Innovative Architectural Firms

FastCompany.com recently published a list of the World's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Architecture.  Here's just a small sampling of the companies that were featured in the article:

Perkins + Will - This well-known firm received accolades for providing healthier structures by specifying building materials free of chemical toxins.

Populous - The sports & entertainment architectural giants were lauded by Fast Company for making sensible use of space when designing large venues such as the modular stadium for the 2012 Olympics in London.  The 80-thousand capacity arena can be reduced to just 25-thousand if necessary.

The 2012 Olympic Stadium  in London, designed by Populous

Lake | Flato - Lake | Flato was recognized for going green with their high end, pre-fab housing, also known as the "Porch House" project.

To read Fast Company's top 10 article in its entirety, CLICK HERE. 

For more information about architectural products, CLICK HERE. 

Facebook for Architects: Exploring Architizer.com

Architects connecting with architects.  

Architects connecting with developers.  

Architects connecting with the world.

All of the above - and more - is happening right now on one of the most popular social sites for the architecture and design industry:  Architizer.com.

Whether you're an architect yourself, or just someone thinking about hiring one, you've probably already heard of this growing social media sensation.  

Architizer.com has been loosely defined by The New York Times as "a hybrid of Facebook, Flickr, and LinkedIn for architects."  The site features a myriad of eye-catching photos, architect bios, news and information on past, recent and current projects.  What's more, Architizer has been single-handedly responsible for transforming the way architects communicate with each other - and with the public - since 2009. 

Like most other social media sites, Architizer is completely free to use and offers a variety of user-friendly functionalities.  Each project has its own dedicated page, which means project collaborators can list the details of their involvement, allowing the user to receive a comprehensive summary of a particular design. 

Alternatively, when the "Products" tab in the main menu is selected, users are directed to a microsite filled with building product brands that they can explore. Although this area of the site is currently in Beta testing mode, architectural product manufacturers are still able to list their profile on the "Products" page by emailing Architizer directly.

From colorful images of "you have to see it to believe it" designs, to more vital posts such as architect and collaborator contact info, Architizer.com has it all.

In our opinion, Architizer.com is one of the best, one-stop-sources for all things building and design.  

Check out our building product page on Architizer by clicking HERE. 

For more information about architectural products CLICK HERE. 

It's Easy Building Green: 3 Essential, Enviro-Conscious Architecture & Design Websites

If you're involved in the architectural or construction industry in any capacity, you're already aware of how important it is to your customers - and to your community - to build green.

Below are 3 environmentally conscious websites and blogs to watch and learn from - each as informative and awe-inspiring as the next.