Melior Design+Build, LLC

05/12/2026

05/08/2026

Discover Seattle, Washington DC and San Francisco

05/08/2026

"I refuse to work unless I get paid, so I don't get a lot of work sometimes."

— Frank Gehry

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Gehry on "Business of Architecture" And his strict business philosophy regarding free work in the architecture industry.

He has often spoken out against the common practice of firms providing free sketches or preliminary designs to win competitions or clients.

Gehry wouldn't lift a finger unless he gets paid.

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05/08/2026

Architecture market outlook

05/08/2026

05/04/2026

Behind the Structure: Anatomy of a Cantilever Retaining Wall 🏗️📐

​Ever wondered what keeps massive slopes stable? It’s more than just a concrete barrier; it’s a carefully engineered system designed to manage soil pressure and water drainage.

​This technical breakdown illustrates the essential components of a reinforced concrete retaining wall:
​🔹 The Foundation: A wide Base Width (4.00 m) with a specific Heel and Toe design to prevent sliding and overturning.
🔹 Hydrostatic Pressure Management: Notice the Gravel Backfill and Perforated PVC Drain Pipe. These are critical for allowing water to escape, preventing pressure buildup behind the wall.
🔹 The Stem: A tapered design with a Stem Base of 0.50 m, ensuring maximum strength where the bending moment is highest.
🔹 Weep Holes: Small but vital openings that provide an extra exit point for trapped water.

​Engineering is about understanding the forces of nature and designing solutions that last for generations.

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04/30/2026

OJB shared conceptual landscape architecture plans for the forthcoming Washington Commanders stadium, designed by HKS. Described as a “stadium in a park,” the site will offer recreational spaces, rooted in the region’s riverfront ecology.

https://ow.ly/O8iI50YRQGM

04/24/2026

ETFE was a material developed by Depont for aerospace applications, but for the past two decades it has emerged as one of the most transformative materials in stadium architecture. Can the high performance material reimagine Chicago's Soldier Field?

https://ow.ly/h1KA50YP6BK

04/13/2026

Which cities will still be livable in a world altered by climate change?

These northern U.S. communities may be well-placed to meet the needs of an influx of climate migrants as deadly wildfires, flash floods, record heat, and damaging hurricanes increasingly affect day-to-day life in the U.S.

Learn more about what makes these cities “climate havens”: https://on.natgeo.com/ay6sTW