true that it is a career solely for men. Image Source: Manson

 2) Architects Are Wealthy

Sadly, this is not true. Despite the years of hardwork in school, all of their studies do not pay off in the sense of the bank balance. Despite the mainstream thought, architects are not paid like doctors, they earn a good income, but not one that will make them wealthy.
The median annual wage in 2013 was $74, 110 USD, with the top 10% earning $119,370 USD annually, and the bottom 10% earning $44, 930 USD annually. As you can see, you will certainly not be poor, but you won’t be wealthy either.

Despite the mainstream thought, architects are not paid like doctors, they earn a good income, but not one that will make them wealthy. 

 3) Architects Are Builders

Architects use tools but not hammers. Architects design the buildings, they do not build them. Their designs and blueprints are passed off to the builders/developers who then bring the design to fruition.
Yes, this requires a close relationship between the architects and the builders, but the final structure is created by the developer/builder. Should we mention the salary of a developer? No, that might depress the architects reading this.

Architects use tools but not hammers. Architects design the buildings, they do not build them.

 4) Architects Are James Bond Cool

While many architects don’t want us to debunk this classic misconception—everyone wants to be sleek and cool like James Bond—but architects are not the eccentric, cool, cigar smoking characters that the general public has envisioned them to be.
Sorry, they are just average people like the rest of us, sitting at desks (perhaps in a cubicle), hunched over computers, and usually working on the minute details of a project.

Architects are not the eccentric, cool, cigar smoking characters that the general public has envisioned them to be.

 5) Architects Are Introverts

Wrong! Architects can’t afford to be introverts—their design ideas would never leap from blueprint to reality if they were quiet and shy.

In order to have their designs accepted and taken seriously, and to have the builders follow their designs—architects must be loud and proud.  A shy architect will struggle in this field since the job relies heavily on communication skills with clients, designers, builders, contractors, public etc…

In order to have their designs accepted and taken seriously, and to have the builders follow their designs—architects must be loud and proud. 

 6) It Is A Glamorous Job

Becoming the next Frank Lloyd Wright seems glamorous, right? Yes, it must have been glamorous to be a famous architect who created some of the most ingenious structures, but this is not the reality for the everyday architect.
Most architects are busy working out the details; meeting city officials; trying to leap through bureaucratic red tape; dealing with building codes; constrained by a client’s budget, or visiting contractor sites—nothing about these tasks is glamorous. While some architects do have the chance to travel, it is not as common as some may think.

While it may be glamorous to be a famous architect, this is not the reality for the everyday architect. Image Source: Markoff-Fullerton

 7) Architects Are Creative Artists

While many architects entering school think they need amazingly creative artistic skills—it is simply not a job requirement. Architects do need to be creative problem solvers, but they don’t need the skills of Picasso.
In fact, a lot of their work involves basic geometry skills which are by no means creative. And Computer Aided Design (CAD) has pretty much taken over the pencil and paper, so most times architects are hunched over computers rather than drawing their own design.

Architects do need to be creative problem solvers, but they don’t need the skills of Picasso. 

 8) Architects Work Alone

Like most projects—architecture is not the work of one sole person—it takes a team. There are usually dozens of people involved in the larger projects (interns, modelers, the CAD designers, people in the field etc)
While most design firms have a managing principle: a person who facilitates the design; they are not usually the actual designers. Rather it is the lower totem staff who create the design, but sometimes the managing principle becomes ‘The Architect” who designed said building.  We see how this could be frustrating for the rest of the team. Just know that when you read in a magazine about ‘so and so was the architect’ , there was probably a lot more people involved than that one person mentioned in the article.

Like most projects—architecture is not the work of one sole person—it takes a team.

 9) Architects Can Get You The Materials

Architects design, as we mentioned above, they are not the builders of their designs; therefore, they are not brokers for the materials used in a project.
They can only suggest which materials are best suited for the design, and perhaps mention a possible source of such material to the builders, but the builders probably already have their own  material sources, and perhaps their own ideas of what materials will work best.

