2.3 Essential Qustions

1.     How do you achieve a balance between cost-saving measures, important features, and environmental responsibility when designing a residential structure?

A way to achieve a balance between cost-saving would be to use energy efficient appliances, also building from a material that is high quality and environmentally friendly.

2.     What are the advantages and disadvantages of using 3D architectural software rather than creating hand-produced plans?

An advantage to using 3D architectural software would be the ability to emphasize details and create 3D view that you are unable to design on paper.  A disadvantage would be that hand drawn sketches are much quicker and simpler than 3D software.

3.     Why are organizations such as LEED important?

Organizations such as LEED are important, because they keep buildings environmentally friendly and efficient.  

4.     When planning a project, how does the availability of public utilities impact the design?

The availability of public utilities impact the design by possibly changing the location or direction the home is pointed to align the pipes, roads, ect.  

5.     What options are available for the management of wastewater from a building?

Some wastewater management options are a septic tank for out in the country or public sewer systems for residents in the city.

6.     What are the important considerations when design a plumbing system?

When designing the plumbing system some important consideration is where you put the water heater because you want to make sure that its not near and outside wall and its close to your appliances.

7.     Why should a designer know about the different types of lighting and their applications?

A designer should know about different types of lighting and their applications, because it can be more ecofriendly.  Like sky lights, and windows in certain rooms.

8.     What are the important considerations when designing an electrical system?

A consideration when designing an electrical system is safety, and where the outlets and switches are going to be placed and what lights the connect to.

9.     What information is important when documenting the design of a building?

Dimensioned floor plans, room schedules, wall section views, and labeled materials are all important to document in the designing of a building.