5 comments about Professional Practice for Interior Designers.

1. I used this book in my professional practice class and a co-worker of mine borrowed it to study for the NCIDQ - she said many of the ethical and business related questions that appeared on the test were covered in this book. It is really well written and easy to follow. The CD has good resources, like mock invoices and POs that you can open and edit.



2. thick book,man. I have to carry it to school for my class.
   it has all need about Inerior Design profession



3. The reviewer prior to myself I feel summed it up best when describing this book. The author has written the book as if she's always been your trusted friend. She writes in a way as if she is actually talking to you.
   
   Other books I've read often come across a bit too technical and slightly over my head. This one is more down-to-earth, packed with good advice, and one can sense her sincere concern for the reader to understand.
   
   I really love the entire book, especially the chapter dealing with ethics. Since there are many "seasoned" designers who seem to lack ethical conduct, this book is great for beginners and veterans alike.



4. It was fast
   It was what I ordered
   Im happy, they're happy
   Win Win!



5. I have practiced interior design for over 20 years and still found this book to be invaluable. The information about legal ramifications and insurance coverage was enlightening but also sobering. It's a must read for any design firm principal or freelance designer.

5 comments about The Interior Designers Guide to Pricing Estimating and Budgeting.

1. I have not yet had time to read this book cover to cover, however, upon skimming have found it to be very detail orientated and supplied with all of the basics. I would definitely recommend for someone just starting out in the ID field.



2. An excellent tool that is fully up to date. A real necessity for every interior designer, student, apprentice, professional or studio. It does not disappoint as so many such volumes seem to do.



3. This book is a fabulous guide for anyone starting a business. Ms. Williams encourages and guides the new designer to be who he/she wants to be without letting fear stand in his/her way. She also give fabulous advice of do's and don'ts based on her personal experiences. I think this is a book worth reading.



4. I wish I had come across this book earlier! Then we would not have made the mistakes that we did. Williams is very right. What she experienced in America is the same as our experiences here in Malaysia. There's a wealth of knowledge to learn here and this knowledge is adaptable anywhere and in every situation. Already 8 years in this business, we are still learning and growing with this book!



5. This is a fabulous book for anyone in the industry, it is realistic, informative and motivating!

3 comments about Project Management Case Studies.

1. This book was part of my study package for a Masters course. It doesn't give guidance to new or "to be" managers. Instead, it gives real life examples of issues which a project manager is more likely to come across. It covers a wide span of applicaions; construction, computer related and manufacturing are among the many applications it covers. It is also based on the PMPBok. I would recommend te book for anyone who wants to further pursue project management as a career.



2. Classes that use Case studies seem to be common at the Harvard Business School but apparently not in the Project Management world. This is a long awaited book containing Case Studies from a respected author and Project Management guru. A detailed analysis of the Pros and Cons of this book follows:

   First, a summary of what is contained in the book - 437 pages objectively documenting 68 real life Case Studies spanning the last 20 to 30 years and 1 very neat Time Management exercise at the end. The Case Studies are typically 3-4 pages long with a couple that are 40-50 pages long and a few that are only 1 page long. The Case Studies are roughly divided into 16 Chapters that don't necessarily follow the Process Groups or Knowledge Areas in the PMBOK Guide (PMI). Example chapter names are 'Negotiating for Resources', 'Project Estimating', and 'Project Planning'. Each chapter starts with a 1 page summary of the author's opinion on that topic - no more, no less! The Case Studies themselves sound like factual description of what happened with absolutely no judgment or analysis following any of the Case Studies.

   Since I like to end a review on a good note, the CONS first - the blurb on the back of the book makes three claims out of which two are clearly suspect. The claim regarding the Case Studies covering a wide range of industries is definitely true. The claim regarding 'follows and supports preparation for the PMP certification exam' is not supported by the content in the book. The only way this claim would come true is if you attended a class led by a very competent instructor that can glean the relevant points from these Case Studies and present what you need to pass the PMP. The Instructor's manual is ONLY available through the publisher directly if you represent a University teaching Project Management curriculum. The third claim is regarding the book presenting the best practices and pitfalls of PM implementations in the real world. For this claim to be true, one would expect discussions of the Case Studies presented in the book by the author and a summary of lessons learned so you can understand what these best practices and pitfalls are. Without the best practices and pitfalls EXPLICITLY stated, how do you know for sure what they are? Isn't the assumption that you don't know them, one of the reasons for reading the book? Anyway, this does not happen anywhere in the book except very briefly and indirectly at the beginning of each of the 16 chapters (1 page per chapter).