Architects design, as we mentioned above, they are not the builders of their designs— they are not brokers for the materials used in a project.

 10) All Architects Are Equally Qualified

They all went to school to get the same degree, right? So they should all be equally qualified for the task at hand? Wrong. Yes, architecture is a science, but there are numerous ideologies that can change the way an individual firm approaches your job.
Look to their individual past experiences: What are they predominant in–Commercial or housing or green design etc? Ask how they approach a job, what is their workflow process, what do their past projects look like? No two architects or architectural firms are alike, so choose one that best suits your individual needs.

Architecture is a science, but there are numerous ideologies that can change the way an individual firm approaches your job. Image Source: DTC Portland

Wow! There are a lot of misconceptions about architects. Do any of these ring true for you?  We think that despite all the ups and downs of this field of study, architecture still remains an amazing job whereby you can become well-known for your unique and creative design abilities.
What do you think the most common misconception of architects is?

Read more: http://freshome.com/10-classic-misconceptions-of-architects/#ixzz3XDFvyxgp
 

For consultations: www.architectwhyte.com

How Modern Transit and Highways Affect Property Values

BEEP! BEEP! Do you hear that everyday? Whether you are hurrying along your daily commute, or whether you live adjacent to a busy highway— the stress and noise of modern transit seem unavoidable.

While new highways are great for commuters, they are not so great for those whose homes are impacted by traffic and noise pollution.
We already know that highways can impact the value of your property, as well as other neighboring communities. The resulting noise, smog, and traffic that comes with a highway obviously has a major impact on property value and quality of life.
Although, highways are not all bad news, new transit ways can actually increase property values and improve traffic flow.
So, let’s look a little further into some of the ways modern roadways are affecting our way of life. After all, modern transit is only growing more popular as population skyrockets and more people squeeze into busy cities.

While the views may be great, living in the city brings with it traffic and highway noise/pollution. Image Source: JT Living

The Closer You Are The Better?

As was mentioned above, noise from a busy highway has a seriously negative impact on property value. This would seem especially true for individuals whose property is closer to the highway. However, the opposite may be the case— statistical models from one transit rail study  showed that with every meter a house was located to a particular railway station, property values went up by $2.29. While this doesn’t seem like much, the study showed that houses immediately adjacent to the stations sold for 38% more.
So is closer always better?  Is there some truth to the classic economic theory—when a highway is initially built, large parcels of land that previously had poor accessibility – or none at all – are suddenly undervalued?   Yes, it seems intuitive that if you go from limited transit access to immediate proximity of modern transit, then your home value will increase.
However, let’s say a highway was not present during the time your home was purchased or built—wouldn’t the introduction of a busy highway decrease your property value? Well, the answer is— it depends. This study on property values and highway expansions shows that home values depend on numerous factors such as proximity, noise, emissions, vibrations etc… Simply put, it’s complicated.

You may be surprised to discover that closer proximity to transit stations may drastically increase your property value. Image Source: CSS Architecture

Highways Create Land-Locked Issues

Highways can also create what is known as a land-locked situation. This situation can also decrease the value of a particular property. This is mostly due to its lack of appeal for buyers when they have to find an alternate route into the property.
A land-locked property occurs when the Department of Transportation (DOT) turns a ‘back road’ into a highway. Most often, this happens in rural areas where DOT decides to put a highway through a current farm or farm road. After all, expansion is the name of the game, right? And a new highway usually means the future encroachment of big cities into the suburbs.
When DOT does this, individuals may not be able to access their properties as they once had. They may have to go through neighbors’ properties or find new routes.
When a property cannot be easily accessed by the owner, it decreases the property value—nobody wants to invest money into a property they cannot get to without a hassle. On the flip side, access to a new highway may drastically increase the value of surrounding homes. It’s all about perspective.

