12 Excel Formulas Every Architect Should Know

Today, I like to share the article to everyone that was posted in Archidaily on May 19th. The title of the article was "12 Excel Formulas Every Architect Should Know". It was very interesting title. Excel and Architect? what is the relationship between them? We uses cool graphic software like AutoCAD, illustrator, Photoshop, Revit, Sketchup, Rhino, 3Ds Max, and so on. "Why should we have to know the Excel?"  

Well, most of us already familiar with Microsoft office which most common ones like Word, Outlook, Excel, and Powerpoint. As you know these software were around us for long time. When Design Firms or it can be any office jobs, when they are hiring, they always lists "Microsoft Office" on their job qualification. Some jobs doesn't do this but this doesn't mean they don't care! It is because they assuming that you might already have these skills. I can't imagine anyone who graduated college without using Microsoft Word. Right?

So it was interesting article for me so I like to share with others.I hope this information might be helpful to some of you.  

12 Excel Formulas Every Architect Should Know

It may not be the most exciting piece of software an architect will ever use, but Microsoft‘s Excel is a powerful tool which can help architects with the less glamorous parts of their work – and if you learn how to use it correctly, it can help you get back to the tasks that you’d rather be doing much more quickly. In this post originally published by ArchSmarter, Michael Kilkelly gives his short rundown of formulas that every architect should know – and a brief explanation of how to use each one.

Excel is more than just digital graph paper. It’s a serious tool for analyzing and computing data. In order to access this power, however, you need to understand formulas.

If you’re like me, you started using Excel as a way to create nice looking tables of data – things like building programs or drawing lists. Lots of text and some numbers. Nothing too crazy. If I was feeling a little bold, I’d add a simple formula to add or subtract some cells. That’s about it.

I knew I was using only about 10% of the software but I wasn’t sure what else it could do or how I could access the other functions. I’d heard about formulas but they seemed really confusing. Plus, I was an architect, not a bean counter.

It wasn’t until I ran into a number problem that I realized the true power of Excel. I needed to analyze the leasable area for a large mixed-use project I was working on. We were getting different area numbers from the developers. Since no one likes losing area, I had to dig through the data to figure out what was going on.

So I rolled up my sleeves, took a deep breath and plunged into the world of Excel formulas. A few hours later, I had a lean and mean spreadsheet that accurately calculated the leasable area. Using the formulas I had built, we could quickly play out scenarios for our client. This spreadsheet ended up being a really useful tool during the design phase.

Get started with Excel formulas

Inserting a formula into a cell is real easy. Just type an equals sign (=) followed by the formula. You can click the formula icon to open the “Insert Function” dialog.

You can also access all of the Excel functions through the “Formulas” ribbon. All of the formulas are grouped into categories. Click the category you want then select the formula from the list. This will open a dialog where you can input the formula parameters.

What’s the best way to learn Excel formulas? I’m a big believer in learning by doing. Take a spreadsheet you’ve created and see how you can make it better with formulas. Not sure which ones to try? Here’s my list of 12 Excel formulas every architect should know:

1. SUM

Adds together all the values in the specified range. The range can be a single column or multiple columns. You can even specify individual cells by using a comma to separate the values.

=SUM(A5:A25)

2. IF

Returns one value if a condition is true and another if the condition is false. Useful for getting a quick overview of your data. You can also use AND or OR within the IF statement to build complex logic.

=IF(A2>B2, “NEED AREA”, “AREA OK”)

3. SUMIF

Performs the SUM function only on instances that meet certain criteria. Use SUMIFS to specify multiple criteria.

=SUMIF(A1:A7, “>0″)

=SUMIFS(A1:A7, A1:A7, “>100″, A1:A7, “<200″)

4. COUNT, COUNTA, COUNTBLANK

Counts the number of items in the specified range. COUNT only counts numbers, not text or blank cells. COUNTA counts cells that are not empty. This includes number, text and other types of data. COUNTBLANK counts only cells that are blank.

