FIA Journal
Hello,
I hope you’re well and have been enjoying the warmer spring weather.
This month marks one year since we launched our House Extension Details book, which honestly feels both very recent and very far away at the same time.
One Year of the House Extension Details Book
When Aida and I first started working on the House Extension Details book, I don’t think we fully appreciated just how much work it would become.
What began as an idea gradually turned into months (then years) of drawing, reviewing, annotating, rewriting, reorganising, checking, refining, and questioning whether we were explaining things clearly enough.
A lot of technical content can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re still learning. One of our main goals with the book was to make technical detailing feel more approachable and understandable without oversimplifying it.
“
That balance took a lot of thought...
There were many moments during the process where it felt difficult to know when something was “finished”. Technical work often feels like that, there is always another note you could add, another condition you could explain, another detail you could refine.
But looking back now, one of the most rewarding parts has been hearing from architects and designers who felt more confident after using it. Not because the book magically made everything easy, but because it helped things feel clearer and less intimidating.
I think that’s become a wider theme running through much of what we do at First In Architecture and The Detail Library.
Not trying to make technical design look impressive or exclusive.
Just trying to make it clearer, more accessible, and easier for people to build confidence step by step.
WHAT'S NEW AT FIRST IN ARCHITECTURE
Recent Articles
Alongside reflecting on the book this month, here are a few recent additions to the site:
|
|
Architecture Site Analysis - Major Update
We’ve substantially updated our site analysis guide, including a new free downloadable resource. The article breaks the process down into manageable stages, helping make site analysis feel more structured and less overwhelming.
|
|
|
Types of Heat Pumps
A practical guide explaining how different heat pumps work, alongside the key differences and considerations involved when incorporating them into projects.
|
|
|
New Details
This month’s Detail Library update focuses on Building Regulations Part M, with a new collection of details and resources exploring accessible design considerations within residential projects.
|
SOMETHING YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN
In Case It's Useful
|
|
To celebrate one year since launch, we’re highlighting our House Extension Details Book this month.
The book brings together fully annotated residential extension details, technical guidance, and build-up explanations designed to help bridge the gap between design ideas and real construction.
It was created to be the kind of resource we wished we’d had earlier on — practical, clear, and focused on helping people feel more confident with technical detailing.
|
A Quiet Reminder
Not everything worthwhile happens quickly.
A lot of technical understanding is built slowly, through repetition, curiosity, mistakes, and continuing to show up even when things feel difficult.
And somewhere within all of that, it’s important to try and enjoy the process too.
--
Thank you for being here and taking the time to read, we really appreciate your support. Wishing you a great start to the month ahead.
All our best,
Emma & the First in Architecture team
How We Can Help You
Explore some of the ways we can help you
on your architecture journey.
🧱
Detail Library
A vast library of construction details to download. Join with 20% off from FIA. Use code FIA20
Join now →
|
|
📖
Detailing Books
A range of detailing books from Residential to Passivhaus to Extensions.
Learn more →
|
|
🚧
Detail Clinic Series
A new video series breaking down one detail at a time.
Check it out now →
|
🎓
Essential Student Guides
Our favourite student guides to help you in your studies.
Join now →
|
|
📐
Design Process
Our guides to help you better understand the design process.
Learn more →
|
|
🌳
Architecture & the Environment
Building fabric, low energy, sustainable materials and more.
Learn more →
|