What happens when the the big city encroaches on your quiet home? Landlocked issues and city encroachment are a source of frustration to many homeowners. Image Source: Eladgonen

Increased Traffic, Decreased Safety

Obviously, a highway brings more traffic to the area. While this is a positive impact from a business perspective, it can be a  negative impact in a residential community. Areas that have been looked at as being good family neighborhoods may not hold this appeal once a highway is put in.
Highways bring a lot of vehicles driving at various speeds. Homeowners, particularly those with children, will find this unappealing when purchasing a home. If a home is already built in a area and then a highway comes in, it becomes less appealing, for safety reasons.
Parents want to know that their kids can play in the yard without having to worry about a 6-car pile up, or drunk drivers, or vehicles traveling at high rates of speed. Not to mention, the new accessibility of your home to devious people.  All of these factors will make home values decline and make it hard to sell
Try to protect your assets by investigating future city plans before buying. If it is already too late and the highway has been constructed, then be creative with exterior home designs such as fences, gated courtyards, water falls to drown out noise, security and green walls that beautify and act as sound barriers.

Drown out the sounds of the highway and city-life with a stone barrier wall and water fall. Image Source: Lombardi Design

Highways Can Have a Positive Impact on Property Value

As mentioned above, not all properties are negatively impacted by highways. In fact, there are several situations where highways can actually increase property value. This is particularly true for commercial areas.
Commercial properties that have limited access can benefit from the addition of a highway. More people passing through, equals more business.
Of course, this increased exposure increases the profits of the business and the property value.  You do, however, want to make sure that when the highway is put in that your business can be easily and safely accessed. You may want to talk with city planners to discuss whether your business needs a traffic light, as safety and available parking can make the difference between a person dropping in, or driving on by.

Not all properties are negatively impacted by highways. In fact, there are several situations where highways can actually increase property value. Image Source: RNW Construction

As you can see, there are numerous ups and downs to having a property near a major highway. There are so many factors to consider, and whether your home value goes up or down truly depends on accessibility, noise, location, safety and emissions etc…
When purchasing a new home it is important to take into consideration the transit ways and highways around the property. If there is plans for a major highway, it could cause some noise issues, causing your property value to decrease. On the other hand if there are plans for a new transit station that makes the big-city commute more accessible, you could watch your property values soar!
Are you living near a busy highway? If so, do you love it or hate it?

Read more: http://freshome.com/how-modern-transit-and-highways-affect-property-values/#ixzz3WdYrySLZ

Thank you for reading with me at: www.architectwhyte.com. Follow us at: +Leighton Whyte 

How To Identify Toxins In Your Home

It’s only natural to want to protect your home against toxins. Image Via: Skyring Architects

The idea of identifying toxins in your home can be scary. Especially with all the media hype that seems to occur around so-called “toxic materials” that may cause cancer our other illnesses.
It only makes sense that you would want to keep your family safe and healthy. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to prepare for finding potentially toxic material at some point during the course of your homeownership.

We’ve outlined some of the most common causes of toxins that occur in residential properties, as well as how to find them and remediate them. Give this article a read and keep it somewhere easily accessible. You never know when you may want to refer back to it in the future.

A keen eye and a little research can do wonders for remedying toxins. Image Via: Amanda Alligood

Look Out For Mold

Mold is the most common toxin found in residential homes. It’s a fungus that is caused when moisture repeatedly comes into contact with the building components of your property and, if left untreated, can cause health problems and structural damage.
The easiest way to identify mold is to use your senses. Keep an eye out for black, white, or green growths, especially in areas where there are visible leaks and/or water droplets. Mold is also associated with a persistent damp smell, so you may be able to sniff it out.
Small amounts of mold can be banished with home remedies. Scrub the spot with bleach until it’s gone and immediately set about fixing the leak. However, extensive patches or toxic mold, which can be difficult to differentiate but often has a slimy appearance, needs to be treated by a professional.

