Inspiration

Inspiration

Throughout this blog I've highlighted and created links to exceptional individuals and organizations who design thoughtful homes, environmentally responsible communities and historically based building products. Some of them are local to me, while others I've yet to meet. They are exceptional because at some point in their careers, be it a moment in time or countless hours spent around a conference room table, they decided to do what was right...even though their wallets might be fatter if they just followed the crowd. Their hard work and dedication to their chosen craft is now paying dividends in the form of homes and communities that will age gracefully and be admired for generations to come...and maybe even be an inspiration to others, like they were to me.

Thomas J. Ryan, Jr. - Architect

Like most of the internet, blogs read from newest to oldest entry...this one works best by reading the first three posts in chronological order, starting with the Welcome! post. Just scroll down on the right side of this page until you see the Blog Archive list...click on 2011, then scroll down to the bottom after the new page appears. Please email me with any comments and thanks for stopping by!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Lintels


I took this photograph in Alexandria, Virginia,...it shows a traditional brick support (lintel is the official term) called a jack arch...before steel was used to support masonry. It's basically a large wedge made up of tapered (gauged, the official term here) bricks, with their mortar joints converging on a single point.


More information on lintels to come in future posts...
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Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Windows


Windows look best with a sloping sill, 4" surround and a flat or crowned head casing, usually a little wider than the jamb (side) casing...try with all your might to avoid "picture framing" windows. Windows with grilles (muntins is the official term) attached to both sides of the glass have come down dramatically in price and are the way to go. Snap-in grilles break easily and grilles between the glass disappear from view at first reflection. I'm sure some of you are thinking to yourselves, "but aren't they harder to clean?" My answer is yes...for your window washer who doesn't mind and needs the job.

More information to come in future posts...
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