By Andy McMurray and Bart Richardson

Next door to the David Syme House is the J.H. Rogers House, a peculiar blend of Queen Anne and Romanesque Revival styles. It has the obvious turret of a Queen Anne home while also having prominent Romanesque arches. The home was built in 1890 for Rogers, a respected dry goods merchant who settled in Sycamore in 1858.

Across from the J.H. Rogers House is the c. 1900 Floyd E. Brower House. Brower was a Sycamore attorney who purchased the home and undertook extensive remodeling throughout the house. Brower practiced law in Sycamore for more than 50 years.

There are a couple of American Craftsman style homes in the Sycamore Historic District as well. Particularly of the type known as "American Foursquare", which was a common early 20th century style (and derivation of Wright's Prairie style) made popular by pattern books distributed by such mail order retailers as Sears.

The Foursquare House shows a perfect melding of Prairie and Craftsman styles. The broad overhanging eaves, Roman brick (wiki by me) work and large porch are all Prairie elements.

The 1917 Wally Thurow House is another excellent example of the Foursquare style in Sycamore that is almost identical to the patterns distributed by popular mail order houses of the day. I like this house mainly because it has a more "hidden" entrance than the house at 413 Somonauk; hard to find entrances are trademark on high-style examples of Prairie architecture. If you look toward the middle of the second floor in the image above, you will see some wonderful stained glass work.

Thurow is credited with founding the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, a popular festival indeed, at the house in 1956. For several years he displayed pumpkins on his lawn, until the Lions Club started expanding on his idea in 1962. Thurow is known as "Mr. Pumpkin".

Coming full circle we are back to a (flimsy?) connection to the man who started this post, J.H. Rogers. East of Somonauk Street , in the 500 block of Main Street is what a poster in downtown Sycamore calls the J.H. Rogers/Bettis House, but a plaque in front of the house calls the John Gathercoal House. Whatever its called the house was originally built in 1863, but not at the Main Street location.

The Bettis House is only one part of a bigger whole. It began life at the site of the J.H. Rogers House, over on Somonauk Street but in 1887 it was moved to its current location. At that time, the house that now stands next door to the Bettis House was split off from it. That house is now known as the Charles A. Bishop House or the William Phelps House. The Bishop House was built in 1854 making the Bettis House an 1863 addition to that house when it was in its original location. I could find no other connection to Rogers other than the house was once on the site of the current J.H. Rogers House. Perhaps he owned it at some point in its history.

Charles Bishop was a prominent Sycamore attorney who came to the city from New Brunswick in 1878. He eventually held posts as circuit and county judge.

Online Resources

*J.H. Rogers House: 1970s photo

*413 S. Somonauk St.: 1970s photo

Look for my other Dwight, Illinois articles.

By James Heimler

There once was a day where one someone was speaking about the word green, it was obvious they were referring to a color formed by mixing yellow and blue. That assumption is no longer true; with our society leaning toward a healthier environment and ways we can help save the earth, the term green now takes on a whole new meaning. One way to support an environmentally conscious lifestyle is with green architecture.

'Green Architecture' is a form of environmentally sensitive design and construction. Energy-saving, sustainable development and natural materials are all hallmarks of this form of construction. Green Architecture is also sensitive to the impact of the construction on the environment in the years and decades after the construction is complete. It explores a relationship between architecture and ecology.

One of the key points to green architecture is to create synchrony with the surrounding environment. Everything about a green building should easily transition from the natural landscape, including the building materials. The best material to use for green construction is materials that have been recycled or come from easily restored resources.

Advantages of Green Architecture:

1. Optimizes the use of resources, especially energy and water. At the design and construction stage, it incorporates resource recycling during construction, and later when the building is being used.

2. It causes minimal impact on the environment during the entire building life cycle of siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance and removal.

3. Where possible, the natural topography is used to optimize energy usage.

4. It leads to reduced operating costs by optimizing resource usage. Green Architecture focuses on recycling resources - especially water. Wherever possible, it focuses on using building materials from the building site itself. Well-insulated doors, windows and walls reduce energy usage and loss.