Seal sources of moisture to protect against mold. Image Via: Slifer Designs

Test for Radon

Radon is an orderless invisible gas that has been proven to cause lung cancer. It’s particularly dangerous because since you can’t see, smell or taste it, it’s possible that you and your family could breathe it in for an extended time without knowing. New buyers should definitely ask for the test in their inspection contingencies and even homeowners could benefit from having one done every few years.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it’s caused by a natural yet radioactive breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. As the uranium breaks down, it seeps into the air.
Luckily, radon can be easily tested for by professionals. If your test results show a rating of  4 pCi/L or higher, you’ll need to treat it by having a radon reduction system installed in your home.

Learn About Asbestos

You’ve probably heard horror stories about asbestos, but in the interest of covering basics, the term refers to a flame-retardant form of insulation that was almost exclusively used in homes from the 1920’s – 1970’s. However, we now know that prolonged exposure to the fibers can lead to lung cancer.
If you’re in the market for an older home, there may likely be asbestos present in the household materials, especially around HV/AC ducts, siding, and certain types of linoleum flooring. Thankfully, sellers are required to disclose its existence, but don’t hesitate to ask questions.
It’s important to note that you should never attempt to remove asbestos on your own. Intact insolation is usually non-toxic, but once thee fibers are damaged, hazardous materials will be introduced to the air. Hire a professional who knows how to handle a removal properly.

Don’t hesitate to test for radon before buying a new property. Image Via: Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

Protect Against Toxic Sources

Though the three toxins listed above are the main ones that every homeowner needs to be aware of, they are certainly not the only ones in existence. Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to keep your home healthy.

Since many toxins are transported through the air, air quality is a huge factor in protecting your home against Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). Especially if your loved ones are prone to allergies, it may be worth it to invest in an air filter to help keep things purified.

The products that you buy for your home are also important in creating a healthy home. Whenever possible, it’s best to buy natural products that are made without harsh chemicals. If price is also a concern, feel free to look into sites like Pinrest for tutorials on how to make your own all-natural products for a fraction of the cost.

Cleaning your home with natural products will also help reduce toxic risk. Image Via: Homes by Avi

Since toxic materials have been linked to instances of cancer and other illnesses, it’s important to protect ourselves against exposure. Fortunately, by doing a little research and keeping a close eye on your home, it’s possible to identify toxins and treat them before they become a larger issue. We’ve listed some of the most common types of toxins found in residential homes. Feel free to use this article as a resource for now and well into the future.

Do you have any questions about toxins that you’d like for us to answer? Have you ever encountered toxic materials in your home? Let us know in the comments below.

Read more: http://freshome.com/2015/03/26/how-to-identify-toxins-in-your-home/#ixzz3Vb9TpKR7

For local architectural consultations: www.architectwhyte.com

Why Going Back In Time Will Make You A Better Architect

Image Source: Far Horizons 

We live in a world where it’s an understatement to say that things move fast. We desire and have even 

come to expect instant efficiency, if not constant entertainment. With the sheer amount of technology 

waiting at our fingertips at any given moment, it’s not hard to understand why when it comes to creativity, 

the age of having absolutely everything can make inspiration a bit muddled.

For those who love and aspire to contribute to the world of architecture, this is also a common theme. Between the pressure to create beyond anyone’s wildest imagination and still come up with something that’s functional in society, it’s hard to find a place to stand, let alone build.

When you come to the place where your passion for architecture starts fading in place of technology and the pressure of global competition— it becomes important to step back for a minute and look to the past. Yes, looking back in time can make you a better architect and can help you rediscover your passion for design. Reminding yourself of what has been gives you a foundation for the future. It’s a necessary pause for every architect to remind themselves of what inspiration in the field truly looks like.

This article will take you back in time, so to speak. So, take a break from all your designs for just a moment and reflect upon the real reason that you became an architect—your passion for great design.

Image Source: E-Architect

Looking to the Greats

The beauty of architecture, and those who create it, is that their work becomes an enduring part of the world everybody lives in. The essence of their creativity lives on in stone and design whether passerby’s realize it or not. It becomes a part of everybody’s scenery and looking back to the greats can be a vital step in remembering where genius really comes from and how it flourishes.