   The language used is sometimes hard to interpret. I was thrown off track quite a few times by some ambiguous statements and I had to read them carefully a second time to interpret them correctly. I have not noticed this problem with other Kerzner books. There are also quite a few typos and grammatical errors that may be common for a First Edition.

   The last CON - I really wish the book had an extra 200-300 pages of Kerzner's interpretations of these Case Studies and his opinions of how things should have been handled. I would have paid three to five times the price of this book if that had been included. Oh, well. I will sign up for one of his classes.

   Okay, the PROS - there aren't many books on Project Management that have real world Case Studies. And definitely not as valuable as the ones presented in this book. For this reason alone, this book is worth a LOT more than its price. And to top everything, these Case Studies are presented in a very objective way so that you can try to see things the way they really are and engage in educational discussions with a group of experienced professionals to gain not just PM knowledge but PM WISDOM.

   The time management exercise (about 24 pages) is one of the best sections in the entire book. It is simple, yet worth spending time on. The Case Studies of the Denver Airport (under the Managing Scope Changes Chapter) and the Space Shuttle Challenger (under the Project Risk Management Chapter) are probably the most valuable Case Studies (in my opinion). These are the Case Studies that are 40 and 50 pages respectively that I mention at the beginning of the review.

   The Preface carries a very important observation (and message) regarding how these basic project management mistakes are still being repeated even 20-30 years later in modern day corporations. This is very profound as it implies that these mistakes can be avoided by Project Managers that learn from the past mistakes made by other corporations (from these Case Studies). It is amazing that something so simple has not happened in the Project Management profession even after all these years.

   I have treasured this book since the day I received it and I am looking forward to joining a local group of experienced Project Managers (meaning the Austin chapter of the PMI) to discuss and learn from these Case Studies. A definite buy AFTER obtaining the PMP Certification. In my opinion, it will only confuse the reader who is focussed on passing the exam to read these Case Studies that don't have any analysis associated or references to the PMP exam (I didn't find the word PMP anywhere between the covers of this book).

   I hope you found this long and objective review helpful and that you benefit from these Case Studies.




3. My first thought as I laid this book down from my first reading was, "How can I get my money back?"

   However, the longer it lay on the shelf, I found myself, uncharacteristically, drawn back into its pages.

   Most of the case studies were drawn from the author's consulting practice and generally focus on at least one or two specific points. Other than on-the-job training, the author states that case studies and situations are the best method to learn project management. I agree and would add; that the more experienced individuals you add to your study circle, the more you will mine from your reading and study of this book.

5 comments about Becoming an Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design.

1. If your son or daughter is thinking, contemplating, dreaming, or planning on a career in architecture please buy this book for them and be sure they read it cover to cover. My son went to Catholic University's 3 week architecture camp this past summer and enjoyed a speech by Dr. Lee Waldrep, associate dean at neighboring University of Maryland's architecture school. After the speech Dr. Waldrep gave each attendee a copy of this book. Dr. Waldrep made quite an impression on my son as he announced after the camp that he also wanted to investigate Maryland, a school not initially on his college list. I saw the book at home and read it in two nights (295 pages). The book is laid out and presented in a way that offers "real world" insight, from noted architects, about the profession and what it takes to become an architect. This profession's "passion" really jumps out of each page as successful architects describe their education, interests, challenges, influences, etc. For me, the parent of a young aspiring architect, I felt very proud that my son has chosen such an interesting and respected profession. Well done Dr. Waldrep...and thank you!



2. If you are exploring design careers for the first time, this book is a must read! Waldrep skillfully coalesces insights from various faculty, students, and practitioners in order to provide a depth and breadth that is normally missing from typical career guides. There is advice on everything from the definition of architecture to establishing a design career, and everything in between; this advice cemented my intent to apply to a graduate program in architecture and urban planning.
   
   I really loved the diversity of viewpoints expressed in the book. Modernists, neo-traditionalists, nontraditional students, traditional students, deans, and admissions professionals all have their own ideas about what attributes are necessary for a good architect, how to choose an academic program, and what employers look for. Finally, the text was so fun to read that I finished it the same day I received it and plan to read it again.



3. One of my daughters is very interested in becoming an architect and this is an ideal book for her. I think any young person of even an undergraduate college student considering this career path will find this book very helpful.
   
   I appreciate that the book asks and answers the most likely questions a young person will ask or should ask about the career. Even more I appreciate that the author has brought in a broad range of practicing architects to answer than and share their views. This range of opinions and suggestions is quite helpful. It also has the benefit of being interesting.
   
   There are five chapters, the first provides some definition of what an architect is by talking about the wide range of things architects do, and helps the prospective architect think through if such a career is for them. The important skills of architects are also discussed.
   
