Gable or gambrel, the material is what gives a roof its character. Compare shake, slate, steel, and tile from four manufacturers on CADdetails, and download the files to start specifying.
All in Exteriors & Interiors
Gable or gambrel, the material is what gives a roof its character. Compare shake, slate, steel, and tile from four manufacturers on CADdetails, and download the files to start specifying.
Today's designers aren't just thinking about swings and benches — they're considering inclusive play, multi-generational use, sustainability, and long-term durability all at once. Explore the products and spec-ready resources from GameTime, Maglin Site Furniture, Jamestown Advanced Products, and KOMPAN that are raising the bar for parks and playgrounds.
Summer heat doesn't have to limit how outdoor spaces are used. From motorized louvered pergolas and retractable canopies to custom-built gazebos and commercial shade structures, we're featuring four manufacturers with the products and design files to help you specify outdoor climate control with confidence.
From structural loading and thermal performance to fire ratings and hardware—a practical guide for architects, engineers, and specifiers navigating garage door selection.
Summer build season is here, and outdoor living is at the top of every client's list. This season, the dominant shift is toward full integration — fewer "pool dropped in the yard" layouts and more engineered transitions between the pool, patio, and surrounding living areas, where the entire backyard functions as one cohesive architectural environment.
The best outdoor spaces don’t happen by accident. Research in urban design and public life has consistently shown that seating plays a critical role in how people experience a landscape—shaping where they gather, how long they stay, and whether a space feels welcoming or overlooked.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key considerations to keep in mind when designing your pool house. Plus, we’ll share 4 tips to help you create a space that beautifully balances both function and style and makes any backyard a true oasis.
Explore trending landscape products shaping today’s outdoor environments, from durable site furnishings and lightweight resin planters to advanced irrigation systems and rooftop decking solutions. Discover how leading manufacturers like Maglin, DIG Corporation, TerraCast Products, and Archatrak are helping architects and designers create high-performance, visually cohesive spaces.
Specifying FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) has always carried a degree of uncertainty. A manufacturer's catalog provides dimensions and finish options. A static product photograph shows one angle under controlled lighting. A showroom visit is time-consuming and logistically impractical for every product on a specification list. For decades, design professionals have worked around these limitations, accepting that the gap between what a product looks like in a brochure and how it performs in context is simply part of the process.
This post looks at what that shift involves practically, where exterior visualization delivers the most value for AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) teams, and why certain project types—rooftop schemes in particular—demand a different approach to what most standard rendering briefs provide.
In today’s projects, entry systems are expected to carry a lot of weight, both literally and figuratively. Beyond aesthetics, specifiers have to consider performance requirements like thermal efficiency, wind load, acoustics, accessibility, and fire ratings, all while ensuring the system integrates cleanly with the surrounding façade.
Climate-resilient design is no longer a trend—it’s a necessity. Today’s design professionals are seeking innovative, sustainable products that help mitigate climate change and support long-term environmental health. These solutions not only lower carbon footprints but also enhance durability and efficiency across a wide range of project types.
As cities and urban spaces evolve, design approaches are increasingly centered on managing traffic more effectively, improving pedestrian safety, and creating environments that support safe, efficient movement.
Solar-powered lighting has long been considered a technology of the future—but today, it’s already illuminating streets, parks, gardens, and public spaces around the world. As demand grows for sustainable, cost-effective, and grid-independent lighting solutions, solar lighting is quickly becoming a top choice for many communities.
This month’s article highlights a selection of products designed to inspire fall renovation projects, offering both performance and design-driven solutions. Energy-efficient windows help boost comfort indoors, while advanced moisture control systems safeguard structures against seasonal changes. Outdoors, fire pits create a welcoming focal point for gathering, and infrared heating extends the usability of patios and communal spaces well into cooler months. Together, these upgrades not only prepare projects for the demands of autumn but also open opportunities to design resilient, inviting environments that clients can enjoy year-round.
As temperatures rise, pergolas and canopies are stepping up as both architectural design features and practical additions to living spaces. They not only enhance style and comfort indoors and out, but also provide essential sun protection, fostering healthier environments for relaxation and gathering.
As outdoor spaces evolve into dynamic environments for health and wellness, designers and builders are increasingly looking to incorporate elements that inspire movement and community engagement. Outdoor fitness products offer an ideal solution—combining durable materials, innovative design, and universal accessibility to meet the needs of diverse communities.
When it comes to architectural design, the right doors and windows can transform a space—enhancing aesthetics, improving functionality, and optimizing energy efficiency. Whether you’re an architect, designer, or builder, having access to high-quality CAD and BIM models of door and window products is essential for bringing your projects to life with precision.
As a design professional, one of your superpowers is creating spaces that are functional, accessible, and welcoming to everyone—including those with disabilities. When it comes to designing bathrooms in US-based public and commercial buildings, making sure your designs meet the standards of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is key.
When it comes to designing spaces that are both functional and stylish, folding doors have emerged as a top choice for design professionals. Offering flexibility, aesthetic appeal, and space-saving benefits, folding doors are an ideal solution for a wide range of projects.