Antoni Gaudi is perhaps the best example of extended creativity. As an architect, he wasn’t afraid to mix style in an attempt to revere traditional values. A devout catholic whom one might assume would stick to rigid structure, he instead willingly delved into structures that captured the best of Spanish Late Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau to celebrate the faith he loved.

He also didn’t only design for the here and now. In fact, his cathedral titled Sagrada Familia began in 1882 and is so complex, it’s not expected to be finished until approximately 2026.  Take a moment to look back to the great architects of the past for inspiration—there is a reason people travel the world to catch a glimpse of their historic work.

Works by Antoni Gaudi are truly forms of art. Image Source: Arch Daily

Architects with a Meaning and a Message

For some it may be enough to be a good architect, but those who have a true passion for this art will find themselves wondering what it takes to be phenomenal. Great architects leave a mark on the world through their design, and often those designs carry some sort of message.

It is possible to put meaning into design in a technology-driven world, it just takes a patience and perseverance that requires dedication. In the world of architecture, this means designing with a message in mind. Before you sit down and begin to draw it out, ask yourself what you want it to convey. When you look back at those great architects of yesterday, can you clearly identify their messages?

It may come down to actually writing out your message or design meaning before you even begin to measure lines. Having a concrete idea of what it is your are setting out to say will help your structure growing into a creation that speaks to those who lay eyes upon it. What is it that you are trying to tell the world through your designs?

What do you suppose is the message that Gaudi is trying to convey in this amazing architecture that he created? 

Image Source: Wikipedia

Designs with a Purpose

Architecture lends itself to aesthetic appeal. Half of the job is creating something beautiful enough to capture the attention of practically everyone. However, the fear and downfall in this is that while it’s possible to create something stunning, it can equally be created in a void of purpose. Is beauty the only purpose of your design, or is there a deeper message that you want top convey?
For this reason, it’s important that architects train themselves to be above all, superior communicators. If you cannot look at what you are designing and fluidly state what’s its purpose in the world is, than you cannot expect anyone else to either.
The ability to communicate purpose in architecture becomes more important as cities grow, competition in the field increases and pressure to design quickly and efficiently becomes the common demand. In moments where purpose is threatened, it’s imperative that an architect step back, examine what exactly he or she is doing, and be able to clearly articulate that purpose. Once this is established, something truly remarkable can be created.

The purpose of architecture is as important as its aesthetic appeal. Image Source: Global Site Plans

Are you Telling your Story?

If your heart is set on architecture, but you’re struggling to figure out your niche or creative path, never hesitate to ask yourself the important questions. Are you willing to tell your story to the world? Great architects are able to infuse their work with their own passion.

What they feel and what they want to say is visible in their design and the purpose is clear. Going into architecture is a test of artistic communication and a willingness to dedicate the time it takes to create something that will eventually be considered timeless.

Make sure you’ve asked yourself the right questions before you enter lightly into a world that can quickly decline into design chaos— one that is controlled by technology and instantaneous gratification.

The Montezuma Castle in Arizona certainly tells a story of ancient civilizations and how they lived. 

Image Source: Arizona Ruins

Once you’ve taken the necessary steps to look back to the greats who have come before, examined their messages and determined your own architectural purpose, you’ll be ready to set off on an adventure that could lead you around the globe.

Architecture is a unique and stunning field that can be full of inspiration, if only you know where to find it.
What is your inspiration for design? Who are the greats that you admire?

Source: http://freshome.com/2015/02/23/why-going-back-in-time-will-make-you-a-better-architect/#ixzz3Sgzz1ZTF

For local architectural services or help with your own landmark project please visit: www.architectwhyte.com

 

At your service: 10 tips for becoming a successful urban consultant

Once considered the world's "master builders", architects are gradually being edged out by an ever-expanding, nebulous body of advisors.

Faced with their waning position in the global economy, architects must find new and unconventional strategies to regain lost ground. The city as a recently discovered domain of knowledge provides the perfect opportunity.