5. Green Architecture promotes improved health of the occupants of the building, due to better natural air circulation and use of natural light.

6. Provides onsite facilities for recycling, thereby minimizing waste being sent to landfills.

Materials Commonly Used in Green Architecture

1. Recycled materials such as wood, tiles and bricks that are available at the building site or in/near the surrounding area.

2. Where new materials are used, the focus is on material that can be rapidly replenished, such as bamboo, which can be harvested for commercial use in just 6 years.

3. Insulation made from low volatile organic compounds that use materials such as recycled denim as opposed to fiberglass insulation - which has long-term adverse effects. Insulation may be treated with boric acid to retard insect damage. Organic or milk-based paints also afford protection.

4. Solar energy is an abundant resource that is used through passive solar, active solar and photovoltaic techniques.

5. Packed gravel in parking lots and driveways instead of concrete reduces rainwater run-off and replenishes ground water resources.

Many countries have developed their own standards of Green Architecture for energy-efficient and sustainable building. Given below are some common standards:

1. Code for Sustainable Homes - United Kingdom

2. EnerGuide for New Houses - Canada

3. House Energy Rating - Australia

4. Green Globes - USA, Canada and UK

Practitioners of Green Architecture and sustainable development seek to achieve ecological and aesthetic harmony between structures and their surrounding natural environments.

By Cristian Ignat

Many companies may start to wonder how can architectural rendering services be of help to them. The truth is that what separates a company from the other is how well the master the art of selling. This being the case, when a company has to make a presentation, it needs to advertise its product or service in such an appealing manner so that prospective customers can be instantly persuaded. This is where 3D rendering, 3D walk-through and animations enter the stage.

Who wouldn't like to have a sneak preview of how his office building will look like without having to actually go on the premises of the construction site? Who wouldn't like to visualize how different floorings will go with the rest of the living-room before making any purchase decision? The reality is that we all would and luckily, it becomes easier by the day to do so. Nowadays, 3D computer rendering and walk through are important selling concepts when it comes to architectural design.

Several important conceptual tools are incorporated into the design process through computer rendering services. What architectural visualization does is offering numerous design options to be explored and solved before the building process begins. This way, landscaping, neighborhoods, buildings and structures can be easily customized, built according to clients' specifications months before the actual building starts.

Some architectural rendering services include 3d modeling, 3d interior, 3d exterior, photomontage renderings, 3d architectural products, 3d house plans, 3d animations and walk-through. They are done in realistic color renderings but can also be textured or conceptually sketched in black and white.

Although computer rendering can be considered somewhat costly as opposed to traditional illustrations, the time factor has to be taken into consideration as well. Manually illustrating is very time consuming not to mention the additional materials that need to be purchased - colors, paint, brushes etc. Furthermore, the impact of 3D presentations is much more significant compared to manually drawn illustrations and models.

By Elaine Ee Lee

Landscape Design tools and software helps make home owner landscaping a reality with the best resources available in all areas of landscape design pictures from landscaping ideas and design to finishing touches. Should it is for the Waterfront improvement projects, parks and playgrounds or shopping centre, there will surely be available design tools/software which can be utilized to address the required landscape design and drawing requirements.

AutoCAD assists clients in their Landscape Drawing tasks by utilizing a wide variety of CAD software such as AutoCAD (Version -14 to 2005), Micro Station ADT, MDT, Inventor, Pro-E, Solid Edge, Solid Works, MS Visio, and 2020. Other than AutoCAD, other useful design tools which can be found are Coreldraw (CDR), Adobe Illustrator (AI), ArchiCAD, etc.

Landscape architecture design is an advanced and fresh concept in residential landscape architectural segment representing a mix of science, arts and technical values that addresses critical issues related to Earth's landscapes. It also involves close study and investigation of the proposed landscape site.