=COUNT(A5:A25)

=COUNTA(A5:A25)

=COUNTBLANK(A5:A25)

5. COUNTIF

Similar to COUNT but will count only instances that meet the specified criteria. Use COUNTIFS to specify multiple criteria. For instance, rooms that are greater than 200 SF but less than 500 SF.

=COUNTIF(A1:A8, “>100″)

=COUNTIFS(A1:A8, “>100″, A1:A8, “<200″)

6. AVERAGE

Returns the average or arithmetic mean of the specified range of cells.

=AVERAGE(A5:A25)

7. MIN

Returns the smallest number in the specified range of cells. This might be useful for finding the smallest area in a programming spreadsheet.

=MIN(A5:A25)

8. MAX

Similar to MIN but this formula returns the largest number in a range of cells.

=MAX(A5:A25)

9. VLOOKUP

VLOOKUP helps Excel function more like a database than just a spreadsheet application. With it, you can search for values based on other values, which can be located in another part of the worksheet or in a completely different worksheet. In the formula, you need to specify the key value, the range of values you want to search, and the column number of the value you want to return. VLOOKUP is a little tricky to use so I highly recommend checking out this step-by-step guide.

=VLOOKUP(B3,$A$17:$B$20,2)

10. ROUND

Rounds a number to a specified number of digits. Can also use ROUNDUP and ROUNDDOWN to specify the direction of rounding.

=ROUND(7.86, 1) results in 7.9

=ROUNDUP(7.23, 0) results in 8

=ROUNDDOWN(8.85, 1) results in 8.8

11. FLOOR and CEILING

These two functions round a number up (CEILING) or down (FLOOR) to the nearest specified multiple. Useful when rounding currency.

=FLOOR(A1, 10)

=CEILING(A2, 0.25)

12. CONCATENATE

Use the CONCATENATE function to join two cells together. This function is great for piecing together text that resides in separate columns. You can also use an ampersand (&) instead of typing out CONCATENATE.

=CONCATENATE(B1, “, “, A1)

=A3& ” ” & B3

A few more things about formulas

Named ranges are great to use with formulas. Rather than typing the cell range (like A3:B4), you can enter the name (like “Level1Area”). Plus, if the range changes, just update it once in the “Name Manager”. You don’t need to update each formula.

You can review all the available formulas by going to the “Formulas” ribbon and clicking one of the icons in the “Function Library” section. All of the formulas are organized by category. Likewise, you can click the “Insert Function” button to see all the available functions.

You can include one formula in another formula. This is known as “nesting function”. In Excel 2013, you can nest up to 64 functions.

Copying and pasting formulas can sometimes be tricky. By default, Excel will increment the cell ranges when you paste a formula. Sometimes this is useful, particularly if you’re using SUM to add up a row of values. However, sometimes you want to calculate specific cells. In order to do this, use a “$” before the cell to designate it as an absolute reference. For example, if I want to multiply cell B4 with cell D3, I would type my formula as “=B4*D3″. Now, if I want to copy this formula down the column but I still want to multiply by cell D3, I would type the formula at “=B4*$D$3″. This designates cell D3 as an absolute reference so Excel doesn’t increment it.

How about you?

How do you use formulas in your spreadsheets? If so, what’s your favorite formula? Leave a comment below!

Article feature image via Shutterstock.com

Cite:

Michael Kilkelly. "12 Excel Formulas Every Architect Should Know" 19 May 2015. ArchDaily. Accessed 20 May 2015. <http://www.archdaily.com/?p=632855>

IKD INC. currently seeking INTERIOR ARCHITECT / DESIGNER ASISTANT

Are you looking for Job in Interior Design?
This job might be just for you.
They are looking for long-term, full time position and located in Los Angeles.