From smart cities, to connected communities, mayoral insecurity and corporate social "responsibility", here's how to make a buck in the new urban economy, where everybody can be a consultant:

1. Frequently attend conferences. Don't mingle with members of your profession, but find the odd mayor looking for answers. Inevitably he or she will be disappointed. Make animated conversation, tell him or her you share their frustrations. Appear to be listening.

Emphasize the limited value of established professional approaches in today's world; dismiss them as crude generalizations not equipped to deal with contemporary issues.

Present your own approach, rooted in particular experiences – your experiences. Upon parting, hand over your business card and politely suggest the two of you join forces and find a reason to "collaborate".

Appear to be listening

 

2. Let no less than 10 and no more than 21 days pass before you, or rather your company, sends a letter, reminding the mayor of your meeting. Give him or her credit for the suggestion to "work together", thereby elevating your own suggestion to the status of an official invite.

You can then offer to visit the city in order to conduct an X-ray of its problems. Offer to pay for your own travel. (This will be the last non-reimbursable expense.)

3. When visiting the city, start by paying compliments. Of course, the essence of your presence is to be critical, but it may be wise to – at least for a while – prolong the suspense. Let people guess what it is exactly that you have to offer.

On your first visit as an advisor (don't ever admit that it is your first visit altogether), say you are "touched by the city's history, culture and spirit". In spite of "recent setbacks", the city's vitality seems irrepressible. (Make sure that most of your compliments pertain to the city's people and not to the city itself.) Don't go as far as to suggest that the city might not need your advice, but use your complimentary observations as the first subtle disclaimer of the validity of any eventual recommendations.

4. Then, casually observe the remarkable similarity between the place that you are visiting and other places. This is the first moment when you start becoming an authority. Find a good city to reference, preferably one far away and not particularly well known.

In picking a city, draw from personal experiences. Take a city you once worked in. Trumpet the unsung qualities of that city. The experience you "bring to the table" doesn't have to be strictly limited to work; a short period of residence or even a history of repeated visits will also do.

You become the source you quote.

 

Still, in terms of credible advice, there is nothing like using one's own home town as the ultimate reference. As soon as the subject at hand can be related to childhood memories, all professional advice turns personal.

You become the source you quote.

5. Your value as a consultant relies on the extent to which others credit you for being able to predict the future. Signal a shared transformation process between the city you have selected as a reference and the city you are serving. Claim that process has evolved slightly further in the city of reference.

The present condition of the city of reference then becomes a sneak preview of the future condition of the city you are serving. All that needs to be done is follow the course of a path already carved out.

6. In order to prevent having to reinvent the wheel for every new job, make sure the objectives and aspirations you advocate are universally applicable. Make sure nothing you cite as a potential result of your work can be measured or quantified.

In consultancy terms: the more the indices of success and failure are interchangeable, the better. Avoid talking about form; talk about principles. Avoid all references to the physical. Instead, talk about regeneration, vibrant communities, public realm, cooperative planning, neighborhoods, family life, health... All these phenomena will, in some form or fashion, already be in place. The good thing is that later you will be able to claim them as a result of your work.

 

The more the indices of success and failure are interchangeable, the better

7. Avoid writing. Insist on giving verbal advice. Present this approach as a means to limit the client's financial expenditure on you. When writing becomes an inescapable part of your deliverables, avoid a narrative, stick to bullet points (Microsoft PowerPoint offers a wide array of choices).

Make sure to insert "help to endeavour" in front of every verb. Unless you stumble across a major breakthrough which you want to claim as your own (the chances of which are slim), do not insist on taking credit for your work. In fact it is preferable to shield yourself by having your deliverables carry a brand other than your own. You don't want to limit business. Future clients may not necessarily share the same interests as the present one.

8. As a final disclaimer, insist that – your recommendations notwithstanding – each place is unique and should devise its own specific solutions to its own specific problems.

Again, pay extensive compliments to the city you are serving. Speak of its unlimited potential. Only this time widen the perspective: reference other cities in the country, not as models, but as a source of inspiration.

