Resources

How architects specify building assemblies — fire-resistance-rated walls and floors, R-values and U-factors, and STC acoustic ratings — with typical build-ups and where the authoritative tested listings come from.

Climate inputs architects need for envelope and HVAC design — ASHRAE/IECC climate zones, heating and cooling design temperatures, degree-days, and energy-code envelope requirements.

Honest, source-checked comparisons of the tools, formats, and standards architects choose between — Revit vs. SketchUp, IFC vs. RVT, browser BIM review vs. desktop, and more.

Order-of-magnitude construction cost benchmarks for architects and building designers — cost per square foot by building type and city, plus location cost factors.

Space-planning and dimensional standards architects check daily — accessible clearances, minimum ceiling heights, stair rise and run, egress widths, and accessible parking, as typical code minimums.

How the building permit and plan-review process works for architects and building designers — required documents, typical fees, review timelines, and submittal checklists by jurisdiction.

Practical how-to and reference guides for the BIM tools architects use every day — Revit keyboard shortcuts, IFC export, Revit vs. ArchiCAD, and bringing existing models into Harth.

Sun-path, solar altitude and azimuth, and daylighting inputs for architects — how to read sun-path diagrams and use computed solar angles for orientation, shading, and passive design.

Plain-language references to the site-driven structural design loads architects and engineers look up early — ground snow load, ultimate design wind speed, seismic design category, and risk/exposure categories per ASCE 7 and the IBC.

Plain-language zoning references for architects and building designers — districts, floor area ratio, setbacks, height and lot coverage — with the local ordinance always authoritative.

State-by-state IBC building code reference — occupancy, egress, heights and areas, and more.