Books about Architecture, Design, ADUs, & Business
Although not ADU specific, these are some of the books that have influenced my career as a designer, ADU expert, urbanist, entrepreneur, business owner, consultant, student, world traveler, and architecture enthusiast.
Smaller than Average
Great homes can come is small sizes. Creative design solutions can make a smaller sized home better than a larger one. Don’t think in square footage, instead think in quality.
A Definitive Guide To ADU Development
Perhaps the only book out there dedicated to ADUs. As someone who has become an expert in designing these projects I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in building an ADU.
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are good for people and communities. An inside look at 25 charming, ultra-functional, extra living spaces will inspire you to build one of your own.
A Field Guide to Building, Branding, and Marketing Your Startup Design Business
Eric Reinholdt gives excellent advice on how to start your design business. It is perfect for those starting on their own or looking to set up a small firm.
Innovating Practice, Tactics, Models, and Case Studies in Passive Income
In the second volume, Eric focuses on innovative practice tactics and ways to create passive income.
Why Most Architectural Firms Don’t Work and What to Do About It.
Regardless of your title or profession, at the end of the day we are selling our expertise. If you run a design business you should definitely read this book.
The architect's guide to business development and marketing
If you run a firm or are involved in the marketing or business development roles at an architecture or design firm, this book is for you. It is a great overview of how top firms go after projects.
Probably the best book about negotiation skills out there. Essential reading for all business owners.
How to increase your revenue by staggering amounts
A fun read with great stories about marketing ideas that are outrageous and successful. Not design specific, but hopefully it breaks us out of following the status quo.
A Guide to Self Initiating Projects
Essential book for all architects interested in developing their own projects or for those that work with developers. Knowing how project financing works is essential to better serving your clients.
Making Chaos Work for Your Small Firm
I had the privilege of working with Rena Klein when I ran my first business and can’t recommend her expertise and advice enough.
A Practice Guide for the Solopreneur
30% of all architecture firms are sole practitioners yet there are few resources specifically for this group. This is a great place to start if you are working on your own.
The quintessential book for anyone practicing architecture. If you didn't buy it in architecture school, buy it now.
What You Need to Know
Despite the desire to focus exclusively on design, when running a firm it is important to understand the basics of the legal issues you may face. This is an approachable book that gives a good overview of the basics.
A Guide to Understanding the 2018 International Building Code
This book makes understanding the codes much easier than flipping through thousands of pages of obtuse language. A super helpful reference guide.
A reference book that you will return to time and time again if you work on wood framed projects.
The value proposition for buying this book is that it will save you time. Tons of time. I constantly reference this book as I’m designing. Buy this book.
Function, Constructibility, Aesthetics
The hardest part of designing is turning design ideas into a built project, and details are how designers control this process. Embrace detailing.
The Houses
I love the details, celebration of structure, and how each house is a site specific design that beautifully connects interior spaces to nature.
One of my favorite firms, Bates Masi continues to create inspiring homes that are impeccably detailed, beautifully crafted, and wonderfully integrated into the surrounding landscape.
Nature, Place, Craft & Restraint
As shown in the subheading, Lake Flato share a lot of my design values. I’m particularly drawn to their houses and their integration into nature.
Known for his dynamic architecture and industrial aesthetic, Tom Kundig may be one of the most famous residential architects of his generation.
Brad Cloepfil - Occupation
What I love about Allied Works is their attention to craft. Regardless of the scale they are working on their buildings feel intimate with a care for details and materiality.
My favorite building in the world. It is a magical place that deserves a visit. Plan your next vacation to Switzerland just to visit this building. Seriously.
Designing and Building in Hale County, Alabama
Inspiring work from students service low income communities. A wonderful example of how great design should benefit more than the wealthy of the world.
Rick Joy
A master of crafting beautiful homes that seem to rise from the landscape. His use of rammed earth in a contemporary context is inspiring.
I was lucky enough to participate in the 2008 Glenn Murcutt International Masters class. It as an inspiring experience and he has definitely influenced how I think about architecture and approach design.
Thinking Drawing / Working Drawing
A great companion to The Architecture of Glenn Murcutt book, this one focuses on his design process, primarily the use of hand drawings to think through problem solving.
Selected Projects
One of the tutors at the Glenn Murcutt Masters Class and little known outside Australia, Peter Stutchbury’s work is stunning examples of craft, integration of building and landscape, and sustainable living.
A collection of some of the most famous modern homes in American History. These houses had a profound impact on architecture style ever since.
The Life of Frederick Law Olmsted
A biography of the man who started landscape architecture, spearheaded the creation of central park, and influenced the design of public spaces across the country.
Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, and Frank Lloyd Wright
A combined biography of perhaps the three most famous modern architects.
Good for those who are interested in architectural history, theory, and philosphy.
Remaking The Way We Make Things
A foundational book about sustainable design that everyone should read.
Environmental Strategies for Schematic Design
Great design can be sustainable and beautiful. This book guides your design decisions to balance performance and aesthetics.
Architects don’t make buildings, they create drawings. Graphic representation is how you describe your design ideas and give instructions to the people who will build the projects.
Architectural Design Strategies
All designs should start by understanding how the building will respond to its surroundings. This is the quintessential book on responsive design.
Handbook for an Urban Revolution
An incredible argument for how cities can be redesigned to better serve people - using affordable and quick improvements.
Perhaps the most famous book related to urban planning. A must read for anyone interested in cities and making places better for people.
How our greatest invention makes us richer, smarter, greener, healthier, and happier.
Reinforces my firm beliefs that cities make our world a better place. All politicians should have to read this book before taking office.
Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design
More people need to be well versed in urban planning and this book is a great overview of what he have done wrong, and how we can make the built environment better for people.
If you don’t want to compete on price, this book is a great introduction to positioning.
Just like we design projects for clients, it is important to design our businesses. This book can help firm leaders complete a strategic planning process in their own firms
How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline Of Civic Life
A great read about how cities create better places to live for everyone. Should be required reading for everyone, from students in social studies classes to politicians.
A Field Guide To The Hidden World Of Everyday Design
This is a fun book with stories about how our built environment got the way it is by highlighting the objects around us and the stories behind them.
Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America
This may be my favorite book. A non-fiction novel that blends history, architecture, and a murder mystery.
A fun book that captures the intensity and absurdity of design studio and architecture school.
Learning your letters through design
A perfect gift to inspire the next generation of architects and designers.
Fun children’s book to inspire the next generation of architects and designers.
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