Don't hesitate to invoke national pride. It can be a rich source of future work.

9. Manage your itinerary. Plan appointments elsewhere by the time your recommendations could materialise. In case they do not materialise, also plan appointments elsewhere.

10. Invoice early and invoice often.

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Reinier de Graaf is a partner in the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) where he directs the work of AMO, the research and design studio established as a counterpart to OMA's architectural practice.

Design Workshop: Modern Handrail Details

What to know about material, shape and customizable options when designing a handrail

To find the essence of something and express it honestly with as few elements as possible is something designers aspire to. The sheer number of decisions to be made when designing a home dictates that some items be no more than they’re required to be, but the notion that design should get out of the way is a paradox of sorts. The outwardly simple often consumes disproportionately more design labor to execute.

In the design of stairs and their details, informed minimalism makes good sense. We prioritize safety and function first and foremost, and our building codes dictate many of the dimensions we must use. The width, tread run, riser height, guardrail and handrail conventions, and even a handrail’s cross section and circumference are regulated. Within those safety and functional constraints, the following modern examples still manage to delight the senses.

As a general rule, a handrail is required in residential construction on any stair with three or more risers. It must be present on at least one side of the stair at a minimum height of 34 inches but no more than 38 inches above the front of the tread.

Stairs exceeding 30 inches in height and open on one side also require a guardrail. Typically guardrails are required to be 42 inches high with openings no larger than 4 inches in diameter. Many jurisdictions allow the handrail assembly to double as a guardrail, as it does in this image, in which case it can be positioned at handrail height (34 to 38 inches). (Consult your local code requirements; they may be more stringent than this.) Where possible, this is the preferred method, because there are fewer overall parts required.

The basic decisions regarding any handrail design fall into a few general categories.

• Custom, standardized, hybrid: Will the design be tailored to a specific design goal, or will it be made of standardized components, or both?
• Material: Wood, metal, glass, rope, hybrid
• Shape: Round, rectangular, square, custom
• Support: Brackets, wall, floor, self-supporting, hybrid

Custom Solutions


Because stairs are inherently unique elements, they often require a customized design to ensure that a project’s precise design objectives can be met. In tight spaces, custom solutions make the most sense, because they maximize the functionality within the given parameters.

The stair shown here is openly expressive of the code constraints dictating its design. The last 30 inches of the stair don’t require a guardrail, so it has been omitted, opening up the space. The handrail, however, is required to be uninterrupted for the full run, so it continues on. It has also been designed to conceal the functional need for lighting the stairway.

Choosing a custom solution doesn’t necessarily rule out the use of standardized components, like the flat bar stock comprising the handrail supports in this design. It only marries them more precisely to the design condition. Using standard-size components helps to make it more affordable.

Material

Selecting a material that supports the overall aesthetic sensibility of the project is important. I think material decisions should reflect a certain overall design logic — all the hardware is metal, or all the walking surfaces are wood — something that gives the material a reason for being. Other considerations that might inform material choice are its tactile qualities. Handrails are one of those elements that we touch all the time, so they’re a great place for an upgrade to a more luxurious material. A warm, oiled wood is an excellent choice.

Metal is popular because it’s easily fabricated and worked into the twists and turns of stairs. It also has a slender profile, so it has minimal visual weight. Raw steel can be oiled and waxed, and is appreciated for its natural imperfections.

Metal can be polished, sandblasted or brushed for varying levels of refinement. The modernist in me always prefers to highlight the natural properties of the material rather than conceal them. In other words, forget the paint.

Iron and galvanized pipe sections don’t fit with every interior palette, but when they do, they’re one of the most economical choices available — easily sourced and installed.

Glass is a minimalist solution, especially when it can double as the guard and handrail.

Wood is especially great for straight stair runs. Complex stair geometries and wood are compatible, but this choice certainly is not economical. Makers of products like Bendywood have sought to address the complex bending requirements of convoluted stair handrails, but twisting stair runs are still laborious and expensive endeavors in wood.

