Architect's Portable Handbook [Paperback]

Pat Guthrie (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1998

Organized in easy-to-follow CSI Materformat, which parallels typical job progression, the text covers initial planning and estimating through design and construction. Included are materials and specifications checklists, design data for major building materials and components details.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Add flexible binding to a pocket-tote reference and you have a fine portable title which serves as an important practical resource for design professionals. From architectural planning to materials assembly and properties, this packs in the latest information on everything from finishes and furniture to glass and building codes. -- Midwest Book Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

Updated and expanded, it answers more questions more quickly than any other building design resource anywhere. Pat Guthrie's The Architect's Portable Handbook is already the choice of thousands of architects, contractors, and design professionals who seek solid first-step rules of thumb for building design. Easy to handle and organized in the easy-to-follow CSI Masterformat, which parallels the progress of a typical job, the Handbook offers you quick, accurate, on-the-job guidance on everything from cost estimating to electrical systems. Featuring materials and specifications checklists, design data for major building materials, and details for major components and assemblies for any type of facility, the updated and expanded Second Edition offers: the latest building standards, including the 1997 UBC; updated unit costs for building materials, systems, and construction; a new simplified version of the national model energy codes; many new examples highlighting key techniques and procedures; several new and revised tables and line drawings. The Handbook is broader in scope than competing tools while providing just the right level of detail to help you make sound, on-the-spot design decisions every time. A perfect complement to Guthrie's Cross-Check, which helps ensure error-free working drawings, the Handbook is an indispensable, time-saving companion.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 555 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies; 2 edition (May 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 007025303X
• ISBN-13: 978-0070253032
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,281,311 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars everything you need to look knowledgeable on the spot, October 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Architect's Portable Handbook (Paperback)

This handbook brings together all the rules of thumb and reference facts for architects. Its quite the cheat-sheet for quick references especially in terms of costs. He has included cost (labor and materials as a % of the total) for just about everything in generic terms. Need to know a budget number for a solid core door relative to a hollowcore? its in there, painting by sf of drywall vs CMU or even fee % breakdowns. Having this book makes you look good and esp for architects that know the big picture but cant'remember the actual size of a conc block or what 11 block courses equal (vert or horiz) I tell people to get this book and keep it in your car or briefcase, so you can go look up the answer to those questions that put you on the spot esp on the job site.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an excellent resource for design information, January 18, 2000

By 

Anthony Manansala - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Architect's Portable Handbook (Paperback)

This book is an excellent resource for the design professional or the architecture student starting that first job. The HANDBOOK has lots of helpful information at your fingertips and has new '97 ubc information. I use it just about everyday and reach for it before my GRAPHIC STANDARDS. It is clear, concise and accurate. A defite addition to your architectural library.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Guthrie continues to improve the perfect reference book, April 13, 2003

By 

Aaron Dahl (San Antonio, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Architect's Portable Handbook (Paperback)

I have had the First Edition of this book since 1993, and have used that as a reference almost daily throughout my education and well into my professional practice. I decided to purchase this revised edition since the original book was becoming worn and flat out-of-date. This new version (a good 200 pages heavier than the first edition) includes new building code information (specifically IBC 2000), and provides revised cost estimate numbers. To this day, it is still the ONLY book worthy enough to reside on my desk.

This book is an excellent source for the student and professional alike. Basic concepts, construction methods, and principles for design considerations are organized and indexed for easy reference and all attempts have been made to make the content easy to understand. Rules-of-thumb and graphics are provided throughout the text as well as commonly used tables, charts, graphs, maps, etc. Guthrie has also managed to develop several clever little checklists, which assist in making sure all issues have been addressed.

The book is getting a little thick, and the distinctive oversized laminated cover has evolved into a standard size cover (it's not spiral bound - it's a paperback). The price is a little high, but I think the information found in this tidy little book is well worth it.