The Architect's Portable Handbook: First-Step Rules of Thumb for Building Design

I have had the First Edition of this book since 1993, and have used that as a reference almost daily throughout my education and well into my professional practice. I decided to purchase this revised edition since the original book was becoming worn and flat out-of-date. This new version (a good 200 pages heavier than the first edition) includes new building code information (specifically IBC 2000), and provides revised cost estimate numbers. To this day, it is still the ONLY book worthy enough to reside on my desk.This book is an excellent source for the student and professional alike. Basic concepts, construction methods, and principles for design considerations are organized and indexed for easy reference and all attempts have been made to make the content easy to understand. Rules-of-thumb and graphics are provided throughout the text as well as commonly used tables, charts, graphs, maps, etc. Guthrie has also managed to develop several clever little checklists, which assist in making sure all issues have been addressed.The book is getting a little thick, and the distinctive oversized laminated cover has evolved into a standard size cover (it's not spiral bound - it's a paperback). The price is a little high, but I think the information found in this tidy little book is well worth it.

I have had my own professional engineering firm (building energy systems) for twenty-two years. This small-sized, well-bound (in soft plastic), and amply illustrated volume is my favorite gift to clients who are new to the building process. It allows them to get comfortable with common ideas and terminology used by design professionals on their projects.The book also is a useful reference for site construction personnel, junior architectural design personnel, and engineers who need to know what the architects are talking about.

This book truly is a great reference book for the design professional. As the author says it contains 20% of the information used 80% of the time from various sources. It has information ranging from building codes to design requirements, tips on quick perspective drawing, construction cost info., building materials selection, material sizes, plumbing, electrical and much more. If you don't want to spend buying too many reference books, this is a great one to buy.

This book is an excellent resource for the design professional or the architecture student starting that first job. The HANDBOOK has lots of helpful information at your fingertips and has new '97 ubc information. I use it just about everyday and reach for it before my GRAPHIC STANDARDS. It is clear, concise and accurate. A defite addition to your architectural library.

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.