   Chapter two talks about the education of an architect and even gets back into childhood toys, books and activities. For the high school student considering this career they suggest which courses are most beneficial for the student. They also discuss the licensing, paths to various degrees and what they are needed for. Appendix B also gives a list of accredited architecture programs. There is also information about the application programs and academic enrichment.
   
   Chapter three talks about how to gain experience as a student, how to get noticed, what hiring companies look for, and moving towards licensure. Chapter four helps the student design her career and what the options are. Chapter five lets the participants in this book speak about their wide range of views of the future of architecture. Appendix A provides a resource list for architects - professional organizations, institutions, community service, recommended reading, and websites.
   
   All great stuff, very readable, and with lots of interesting illustrations and photographs.
   
   Very good!



4. I don't know. I expect this book to have more information than it is. There's not much content but too many interview. In fact the whole book is all about the interview from different people in different architecture backgrounds.
   
   It may be a good book to those who want to knwo more about architecture, to architecture students who have never had internship before. Since I already worked for more than one year in architecture firms, I feel this book contains much less information than I expect.
   
   Anyway, it's just my personal opinion. Hope it helps.



5. A coffee table book; This is not a "cover-to-cover" read that teaches one how to become an architect. It does, however, provide a range of possibilities for the futures of aspiring architects. It is compiled of interviews with different professionals, preceded and concluded with resourceful information about schooling, exams, licenture, etc. It does present "answers" in a way, through examples of different paths and interests that lead to the varied careers in architecture. I would recommend this to students, in particular, who are considering an education/career in architecture: at moments while reading the book I felt insecure about my contrary approach to architecture; at other points while reading, I felt confident in the ability to relate my approach. It is reassuring to read the first-hand experiences of persons who are already at the point where I may be some day.

No comments about Sustainable Construction: Green Building Design and Delivery, Second Edition.

5 comments about Estimating for Interior Designers.

1. Learn for yourself the secret formulas to determine how much material and what it will cost for that exotic carpet, exuberant wallpaper or snazzy fabric that would look as good on your windows as on your so-custom pillows. I always wanted to know and now I do know the basics of determining how to measure and what it means to do your own estimating for costs of goods and services in the design world.
   
   The text is straight-forward and thorough---but not completely without fault as I detected proofreading errors in spelling and some mathematical miscalculations. This is first and foremost a primer and introduction to the art of calculating carpet, wallpaper, upholstery and paint estimation.



2. The information has dated photos and not comprehensive. No charts, and estimates in developing concepts and designs based upon square footage. Where is the estimating for budgeting purposes? Ok for the library and for soft goods.



3. There is a wealth of information in this book for estimating for designers or decorators (often the big distinction between the two amounts to the amount of money and time spent on an education, not in practice!). My biggest complaint with this book is that it is not really set up as an easy quick reference. I can get quicker info on the internet.



4. PLEASE know the difference between a desorator who selects fabrics and finishes only and a designer who most often creates full sets of construction documents for their clients....including but not limited to, demolition plans, construction plans, electrical plans, lighting plans, life safety plans, millwork, wall and ceiling details, cross sections and elevations...etc.
   
   THIS BOOK IS MISSLABELED AND GIVES DESIGNERS WHO HAVE BEEN IN SCHOOL FOR 5 1/2 + YEARS A TITLE OF A DECORATOR WHICH BY NO MEANS IS THE SAME!!! This book is for decorators, not designers.... do not be mislead....check out the table of contaents before purchasing!



5. Amazon is so quick and easy and it was really helpful to get the book within the same week I ordered the book. They really took the stress out of "when am I going to get my book, am I going to get it in time for class?"

No comments about Project Management Professional (PMP) Examination Specification.

1 comments about The Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice, 14th Ed..

1. We just received this the other day. At first glance it appears to be *slightly* more condensed than the previous full edition of the "Handbook", which, in my opinion is a good thing. Still very dense and an absolute must-have if you want or need to know anything about "mainstream" architectural practice at a fairly high level.
   
   There is so much good information contained in this tome, I'm surprised the AIA hasn't created a certification program based on it, much like CSI has done with the PRM. It would seem to me such a program would have the potential to help fill a gaping hole in architectural education.
   
   Of particular note regarding this edition: two CD-ROMs are included. The first includes sample 2007 AIA documents -- no surprises here. The second includes the entire text of the Handbook, BUT, in a locked-down proprietary format. You install an application and must activate it online or over the phone before you can use it. You can only install it on one machine at a time. There is no de-activation function; you must uninstall and then call customer support to get a new activation number if you need to change the machine on which it's installed. The electronic version allows searching, but does NOT allow printing or exporting. While the sample AIA documents are PDFs and thus cross-platform, the Handbook reader application is Windows only -- an unfortunate choice. While I understand the publisher's desire to protect their IP, a PDF file would have been so much more user-friendly.
   