The Key Benefits of Landscape Design and Drawings Services:

• High accuracy
• Competitive pricing
• High data security
• Helps clients to drastically reduce their operating expenses
• Quick Turn-around
• Advanced technology
• Highly skilled professionals with readily assessable expertise and skill sets

Some companies offer solutions in the field of Landscape architectural to others. These companies serve as a strategic partner to the companies as they have the experience, qualifications and skill which enable the effective solutions delivery to the landscape architects, developers & contractors within very demanding time and budget constraints.
These are some of the popular services offered by the out-sourcing partner,

-> Architectural renderings for various landscape amenities
-> Drawings for Green roof design & Tree preservation
-> CAD design for Drainage improvements, lighting, etc
-> 3D CAD modeling & drafting services
-> Compliance with local authorities & Coordination with your team
-> Elevations
-> Foundation Plans
-> Wall Sections, etc
>> Raster-to-Vector Conversion
>> Landscape architecture drawings
>> Interior rendering/planning drawings
>> Detailing of Interiors
-> Reflected Ceiling
-> Power distribution
-> Communication points
-> Plumbing, HVAC etc
>> CAD conversion services

Some companies have claimed that they would save up to 60% cost by outsourcing their CAD design and other landscape design needs to professional design service partner whom are equipped with the required skills to fulfill the required needs.

By Nelson Thomas

Architectural Design becomes a key factor to achieve modern architectural building design as never before. In the present era competition make deep changes in making of it and that allow the firms to complete the projects in turn around time. Latest architectural software like Revit, Chief Architect introduced for making quick modifications in architectural design projects.

Paper based ideas or sketches can be converted by using this software in to easily manageable and flawless design. For various purposes as described below can be achieved by using it:

o Custom House plan
o Residential
o Commercial
o Modern Interior
o Furniture
o Landscape

In the making of accurate designs 3D animation software is used. The technology is also used in making of attractive townships, cities and other amenities. it also concern with concepts of innovation, personalized services and total transparency with maximum accuracy.

To get complete ground design of a building, than there are various steps like drafting, rendering and modeling are used. These steps are widely used by architects and that assure quality work within turnaround time. This technology also allows architects to make changes as per requirements.

Various countries got unique infrastructure image in the world by using architectural design. Like china is famous for its home building pattern, Europe is famous for it's Greek styles and Egypt is for pyramids. So these kinds of factors make it backbone of successive building.

In the current scenario architects are also using various modules in the industry development. Industry development is a complex process. Architects are managing industrial projects by making proper architect designs and that assure cost saving.

By Mike U Thomas

Architectural rendering matters the most in the architecture industry nowadays. The perfect illustration of proposed architecture design makes it the most important aspect of any architecture project. Whether you are an architect or any other architectural professional, architectural -rendering is essential for almost every phase you deal with.

What is architectural rendering? Well, architecture -rendering design can be defined as the process of developing two-dimensional images that display all important attributes of any proposed architecture design. Architecture -renderings services are generally used by architects, builders and contractors. All such professionals use it for various purposes.

Latest tools and technologies are used to perform accurate architecture- renderings and to develop highly realistic images. As mentioned above, architecture -renderings services are used by architects for variety of purposes such as for presentation of architecture design to clients, marketing and other architecture design purposes.

Architecture- renderings gives exact and precise views of architectural design. Such architectural views are to the right scale, proportion. Certain important features are covered while performing excellent architecture- rendering design such as implementation of real life textures, building component materials with matching colour and finishes.

What are the applications of architectural -rendering3D services? Talking about applications and utilities of architectural renderings services, here are some of them where architectural rendering is used the most: • 3D architectural- rendering using architectural rendering software

• architectural -3Drendering design services

• interior architectural 3Drendering, 3D interior design, interior 3Drendering images

• furniture 3Drendering, office architectural- renderings

• 3D exterior architecture, exterior architectural -3Drendering services

• 3D architectural renderings modeling, 3D rendering models

• 3D Architectural -Rendering, 3D Model Architecture, 3D rendering architecture Services

One important feature about architectural -rendering services is that it provides a high level of detail concerning rendering, modeling, 3D texturing and can also express light play i.e. the impact of sunlight / artificial light / shadows. This enables user to get an extraordinary architectural design view of their proposed architecture project.

