Design for Builders

Course Description
On many jobs the builder is the designer. This course will concentrate on developing the design skills that builders need in order to complement their building business. Our goal is to be able to provide good design, which will add value to both renovation and new construction, in addition to generating customer satisfaction, at no extra cost. Through analysis of existing buildings, we will explore what constitutes successful design and what design pitfalls to avoid. We will learn how to use span tables and perform load calculations to design structures, beams and rafters. We will learn how to navigate codes. We will give you insights into how to relate to architects if you choose to do so. At the drafting table you will learn how to solve design problems that are assigned, or if you like, solve design problems that you bring with you to the class. No prior drawing or engineering experience is required.

Recommended/Suggested Readings

The Old Way of Seeing by Jonathan Hale
A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander

Things to Bring

Bring any sample problems you would like to work on. If you do not have a specific problem, bring information on a site on which you could design a house. Information could include a contour map or survey or series of photos of the site.

Course Schedule

The course runs from 8am to late in the evenings, with breaks for lunch and dinner