IKD INC. Seeking Interior Design Assistant to join our team. This position will work directly with the Principal Designer and design team to help facilitate all design projects. 
This is a long-term, full time position with immense learning potential for the right candidate. A positive attitude and love of design are essential! We are looking for a self-sufficient, organized problem solver with the ability to multi-task and help move projects forward toward completion.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Highly proficient with Auto CAD 2012+ with knowledge of the California building
- Proficient with computers: Word, Excel, Outlook, Microsoft office, Photoshop and Adobe Acrobat. Experience with Word Press is a plus.
- Skilled in drafting residential and commercial plans in Auto Cad.
TYPICAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Produce project drawings and designs, including mill work details, custom home cabinetry design built-in details and accent paint details.
- Prepare specifications and schedules with accurate product information for all finish materials, lighting, plumbing and paint.
- Prepare construction documents, consisting of plans, elevations, details and specifications, to illustrate reflected ceiling plans and lighting designs; materials and finishes; and layouts.
Skills Required:
Excellent understanding of kitchen and bath design skills
Positive and energetic team player who enjoys working in a collaborative team environment.
Outstanding organizational skills.
Proficient in AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office programs..
Ability to meet schedule deadlines and work at a VERY fast pace.

Checkout their Facebook page to learn more about them
https://www.facebook.com/IKDInc

AB design studio inc in Los Angeles currently hiring Architect Draftsman

Santa Barbara based Architecture Firm, AB design studio inc, is hiring ambitious, talented people to join our LA studio. Applicants should have a minimum level of 1-3 years experience. Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit and Sketchup a must and knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite is strongly preferred.

This position includes responsibility for all aspects of project delivery including client interaction, design, production of plans/specifications and consultant coordination.

Please send cover letter, resume and examples of your work. Examples may include a studio portfolio in addition to professional work. References will need to be provided upon request. Compensation package based on experience. Positions available in our Los Angeles and Santa Barbara locations.

Send Cover Letter | Resume | Portfolio by email
No phone calls please

If you don't have work experiences more than 3 years, this job will be good opportunity to build your job experience. If you are good with AutoCAD, Revit, and Sketchup, this job will be perfect :) 


Link to their Website
http://www.abdesignstudioinc.com/

Sawyer|Berson Architecture & Landscape Architecture currently hiring Architecture Model Maker

Original post @ Archinect posted 5/18/15

Sawyer|Berson Architecture & Landscape Architecture, LLP, a dynamic NYC design-driven 20+ person firm seeks highly motivated, skilled Landscape Architect for high-end residential projects.  This is a Mid-Level position pending qualifications.  The candidate must be able to demonstrate proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp and Adobe Design Suite (esp. Photoshop), as well as Presentation Drawing experience. In addition to digital and traditional graphics experience, Study Model Construction is desired.

Other requirements include: a thorough appreciation of both modern and traditional design, an understanding of landscape architecture and architecture, strong hand drawing and graphic skills, excellent problem-solving abilities, and ability to work as part of a project team.

REQUIREMENTS

• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, & Adobe InDesign
• Ability to rapidly produce clean, precise study models from foam core.
• Ability to produce clean, presentation level models from museum board.
• Candidates should submit images of at least hand-made 5 models, and should include at least one topographical model.
• Candidates should submit images of at least 5 Photoshop renderings.

Experience Requirements: Minimum 2 years preferred

Education Requirements: Bachelor’s in Architecture preferred. Joint landscape and architecture degrees welcome.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Please email resume, cover letter and portfolio as a single PDF File limited to 7 megabytes toinfo@sawyereberson.com.  Indicate “Architecture Model Maker” in the subject line.

Due to the high volume of resumes received, we can only respond to those we are interested in interviewing.

Please, no phone calls.

Sketchup Tutorial Part 2 - Understanding the Basic

Style Setting for you project in Sketchup

This tutorial is just covers the very basic elements in Sketchup.

After you successfully setup your customized Toolbars (see previous tutorial), now it is time to customize "style" for the modeling in Sketchup. The reason is because some style settings aren't ideal for the complex modeling. Therefore, it is always good to go over each "style setting" and choose the stetting that will be the best for the modeling.


In this tutorial, you are only going to be cover the style setting that need for us to make template. We will cover individual style settings in the future tutorial.

In this tutorial, we are going to cover

1. Skecthup Styles
2. Edges
3. Back Edges
4. Profiles
5. Extension
6. Endpoints
7. Jitter

Edges

1. Window > Style

IMG.1

IMG.2 Style setting Box will appear

2. Style Setting  Box > Edit

Uncheck everything except Edges

IMG.3

IMG.4

Edges is basically the series of lines that needed to form the shapes. 