By Luis Pezzini

When you decide to go ahead and purchase a home, you have to make sure that it is spacious enough to meet all requirements of your family needs and will need in the future. Hence, purchasing a home in Hollywood Hills would be ideal as many of the homes here are simply remarkable in their architecture and structuring. The manner in which such homes have been built can give you the impression of living in colonial times, albeit with a few modern amenities.

If you are searching for the right house that is just perfect for your family, the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles is where you have to be "The Birds Streets" has some of the finest homes in L.A.. Many homes that are constructed here are architectural wonders and usually consist of 5-6 bedrooms, a family room, wine cellars, enough parking space for nearly 7-10 cars, two Spa rooms, some even have helipads. Most if not all have a gourmet kitchen with a Viking or Wolf stoves, many have separate guestrooms and even some with an elevator that can take you up to the rooftop patio.

When you select a house in Hollywood Hills, you are assured that you would be getting nearly 8000 ft.² carpet area along with a spectacular view of the city that you would never ever feel like leaving. A complete 360° view of the entire city of Los Angeles from any of the 60 fixed casement windows implies that you would be located in the centre of the hill, in the vicinity of nearly everything you need. At the same time, you would not have to be concerned about safety as there are adequate security systems including the two panic rooms, fire alarms, burglar alarms as well as networking systems available.

Most of these homes are designed by famous architect of present and many of past such as Frank Lloyd Wright.

By Matthew Radoski

Contemporary lighting is a trendy set of lighting arrangements with innovative quality, which turns the environment more comfortable and relaxing. The modern day architecture is complimentary to this kind of creative approach in lighting homes and other places and people adore the atmosphere for the attraction of the venue. You will find eminent suppliers with high quality craftsmanship in lighting of this particular variety, which is durable as well.

Companies that manufacture contemporary lighting devices closely work with designers, architects, professionals and lighting technicians, who understand the value of visual effect and elegance in lighting. Different kinds of colors are used in separate locations to bring the best effect to create the right kind of mood.

This particular specialty is in demand among the people who value aesthetics and want to enjoy the lights with architectural designs. You will definitely get an extensive choice of contemporary lighting for your homes both for individual use and commercial purpose. You will love the atmosphere of a Murano glass chandelier both in your home and in your office hall provided the building supports the wonderful object in display and manner.

The trendy customer today is in favor of homes which have architectural touch and use the contemporary lighting to match the environment perfectly. The lighting is important whether it is the bedroom, living room or bathroom. The modern bathrooms are fitted with spa, whirlpools, shower stalls, saunas and many more fascinating accessories to make it a complete place of enjoyment and luxury.

The lighting of the particular place should match possessions and enhance the owner's comfort. Likewise, the living rooms and bedrooms can also be made to appear fascinating with perfect contemporary lighting to turn them highly satisfying.

The modern day interior design consists of clean-cut lines in the construction of the building with traditional furnishings, which remarkably compliment the structure of the room. It also has a sense of artistic approach in the arrangement of fixtures and furniture with solid colors or simple white backdrop of the wall.

The lighting arrangement is made to highlight the environment so that it becomes inviting. There are other varieties also which require somber lighting with simple lines with contemporary furniture. The main issue is not the presence of fixtures or furniture in the room, but it is the contemporary lighting style that makes the whole atmosphere enjoyable. The architectural design of a home in the modern time suits the trendy lighting of today.

By Ian M MacDonald

Architectural design is a very specific discipline. There are many companies that specialise in creating home designs and plans for building new homes, but not all of them are going to necessarily meet your the needs. You need to realise that you are the creator of your own home building destiny. You have to find the designers that you like best based on the sample designs that they have. While price does matter to a degree, it shouldn't be the only factor that affects your final decision. Instead, you should focus on choosing quality design first and then narrow down your options based on the budget that you have.

