40 organization, government, standards, software and material pages with links to official websites and 9 comparison guides on styles, floor plans, materials, roofs, project phases and permits.
Each page explains what the organization, software or product maker is known for, how it comes up in real projects and links to the official website.
ResourceAIAA professional organization for architects and design professionals that publishes research, advocacy and resources on design and practice.Learn more ResourceNCARBA national council of architectural registration boards that publishes competency standards and tools for exploring requirements across jurisdictions.Learn more 
ResourceICCA nonprofit that develops model building codes and offers training, resources and product evaluation for building safety.Learn more ResourceNFPAA global authority on fire, electrical and life safety that develops codes and standards and offers training and…Learn more ResourceUSGBCA nonprofit that promotes sustainable building practices and publishes the LEED rating system for green buildings.Learn more ResourcePhiusAn organization advancing passive building standards, training and design competitions for very low-energy buildings.Learn more ResourceENERGY STARA government-backed energy efficiency program with a label for efficient products, homes and buildings.Learn more ResourceNational Park ServiceThe federal historic preservation tax incentives program, which encourages private investment in rehabilitating and reusing historic buildings.Learn more ResourceTennessee Historical CommissionThe state commission that works to preserve and promote Tennessee history, with state and federal preservation programs.Learn more ResourceTennessee Regulatory BoardsThe state division that oversees professional boards, with tools to apply, verify professionals and review disciplinary records.Learn more ResourceNashville Planning DepartmentMetro Nashville and Davidson County planning staff who handle community planning, zoning, rezoning, subdivision and historic zoning.Learn more ResourceNashville CodesMetro Nashville and Davidson County codes and building safety staff who review permits and handle inspections.Learn more ResourceHistoric Nashville EasementsA nonprofit that secures and manages permanent preservation easements to protect significant historic sites in Nashville.Learn more ResourceUrban Land InstituteA global network of real estate and land use professionals founded in 1936, with local councils and research.Learn more ResourceNAHBThe National Association of Home Builders, a trade association that tracks housing market issues and builder concerns.Learn more ResourceASHRAEA professional society for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration that publishes standards and training.Learn more ResourceFEMA Flood Map Service CenterThe official public source for flood hazard information related to the National Flood Insurance Program, with maps and…Learn more ResourceMetro Water ServicesThe Metro Nashville department for water, sewer and stormwater services, including stormwater fee reviews and service requests.Learn more 
ResourceAutodesk RevitBuilding information modeling software for architects, engineers and construction teams, with tools for modeling, scheduling and sharing.Learn more ResourceGraphisoft ArchicadBuilding information modeling software for architects, engineers and construction professionals, with design, automation and collaboration tools.Learn more ResourceSketchUpA 3D design tool for architects, builders and designers, from quick sketches to complex models, with extensions and…Learn more ResourceChief ArchitectHome design software for builders, remodelers, architects and interior designers that generates 3D models and construction documents.Learn more ResourceBluebeamConstruction software for the architecture, engineering and construction industries, with markup tools, real-time collaboration and security features.Learn more ResourceMatterport3D capture technology for immersive tours and digital twins used in real estate, facilities, design and construction.Learn more ResourceLumionRendering software for architects and designers that turns CAD and BIM models into realistic images, with AI tools…Learn more ResourceEnscapeA real-time design companion that works with CAD and BIM tools such as Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, Archicad and…Learn more 
ResourceAndersenA window and door maker with lines such as the A-Series, made for architect specification, and the popular…Learn more ResourceMarvinA window and door maker with collections such as Ultimate, with natural wood interiors and aluminum exteriors, and…Learn more ResourcePellaA window and door maker whose website shows before-and-after transformations such as living room remodels and fiberglass entry…Learn more ResourceJames HardieA maker of fiber cement siding, trim and backer board, with products such as Hardie Plank, Artisan siding…Learn more ResourceTrexA composite decking maker that also offers railings and integrated lighting, with free samples and planning tools such…Learn more ResourceSimpson Strong-TieA maker of structural connectors, fasteners and hardware, including shearwalls, anchors and adhesives for wood and concrete construction.Learn more ResourceSherwin-WilliamsA paint and coatings maker whose website features color trend forecasts, a yearly color announcement and tools for…Learn more ResourceBenjamin MooreA paint maker offering thousands of colors, interior and exterior paints, stains and primers, with a yearly Color…Learn more ResourceDaltileA ceramic and porcelain tile and natural stone manufacturer and distributor with a history of more than seventy-five…Learn more ResourceKohlerA maker of kitchen and bathroom fixtures, including toilets, faucets, bathtubs, sinks and wellness products.Learn more ResourceCertainTeedA building products maker offering integrated whole-home systems, including roofing, siding and related products for homes and commercial…Learn more ResourceOwens CorningA building materials company known for products such as insulation and roofing, and focused on sustainability and material…Learn more ResourceGAFA roofing manufacturer that describes itself as the largest in North America, with asphalt shingles, solar roofing, commercial…Learn more ResourceCarrierA heating and cooling brand whose residential range includes heat pumps, air conditioners, furnaces, ductless mini-splits and indoor…Learn more Visit each source for details, support and local information. Names belong to their owners.
Names belong to their owners. We are an independent architecture company and are not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any organization, government office, software maker or manufacturer.
Plain guides to styles, floor plans, exterior materials, roofs, project phases, delivery methods, renovation versus new build and permit problems.
Comparison guideArchitect vs Designer vs BuilderWhat architects, residential designers, interior designers and builders each do, and how to choose who to hire first.Learn more 
Comparison guideDesign-Bid-Build vs Design-BuildTwo common ways to organize design and construction, compared for cost clarity, speed, control and risk.Learn more 
Comparison guideArchitectural StylesCraftsman, farmhouse, colonial, ranch, contemporary and other house styles common in Middle Tennessee, compared by look, layout and…Learn more 
Comparison guideFloor Plan LayoutsOpen, traditional, split and hybrid floor plans compared for flow, privacy, light, noise and furniture.Learn more 
Comparison guideExterior MaterialsBrick, stone, fiber cement, wood, stucco and metal compared for look, upkeep, durability and detailing.Learn more 
Comparison guideRoof StylesGable, hip, shed, flat and mixed roofs compared for look, cost, water shedding, attic space and solar.Learn more 
Comparison guideProject PhasesThe usual stages of an architecture project from first conversation through construction, with what happens and what you…Learn more 
Comparison guideRenovation vs New BuildRemodeling an older home compared with building new, for cost, schedule, character, systems and surprises.Learn more 
Comparison guidePermit and Approval ProblemsCommon reasons permits and approvals get delayed, from missing drawings and zoning conflicts to overlay reviews, and how…Learn more Call us and describe your project. We will look at your property, talk through ideas and give you a clear written estimate.
