Wrapping Up the International Builders Show

Dominick and our Design Team returned from Nevada and it's back to the drawing boards at DTA after another great week at the International Builders Show. Attendance was lower than previous years due to the economic challenges that builders and vendors across the country are facing. However, our team met a number of builders who were inspired, energetic, and ready to face the changing demands of the housing market. It was uplifting to see so many builders being progressive, and who were dedicated and committed to staying successful in this industry.

Many builders showed their enthusiasm for building in 2009 by taking advantage of the AIA Plan Review Workshop. A group of the nation's most talented architects and designers offered half-hour sessions to sit down with builders and discuss their existing plans. Dominick, Paul, and J.R. each met with four builders during their sessions. Some of these builders included Goodall Homes and Communities in Tennessee, Beaman Building and Realty in North Carolina, and Elite Homes in Kentucky. Dominick helped a builder rework a floor plan to open up the overall flow and include a living triangle area instead of separated dining and family rooms. Paul and J.R. revised elevations to properly balance the architecture and suggested a few cost-effective products that could give the home a fresh new look. Each builder left their session ready to build these revised plans.

Other builders chose to attend the variety of educational programs offered at the show. The DTA team spoke about about three topics which are extremely relevant to today's housing market - Mainstream Green Home Design, Generation X and Y Design, and Achieveable Million Dollar Details. Each program had a good, interactive audience of industry professionals who asked questions and left with some new, helpful information. Handouts and additional information about these programs can be obtained by contacting JamieQ@DTArchitects.com.

As we sort through all the information we brought back and the things we learned at the show, we look forward to having opportunities to share it with everyone. We will be educating the rest of our staff about new products and trends, showing our clients new products that will save them money, moving forward with our green design initiative, and also implementing some of the design trends we saw and learned about in our current projects.

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.

Dominick's 10 Favorite Products at the Builders Show

Dominick returned from the Builders Show today with a fresh perspective on the new national trends and with a mountain of product brochures and pamphlets that he met with vendors and tradespeople about on the show floor.

Inside that mountain, there were a few building products that Dominick thought stood apart from the rest in appearance, energy efficiency, or simplicity of installation - and here they are:

1. Quattro Corbel - Pre-engineered, appearance grade, easy-to-install wooden corbels add architectural detail and authenticity to exterior elevations. www.quattrotimber.com.

2. Loyal Iron Doors - Nice looking door with a one-price package system that includes everything needed for installation. www.LoyalIronDoors.com.

3. AgileWaves - An in home system that monitors the use of environmental resources and calculates monthly energy costs. www.AgileWaves.com.

4. Escea Outdoor Fireplace - Gas outdoor fireplaces with a sleek, modern look. http://www.escea.co.nz/us/us.

5. Rehmeyer Wood Floors - Wood floor planks that come with a variety of finishes and edges. Styles such as 'Old Trail, Frontier, and Pioneer' come with metal pegs that give the appearance of a century old wood floor. www.rehmeyerfloors.com.

6. Noritz Tankless Water Heaters - Save space, conserve water usage, and last longer than regular water heater tanks. www.Noritz.com.

7. Logix ICF System - Contributes more LEED points than most other building materials. Energy efficient, easy to use, and provides excellent sound resistance. www.logixicf.com.

8. Faux Wood Beams - These are artificial wood beams made of foam. They look identical to a real wood beams but much less expensive and much easier to install. www.fauxwoodbeams.com.

9. DOW Styrofoam SIS Insulated Sheathing - Provides an excellent source of structural bracing, insulation, and water resistance. www.DOW.com.

10. Gemstone Walls by Eldorado Stone - Easy to apply stone wall systems transform wine rooms, wellness areas, and family rooms into a retreat with unique, textured, stone walls. www.eldoradostone.com/gemstones/.

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.

The 2009 International Builders Show in Las Vegas, Nevada - Day #2

Our team has been busy at the International Builders Show this week, meeting new faces, touring idea homes, and getting familar with the new, sustainable building products available this year. In addition, we are also doing our part to help educate and give insight on design trends and new ideas for floor plans and elevations. Dominick Tringali and Paul Samartino each offered three hours of their time at the A.I.A. Plan Review Workshop on Tuesday and Wednesday. The purpose of the workshop is to provide complimentary sessions for builders to sit down together with an architect and review their existing plans. Both Dominick and Paul met with several builders from across the country at the workshop, reviewed their plans, and offered insight on how to retool floor plans and elevations to meet the current demands of today's new homebuyer. J.R. Ruthig will also be available for sessions at the Plan Review Workshop on Thursday afternoon.

Our company has also partnered together with DOW Chemical Company this year. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, Dominick is presenting 'Mainstream Green Home Design' at the DOW Educational Theater on the show floor. Dominick is also a panelist for the program titled 'Achievable Million Dollar Details' on Thursday and Friday. This has been a very popular and beneficial program for builders for nearly a decade running.

For progressive builders who are looking to catch the next wave of homebuyers, J.R. Ruthig will be giving a presentation regarding 'Design for Generations X and Y' on Friday morning.

For more information on presentation times or Plan Review Workshop times, contact Jamie Qualls at JamieQ@DTArchitects.com.

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.

Dominick Tringali Architects at the 2009 International Builders Show

The International Builders Show kicked off on Tuesday in Las Vegas, Nevada. So far we have seen a large crowd of our industry colleagues who are hopeful about what this new year will bring. We have heard many promising stories and met builders and trades people who are excited to refresh their philosophies and building practices in conjunction with the changing demands of the housing market. Throughout the show floor, we have also noticed a common theme of 'affordable, easy- to-use building products.' With the great crowd this year and all of the innovative products we have been introduced to, we are feeling pretty invigorated about 2009 and a hopeful economic upswing.

Monday night was DTA's first event at the Builders Show - the celebration of the 2008 Best in American Living Awards at the Wynn Hotel. Professional Builder Magazine hosts these awards each year. BALA is nationally recognized as one of the most prestigious national awards recognizing the best product in the housing industry. Six of DTA's projects were selected for finalist awards, and we are excited to announce that one of our projects, the Erickson Residence, won best in its category for 'Semi Custom Home Under 1,800 Square Feet.' It was also one of four projects selected as a finalist for the best home in our region of the country. Dominick Tringali and Paul Samartino accepted the two awards, which will be proudly displayed in our office.

Dominick Tringali Architects is a custom architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.