Architectural design is very open and varied no matter where you look. Every designer has their own style and is able to work with you to create the best home that you could possibly imagine. When you build a home, you want to make sure that it's exactly what you want. Buying an existing home allows you to make certain concessions and compromises because it's already built and you can always renovate it later. However, when you are starting from scratch, you need to make sure that you get the home of your dreams because it's what you deserve. Good designers will understand this and will work with you to determine what is best for your needs.

Architectural design affords you the chance to see a variety of different styles of homes by designers from all over the region where you live. New Zealand has many great home designers that you can work with, so it's really just a matter of taking the time to look and find the home designer that you want to work with. Think about your favourite styles, how big of a home you want, and the budget that you have to work with. Using a combination of these elements, you can come up with the right designer and the perfect home design for your new home.

Professional architectural design needs to be a part of your plans for building your dream home. You need to make sure that you choose the most qualified and experienced designer that you can afford. In total, you really just need to take the time to process your options, figure out what you want and need, and then make the decisions that best suit you and your new home.

By Shaj Baby

Outsource Architectural Design Services to India

Engineering services outsourcing in India has the potential to grow to $10 billion in three to five years, from its current level of $3.5 billion, according to NASSCOM, India's apex body of the software and services sector.

India with its wealth of expertise in Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) is in a strong position to give you solutions that combine aesthetics, functionality and cost. Such like 3DCities India (www.3DCindia.com), are one of the leading company in India and having very good experience in Architectural and Civil field since 1999

Value in Outsourcing Architectural Design Functions

Outsourcing important Architectural Design services like Building and Structural Design, Exterior/Interior 3D Rendering, Plans, Elevations & Sections, Cost Estimation and so on makes good business sense. Company can maximize profits as you save on time and human resources. Your key personnel can focus on the critical design phases of your project, or even begin on your next project!

India - The ideal KPO watering hole

With its firepower of engineers, chartered accountants, doctors, MBAs, lawyers, research analysts, scientific researchers and PhDs, India is well positioned to address the global KPO need. The ready access to a large intellectual pool with domain expertise in specialized areas, coupled with operative English language skills.

The Mainstay - The Indian Education System

The ideal KPO employee possesses domain specialization, computer skills & English proficiency. With the Indian way of education which lays great emphasis on higher education & specialization, a talent pool with specialized knowledge in any field is readily available. There is also tremendous emphasis on mathematics and science, resulting in a large number of science and engineering graduates.

The Indian Ivy League

The Government of India set up IITs (Indian Institute of Technology) and IIMs (Indian Institute of Management) across the country in the 50s & 60s. These ivy-league institutes of formal education are centers of excellence competing with the best institutes worldwide.

India's Higher Education System

India has more than 250 universities (over 900 colleges) and engineering colleges providing computer education at the degree / diploma level. The output of trained human power at the degree / diploma level has been consistently increasing since 1985 and touched 130,000 during 2000. The formal education system is augmented by thousands of private training institutes providing computer education. By mid-2002, India had 840 business schools, which churned out 65,000 MBAs.

Indian Institute of Information Technology

Another milestone was the establishment of IIIT (Indian Institute of Information Technology) as a joint initiative between the government and industry. Apart from producing B.Tech / M.Tech / PhD graduates, it also trains professionals and industry-sponsored candidates.

The English Advantage

In all good educational institutions, from kindergarten to graduation & beyond, the preferred medium of education is English resulting in a significantly large population of educated & qualified professionals being conversant if not proficient in the English language.

Government Policies that will aid KPO

The Indian government has recognized that knowledge processes will influence economic development extensively in the future & has taken remarkable measures towards liberalization and deregulation. Recent reforms have reduced licensing requirements, made foreign technology accessible, removed restrictions on investment and made the process of investment much easier.