FIA Journal
Hello,
I hope you’ve been enjoying the new look and feel of the FIA Journal this year.
At the start of the year, we decided to shift the newsletter slightly. Rather than simply sharing updates, we wanted to include more reflection — short thoughts on practice, learning, and the profession, alongside the usual resources.
This month, I’ve been thinking about something that crops up often in architecture.
The Pressure to Sound Clever in Architecture
Something that has always stood out to me — in drawings, writing, presentations, and even everyday conversations — is the pressure to sound clever.
There’s an unspoken idea that if something is explained simply, it must be simplistic. That clear language somehow reduces the value of the thinking behind it. In reality, I’ve found the opposite to be true.
Clear explanations usually come from a solid understanding of the subject. Complexity often creeps in when we’re unsure, still working something out, or trying to protect ourselves behind terminology. That’s completely understandable, especially early on, but it can make communication harder than it needs to be.
I’ve always preferred explaining things in straightforward language. Not because construction is simple — it rarely is — but because the goal is understanding. If someone can’t follow what’s being explained, the explanation hasn’t done its job.
As Cicero put it:
“When you wish to instruct, be brief. Every word that is unnecessary only pours over the side of a brimming mind.”
And George Eliot captured it just as well:
“The finest language is mostly made up of simple unimposing words.”
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The finest language is mostly made up of simple unimposing words...
Let’s try not to use complex language to impress. Clear language is far more useful when we’re trying to make ideas buildable, discussable, and understandable by everyone involved in the process.
A few small moments from February, away from the screen. Mist and rain, Liverpool, and London again. (And Wally living his best life, puddle snorkelling).
WHAT'S NEW AT FIRST IN ARCHITECTURE
Recent Articles
Some of the articles that we published during February.
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Detail Clinic Ep 08
Two new Detail Clinic videos focusing on timber frame construction published this month. This one looks at the general wall build-up.
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Thermal Mass - Update
An updated article explaining how thermal mass works, when it’s useful, and when it isn’t. The focus here is on clear explanation and practical understanding rather than theory alone.
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Detail Clinic Ep 09
The second new Detail Clinic video explores a timber frame foundation junction.
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New Details
Latest addition to the Detail Library features a selection of fire rated and separating assemblies for material change of use.
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SOMETHING YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN
In Case It's Useful
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We’ve just launched a new Building Regulations Notes Template, designed to streamline your workflow and provide a reliable starting point for domestic extension, alteration and conversion projects.
It’s a comprehensive, fully editable set of Building Regulations drawing notes — practical, structured, and written to be clear rather than overly complex.
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A Quiet Reminder
Explaining something simply isn’t a weakness. It’s often the clearest sign that you understand it well.
Thank you for being here and taking the time to read, we really appreciate your support. Wishing you a confident start to the month ahead.
All our best,
Emma & the First in Architecture team
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