I've been doing residential design in California for about 30 years. If I could hand my younger self a short list, it wouldn't be "collect more resources" it'd be the few that actually change how you work: Revit is my main tool - worth going deep on rather than spreading thin across five programs. - For learning it well, the Revit Kid, Balkan Architect, and The Street Architect (YouTube) are the ones I'd actually follow. - A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander not a software or drafting book, but the best thing I know for understanding why a space actually works for the people in it. It'll make you a better designer, not just a better drafter. - UpCodes or ICC Digital Codes so you're working from the actual CRC instead of guessing what the city wants. - AIBD (American Institute of Building Design) the professional home for designers who do this work without being licensed architects. Worth a look. But here's the real answer to "how do I improve my services to clients," and it's not a book. Years ago I designed an addition onto an existing garage a clean solution, I was proud of it. Right before submittal, I found out the neighbors had sold their property. The new survey moved the property line, and suddenly my setback was cutting the corner off the building. I'd trusted the existing information instead of verifying it myself. I had to redesign the whole thing, and the client was never happy with the compromised version. That mistake cost me time, money, and a client's trust. What it taught me: verify everything yourself. Measure, then measure again. Out in the field it's not always what you see on paper, and the assumption you didn't check is the one that comes back to bite you. The corrections and the close calls are the real curriculum that's what actually makes you better at serving clients. Happy to go deeper on any of this if it's useful.

I’ve decided to begin publicly documenting my journey learning AI at 69 years old. This doesn’t replace design. It expands it. AI is becoming part of architecture, creativity, and life — and I’m stepping into it thoughtfully. This video marks the beginning of that exploration. I’d love to know: how do you feel about AI right now — curious, cautious, skeptical, excited?https://youtu.be/S9YLVYNCbUk