   I'll try to remember to post more when I've had a chance to wade through the new edition in its entirety. In the mean time, I thought I'd share what I knew.

1 comments about Project Management for Design Professionals.

1. Who would have thought that learning about project management could be so entertaining? Ramroth has included numerous examples, illustrations and commentary to propel readers through what would normally be a rather bland subject. I laughed out loud while reading and surprised not only myself, but also my napping children!

5 comments about BIG BIM little bim - The practical approach to Building Information Modeling - Integrated practice done the right way!.

1. I found this book informitive and useful in understanding this technology and how to integrate it into your practice. Whether you have a large architectural firm or a small one, this book will provide a practical guide for using Building Information Modeling in your workflow and how to approach your projects as a totally integrated practice.



2. BIG BIM little bim - The practical approach to Building Information Modeling - Integrated practice done the right way!
   
   This book hits a home run for all practitioners of BIM. It is relevant to both the neophyte just making the BIM decision as well as the mature BIM organization looking for what is next. The buildingSMART Alliance in North America is working the BIG BIM issue and I believe that it is a very rich environment for significant transformation in the way we do business. There is significant return on investment at every step of the way for all stakeholders. Finith has done our industry a great service in pointing out this very concept. We all will be implementing BIM for many years to come and this is a great starting point. The book is replete with excellent first hand experience based guidance and real life case studies, the kind you are more likely to come across in your own practice. I heartily recommend this book be part of your mandatory reading as well as a reference on your bookshelf to re-visit as you prepare to bite off more and more BIM opportunities to ensure you are keeping to the principles. It is also good to see some very good BIM books coming out and so far, we seem to all be supporting the same principles which will help reduce the confusion factor generated by the vendors supporting only their current capabilities.



3. Can't say what I expected when I bought this book. It's all over the map and I'm expecting PBS to pick this guy up as an architectural self-help guru.
   
   I have never seen so many numbers thrown around as the "4Site" system that is best used with the 80/20 principle that then moves on to the Power of Sixteen Concept that can then be better handled with the 400% Rule (page 136). I am seriously paraphrasing here, but it can be daunting trying to keep with the threads.
   
   Having cleared my system of that I will say that there are a number of things that can be taken away from this book (failing fast is my favorite). It is on the extreme end of the "architecture-is-a-business" end of things, but as is so often pointed out in this book, it is what is so often left out of an architects' equation. And an omission that, if not tended to, will push architects further to the fringe of the construction industry.
   
   Mr. Jernigan, I have no doubt, knows what he is talking about--it's just such a difficult read.



4. Professionals in the Design Field will love this book! The organization/heirarchy of discussion points add to the features in this book. In addition, there are many diagrams and much theory to support all that he has written for design and along with the "Toyota Theory" he has created a well-rounded book for us all to follow and to keep as a reference in our libraries.



5. To most people, BIM just means "Building Information Modeling." For Finith E. Jernigan, AIA, BIM is "Beyond Information Modeling."
   
   "bim (lower case) is used to represent applications-focused topics; i.e. ArchiCad, Bentley, and Revit are bim tools." Finith E. Jernigan, AIA wrote, "BIM (upper case) is the management of information and the complex relationships between the social and technical resources that represent the complexity, collaboration, and interrelations of today's organizations and environment. The focus is on managing projects to get the right information to the right place at the right time."
   
   "BIG BIM little bim" is one of the best books on the subject of integrated practice. It covers framework for success (four phases to integration: initiate, design, construct and manage phases, seven steps guide your way), the process day to day (certainty is your mantra, validation, design and construction prototypes, procurement, construction, operation & maintenance, firm, people, time, benefits and cautions), and proof that integration works including a number of case studies like Fire Headquarters and Station 16, Capital Improvement Program, Children's Theater of Delmarva, and Armory Community Center.
   
   Finith E. Jernigan, AIA discussed many useful and creative ideas and tools, like design and implementation can work in parallel, forewarned is forearmed, Facility Development and Operation (FDO), Facility Specialty Alliance (FSA), Onuma Planning System (OPS), Web Feature Service (WFS), Theory of Constraint (TOC), Toyota Production System (TPS), 4SiteSystems, etc. There are also some useful appendixes at the end of the book, including "Recommended links" and "Toolkit."
   
   "BIG BIM little bim" has 295 pages and many diagrams and screen-shots. It is a must-have for students, architects, landscape architects, urban planners, engineers, owners, facility managers, and contractors.