Kevin Eckert is a structural engineer and an architect. On his website, it says he thinks he can weld, too ( but “he luckily has people for that”). We’ve covered Build LLC before, but reading Eckert’s blog entries reminds me that if I had him teaching me about building back in college—instead of the professors who scared me off from architecture—I may have actually become an architect. But instead I’ve had the pleasure of finding out about pros like him who can write engagingly, whether it’s about grass crete, roof trusses, or dealing with the local zoning board.
There are all kinds of goodies to be savored on Eckert’s blog. “A Love Letter to the Paperless Age” takes the form of a mash note to Seattle’s Department of Planning and Development hailing the DPD’s online permitting system (Opener: “It’s true, we’ve had our differences in the past…” Closer: “We’re in love. Truly.”). You’ll care about this even if you live and work far from Seattle.
Though a tech maven he may be, Eckert is also happy to weigh in on why building models by hand still makes sense. If it’s builder-style know-how you want, “Modern Structural Solutions for A-Frames” offers tips on gable roofs and exposed framing, as well as a refresher on ridge beams versus ridge boards.
courtesy Build LLC
When Eckert gets into product talk, we are not on Shill Street, and that’s because he shares news you can use about stuff that makes sense and talks about why it makes sense, like more streamlined audio installations. Here, he has found a forehead-slappingly obvious way to make surround-sound easier. “When it comes to modernism,“ he writes, “this is just one example of dumber being smarter.” Build Blog is just one example of a smart architect who writes clearly and refreshingly. Check it out.
Custom Home will be posting new installments of Build Blog by Kevin Eckert, along with other guest bloggers, on Fridays.