Mixing metal and wood allows the strengths of each to be maximized. Use steel where its lightness and strength can be put to work, and wood where its tactile qualities can be appreciated.

Material options are virtually limitless. Here a cable from a ski lift has been repurposed.

An informal and perhaps slightly less practical version of the previous example, rope can be appropriate in some cases.

Shape

Wed to the material choice is the question of cross-section or shape. Most people find round profiles to be the most comfortable. Square and flat follow on the comfort scale. Care should be taken to ease any sharp corners. For round profiles, codes mandate a minimum cross-section diameter of 1¼ inches, not to exceed 2 inches. For other shapes they specify a minimum perimeter of 4 inches but no greater than 6¼ inches and a maximum cross section of 2¼ inches.

Support

When you’re choosing the support system for the handrail, the location will come into play. Less than 30 inches off the adjacent floor, this handrail is designed to support itself and provide a basic level of protection without the guardrail’s design restrictions. Self-supporting handrails reduce the usable width of a stair, however, so they’re usually not for confined spaces. They can make great retrofit and outdoor options, though. A number of the previous examples we’ve seen are self-supporting and by nature are more open. But perhaps the most common support when a stair has walls confining it is the bracket.

The choice among off-the-shelf brackets can be overwhelming, but they’re usually the least expensive of the options. I typically specify brackets made of solid metal, either cast or fabricated. I find that these actually give you a sense for the material’s thickness and weight; they look and feel substantial. This example features exposed fasteners that add a fine layer of detail and honestly express its means of attachment.

Concealed mounting brackets are another option when the look of expressed fasteners isn’t right. There are a couple of ways a concealed mounting is typically achieved. One is to rely on concealed bolts anchored to blocking placed inside the wall before it’s finished. One can picture how the pieces would be assembled. The bracket would slide over the wall anchor like a sleeve followed by the handrail supports sliding in from the side, and finally secured in place with a set screw.

Another method would be to face-mount the brackets to the wall substrate before it’s finished and cut the finish to fit around it. With gypsum board and plaster finishes, this is relatively straightforward (although finishing around the brackets is tricky).

Both methods involve additional expense, but of the two, the sleeved bracket is generally simpler and less expensive.

There are ways to achieve the concealed look without unnecessarily complicating the construction sequencing. If you keep the materials thin and light and use a surface-mounted tab, much of the aesthetic lightness will be maintained without the additional expense.

Here’s a similar tab design viewed from a different angle. This one has been designed to receive a wood cap rail as the final finish (note the countersunk hole to the left).

 

The viewing angle can conceal face-mounted brackets too. This one has a single mounting lag hidden below the bracket. Seen from above, the bracket appears to disappear into the wall.

There are countless other off-the-shelf options available with concealed fastening too, such as this one from Halliday Baillie. Other good-quality manufacturers are: Linnea, FSB, Deltana, Merit and Julius Blum. What you trade in ease of installation, you pay for in hardware; these brackets are about $100 each.

When sourcing handrail brackets, consider the shape of the bottom edge of the rail material. Less expensive brackets feature flat plates, because they’re easier to fabricate. If your handrail’s cross section is round, this will naturally limit your choices.

There are plenty of glass-mounting options for handrails. My default glass attachment system is made by C.R. Laurence. It has a kit-of-parts feel and a visible logic to it that I quite like.

If a protruding handrail just doesn’t do it for you and you have the room (and budget), consider a recessed rail, which gets out of the way like no other. While building codes allow the handrail to project into the required minimum width of the stair, this design will make your overall stair width even wider. This is because you’re still required to maintain the 36-inch minimum width and also provide the handrail clearances within the recess. It’s not a space saver, but it does fit a space with clean lines. The architect here has in a sense carved the rail cavity out of the same wood used for the cap.

Calling less attention to itself, this regress is painted to match the wall. Only a thin shadowed line at the wall surface is highlighted, allowing the floating treads to assert their importance.

 

Eric Reinholdt

Houzz Contributor, Residential Architect, Founder 30X40 Design Workshop