One of my favorite design reference books has got to be "Get Your House Right by Architect Marianne Cusato, designer of the Katrina Cottage as seen below.
It's not the first book of its kind, but it's one of the most user-friendly. I've read this book cover to cover going through several (no joke!) highlighters in the process...I read every word...it's fantastic! I constantly refer to it during meetings while explaining residential details to my clients. It's loaded with beautifully rendered details broken up into sensible chapters.
My favorite part, no doubt, is the side by side detail comparisons...one labeled "use", the other, "avoid". What a great way to explain a concept! It's sad to say but the "avoid" details are much more recognizable than the "use" details...simply due to the number of ill-designed houses most of us pass by on a daily basis.
So, if you're an architect, builder or an "interested" homeowner be sure to add this book to your library...and buy a pack of highlighters!