IMG.5 Just Edges is checked

IMG.6 Highlighted in yellow shows you an idea of the Edges 

IMG.7 Edges is unchecked - can you tell the difference?

If the Edges is unchecked, you can't see the lines and you also unable to select the lines. 

It is easier to do modeling when the Edges is checked so we will check the Edge on the Style Setting. 

Back Edges

Next, we will go over the Back Edges. 

Back Edges are located right below the Edges.

Or

View > Toolbars > Styles 

Style box will be appear and you can added to your menu.

*Note: Back Edges are only enable when Edges is checked.

IMG.8

or

IMG.9

The Back Edges is new feature that was added in Skecthup 8.0. If you are using Sketchup 6.0 or 7.0, you won't see this feature.  It is very similar feature as X-ray. People who uses Sketchup 6.0 or 7.0 can use X-ray instead of this feature (X-ray takes up more modeling data than using Back Edges mode). However, the X-ray takes up more modeling data and does not shows as hidden lines (See IMG.10). So as the modeling become more complex, it was very difficult to read the lines. 

IMG.10 X-ray mode, Not showing hidden lines as Back Edges mode and take more modeling data

As you can see in the Image, the Back Edges is feature that shows hidden lines of the model. 

We are going to disable Back Edges mode because we can simply turn on and off by clicking Back Edges on the menu (IMG.9). 

Profile

The Profile is similar to outline. It enable you to see the outline of the shape that you draw. 

IMG.11 by default setting, thickness is set in 2

IMG.12 Profile set by 20

Profile not needed while modeling, so it is best to be turned off while you are modeling.

Depth Cue

Depth Cue is the similar to Edge but the lines are showing thicker on the object that is closer and thinner as object is further. It is used when you want the objects look to be 3 dimensional.  

IMG.13 Depth Cue set by 20

Depth Cue also not needed while modeling, so it is best to be turned off while you are modeling.

Extensions

If you had architectural drafting experiences, you might be familiar with this feature. Extensions is lines that extended out from the objects so lines are crossover each other. This feature can be used if you prefer to give Sketchup model a classy look. 

IMG.14 Extensions set by 20

  

Extensions are also not needed while modeling, because it will be very hard to read the lines when you do the complicated modeling.  So it is best to be turned off while you are modeling.

Endpoints

Endpoints is feature that make lines bold at the end of the points.

IMG.15 Endpoints st by 20

   

Endpoints also not needed while modeling, so it is best to be turned off while you are modeling.

Jitters

Jitters is feature that make lines that are not straight. The best way to use this feature is when you want to give the model that looks like sketch. 

IMG.16 Jitters applied

Jitters also not needed while modeling, so it is best to be turned off while you are modeling.

So we just finished up with Sketchup Styles that available for us to use. 

In this tutorial, we covered Sketchup Styles 

Edges, Back Edges, Profiles, Depth Cue, Extensions, Endpoints, and Jitters.  

All of these styles are very effective if  you can use them appropriately. However, when we modeling, it is best to use Edges and turn off the rest.

In this Tutorial covers:

1. How to apply Styles to Skecthup models
2. Available Styles available
3. Best Style Settings for Sketchup Modeling 

Contact me if you have any question.   

Sketchup Tutorial Part 1 - Understanding the Basic

Customize your Toolbars

This tutorial is just covers the very basic elements in Sketchup.

You might have series of toolbar if you are using ruby plugins, but this time, we are only covering toolbar that is given to us from Sketchup.

How to add or remove your Toolbars

1. View > Toolbar
   : You can add many toolbar as you desires but many of them are redundant.

We will start off with showing how to customize and placing Sketchup toolbar for your personal preferences for modeling. You can always able to going back to your original setting by clicking Restore Toolbar Position.

