By the end of the last post, I had an apartment, a Social Security number, a bank account, the beginnings of US credit and the foundations of an American life. What I did not have (and still don’t) was a car. In Connecticut, that matters rather more than I had appreciated before moving here. YouContinue reading “Becoming Independent…”
Author Archives: edwarddaniels42
Building a Life from Scratch
After moving from a furnished UK home to an empty apartment in America, the author faced the challenge of acquiring essential items to create a livable space. While navigating a new shopping landscape and banking system, they experienced initial setbacks but found ways to adapt, ultimately making the apartment truly feel like home.
Moving to America on an H-1B: The Part Nobody Really Explains
The author shares their personal experience of relocating from the UK to the US, specifically to Connecticut on an H-1B visa. They describe the complexities of navigating the immigration process, including challenges with documentation and banking without a credit history. The journey, both practical and emotional, exemplifies the uncertainties and administrative hurdles of starting anew in a foreign country.
Thermal Bridging: Where the detail leak through design
Thermal bridging is one of those quiet realities of building science, invisible until it isn’t. It’s the weak point in a wall, floor, or roof, where heat finds the path of least resistance and slips away. Sometimes it’s accidental, a screw in the wrong place. More often, it’s a consequence of poor detailing or aContinue reading “Thermal Bridging: Where the detail leak through design”
Bathrooms Across the Pond: Notes from an Architect Working in Two Codes
I never expect that the first cultural difference of working between the two countries would focus on bathrooms but this is the Damp Patch. Coming from the UK, where a compliant fully accessible WC is a snug 2.2m x 1.5m (7′-3” x 4′-11”) box of pure function, comparing to my first Massachusetts project felt likeContinue reading “Bathrooms Across the Pond: Notes from an Architect Working in Two Codes”
Introduction
The article discusses the differences in building science between the UK and the US, highlighting how distinct cultural and regulatory approaches shape construction practices. While both prioritize comfort and efficiency, their methods diverge significantly, influenced by traditions and climates. The author aims to explore these differences through observations, research, and personal reflections.
Reflections and Anticipation for the Future.
As we close out another year and welcome in a new one, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the past and look ahead to the future. It has been an interesting and challenging year, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue learning and growing as an architect. As I lookContinue reading “Reflections and Anticipation for the Future.”
Finished for Christmas
Dear Readers, I am thrilled to announce that I have successfully completed my dissertation, encompassing the role of the digital world within architecture. It has been a long and challenging journey, but I am so proud of the results and grateful for the support of my tutors, colleagues, friends and family. Through my research andContinue reading “Finished for Christmas”
Dissertation Submitted!
Hello readers, I am excited to announce that I have submitted my dissertation in architecture. This has been a long and challenging journey, and I am grateful to have reached this milestone. I want to take a moment to thank my tutors, professors, and peers for their support and guidance throughout this process. I couldContinue reading “Dissertation Submitted!”
Design Exploration
This week I’ve been busy working on my design project. I’m looking at the brief of the main building; what are the spacial requirements and how this relates to the context. Looking at the wider masterplan of the site I’m exploring access to and through the site, exploring the history of the site and howContinue reading “Design Exploration”
The Damp Patch 🧱 