Each month RECORD reviews building product related web sites and blogs that might be of interest to our readership. We visit each site, kick the tires a bit, and share what it is about and how it functions. Please let us know if there is a site you've found particularly useful, well-designed, or easy to navigate. — Rita Catinella Orrell
www.architecturefeed.com
ArchitectureFEED bills itself as “the first news aggregator about architecture and design.” While first may not be accurate (ArchNewsNow, for one, has an eight-year head start…), the site certainly has bragging rights—comprehensiveness among them. The portal culls news stories, competition announcements, plus hot-off-the-presses architecture and design projects from 150 global sources, chosen by a panel of architects for their “quality, updating frequency, and reliability.” The information is helpfully organized according to the aforementioned categories; click each to see scoops presented in blog-like format with links to the original source and room for comments. The right-hand column lists recent international headlines—although not, alas, translated from their native tongue. Other features include searchability by category, language, or date, plus the ability for registered users to bookmark posts in a private folder.
www.charlesluck.com
Offering clients access to in-house fabricators, installers, design experts, and LEED-certified consultants, this Virginia-based company is a one-stop shop for all things travertine, marble, granite, et al. If you don’t have time to visit its Richmond HQ (which features a working stone yard and display garden) then wander through its newly updated website instead for a dose of inspiration and information. Rather than being organized by stone type—which might prove more helpful for Luddites and purists—products are searchable by color palette or application (countertops, terraces, fireplaces, etc.). Peruse inspiration galleries or click on thumbnail photos to access downloadable catalogs and specs—including origin, thickness, slab coverage, and available formats. Don’t miss sections devoted to Charles Luck’s thoughtful trend forecasts, what’s-inspiring-us blog, and a “professionals” area with installation guidelines, glossary, and maintenance advice.