Save your Toolbar Setting
View > Toolbars > Save Toolbar Positions

Restore your Toolbar Setting
View > Toolbars > Restore Toolbar Positions

* Note: If you have your preferable Toolbar setting before customizing, please Save your Toolbar setting by clicking Save Toolbar Position. It will take you to this saved setting if you clicking Restore Toolbar Position.

Now let's go over Toolbar selections, as I have stated, many of Toolbars are redundant. In addition,
we normally open up the all the Toolbars on the screen because it will take up your working spaces.
Since we are talking about the working space, I will show you the way to maximize your working spaces with simple click.

*Note: This will be only applies to who makes their Toolbars setup in "Large Buttons"

Make your Toolbar Buttons smaller
View > Toolbars > Large Buttons [maker sure Large Buttons are unchecked]

IMG.1 Large Buttons are Disabled

IMG.2 Large Buttons are enabled

IMG.3 Red box showing working space when Large Buttons are disabled 

As you can see it from above IMG.3, you can see working space is little bit bigger if you are disable the Large Buttons.


 Now, all the Toolbars can be moved and placed wherever you prefer. You simply have to click left mouse button and drag. This remove your Toolbar from the Menu and appear like a popup boxes (IMG.4).  You can place these Toolbars to the specific location or putting it into Menu. Overtime, base on your needs, you will be able to come up the best Toolbar setting just for yourself.

In this Tutorial covers:

1. How to add/remove Toolbars from Skecthup
2. How to save/restore Toolbars from Sketchup
3. How to maximize working space: Disable Large Buttons in Toolbars 
4. How to customize your Toolbars from Sketchup

It is very basic and seems not much important. However, it is very effective overtime especially if you are working big projects. Having customized setting will save you lots of time during working on the project. Therefore, build your own Toolbar settings overtime.

Contact us if you have any question. 

3 Student Projects Selected as Winners of ISARCH Awards @ Archdaily

Rethinking Biotope / Kyriaki Goti and Nikolaos Xenos. Image Courtesy of IS ARCH

IS ARCH has unveiled the winners of the fifth edition of its ISARCH Awards for architecture students. From a vast pool of submissions, three were selected by the combined evaluations of a jury and public opinion. The international competition promotes the efforts of young designers and encourages dialogue among students and emerging architects by showcasing work undertaken through university curricula. The winners will receive prizes ranging in value from €1,000 to €3,000.

Learn more about the winning projects after the break.

First Prize: “Crece Junto A La Naturaleza” / Alejandra Salvador (CEU San Pablo)

Crece Junto a la Naturaleza / Alejandra Salvador. Image Courtesy of IS ARCH

This project provides a controlled environment for children’s play and education. Bringing users through a sequence of transformative spaces, the children’s center incorporates a range of spatial qualities and materials, resulting in a multitude of distinct experiences. Through these environments, the space fosters imagination and exploration as children are encouraged to expand their games across multiple settings.

   

Second Prize: “Bookish Hills” / Yoshihito Tamba (Meiji University)

Bookish Hills / Yoshihito Tamba. Image Courtesy of IS ARCH

Located among a collection of parks and a residential area, this library employs a system of hilly floors to create a unique intellectual atmosphere that transitions smoothly from exterior to interior spaces. The hills house both the books and the seating, hybridizing floors and bookshelves to create informal areas to walk, sit, and lie down. To systematize the topographic layout, books are classified according to floor level, simplifying the process of finding a specific genre. Nods to the picturesque surroundings are achieved through a rooftop garden.

   

Third Prize: “Rethinking Biotope: The eutrophication case” / Kyriaki Goti and Nikolaos Xenos (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki) 

Rethinking Biotope / Kyriaki Goti and Nikolaos Xenos. Image Courtesy of IS ARCH

This project addresses the problem of eutrophication (disruption of ecosystems due to elevated levels of phytoplankton) by using it as a viable source for research. A network of waterways through affected areas provides an aquatic highway with “stations” along it, each hosting an artificial reef made of nets that attract algae. As ships pass the stations, they harvest the algae for research and energy production purposes. The nets are then stored in the ships’ hulls where sun exposure fosters growth and creates new biotopes.

   

For more information on IS ARCH and to view all the submissions, visit www.isarch.org