Down and dirty – a complete step-by-step guide to making, installing and living with beautiful, all-natural earthen floors Poor heat and moisture management are the enemies of durable, comfortable, and efficient housing, and good building design and construction starts with a solid understanding of good building science. Essential Building Science provides a highly visual and accessible introduction to the fundamentals of building science for residential construction. Part one covers the rationale behind high-performance design and the fundamentals of building physics, including thermal dynamics, moisture transfer, and hygro-thermal dynamics such as vapor drive and condensation. Part two teaches the vital critical thinking skills needed to consider buildings as whole systems and to develop thermal and moisture control strategies regardless of the specifics of the design. Case studies and examples from across North American climatic zones illuminate real-life problems and offer builders, designers, and DIYers the insights and tools required for creating better new buildings and dramatically improving old ones. Good science plus critical thinking equals high performance buildings.

This guide is for owners. It offers a new approach to managing the cooperative effort required in all custom home and home addition projects by preparing the owner for a more active oversight role and by substituting a Project Advisor for the General Contractor. The guide is not about pouring footers, framing, or applying shingles. There is an army of experienced tradesmen available in the yellow pages, through TV offerings or in local newspapers that can provide these skills. Planning and building a new home or major addition, unless one chooses to be passive and surprised by the cost and the results, requires a great deal of owner participation. This guide prepares the owner to participate more effectively in all phases of the project by preparing them for the experience and by providing guidance and references. The simple process outlined avoids problems, simplifies oversight, makes the process more enjoyable, and saves money by making the process more efficient. With the help of an experienced Construction Advisor, owners can save as much as 20% by actively participating in the planning and management of a custom home or home addition project.

Being your clients’ Most Trusted Business Advisor is not about selling and making pitches. It’s really about showing an interest in your clients, asking the kind of questions that will help you learn what is important to them, and then listening. Based on the AICPA’s successful Trusted Business Advisor Program and intended for CPAs who want to take their consulting practice to the next level, this workbook provides approaches to help you do just that. By the time you finish working through the book’s helpful forms and exercises you will be better able to: have critical conversations with your clients ask the right questions effectively be a better listener easily identify services that will add value to your clients’ organizations avoid administrative pitfalls throughout the process effectively market your services, and profitably grow your practice Find out how to uncover critical client needs in ten minutes or less, how to help your clients prioritize their wish lists, and how to help them quantify the value of addressing each of the issues that keep them awake at night!

In "Building Elite Advisor Teams: The Supernova Path," author Elara Phoenix draws on her extensive experience with LPL Financial and the Advisors Group to reveal the secrets behind creating and maintaining high-performing advisory teams. Through the lens of thousands of elite advisors, Phoenix uncovers the consistent ambition of top performers: to build, protect, and ultimately transfer a thriving business to a worthy heir. Discover the transformative power of the Supernova Moment, where elite Advisor Teams command premium valuations based on deep client goodwill. While not all advisors achieve this coveted status, their relentless pursuit of best practices and innovative strategies propels them forward. This book serves as a guide for aspiring and established advisors alike, providing actionable insights into the quest for excellence in the ever-evolving financial landscape.

This book addresses the important issues involved in forming effective and profitable teams for construction projects - both within and between client, design and construction firms. It is divided into two main sections. The first contains theories related to particular aspects of project teams, with key points illustrating their practical application. The second contains real and simulated building and civil engineering case studies, each concluding with corrective lessons to aid successful construction project team building.

The essential guide to beginning your career in architecture The Architecture Student's Handbook of Professional Practice opens the door to the vast body of knowledge required to effectively manage architectural projects and practice. A professional architect is responsible for much more than design; this book is specifically designed to help prepare you for the business and administrative challenges of working in the real-world—whether you are a student or are just starting out in practice. It provides clear insight into the legal, financial, marketing, management, and administrative tasks and issues that are integral to keeping a firm running. This new edition has been restructured to be a companion textbook for students undertaking architectural practice classes, while also fulfilling the specific knowledge needs of interns and emerging professionals. It supplements information from the professional handbook with new content aimed at those setting out in the architectural profession and starting to navigate their careers. New topics covered in this new edition include: path to licensure, firm identity, professional development, strategic planning, and integrated project delivery. Whether you want to work at a top firm, strike out on your own, or start the next up-and-coming team, the business of architecture is a critical factor in your success. This book brings the fundamentals together to give you a one-stop resource for learning the reality of architectural practice. Learn the architect's legal and ethical responsibilities Understand the processes of starting and running your own firm Develop, manage, and deliver projects on time and on budget Become familiar with standard industry agreements and contracts Few architects were drawn to the profession by dreams of writing agreements and negotiating contracts, but those who excel at these everyday essential tasks impact their practice in innumerable ways. The Architecture Student's Handbook of Professional Practice provides access to the "nuts and bolts" that keep a firm alive, stable, and financially sound.