It evolved from a set of notes used by the author, collating the diverse practical information regularly required in her work as an architect. So many friends requested copies that she ditched the photocopier in favour of a publishing deal, and thank heaven she did! Nowhere else can you find concise notes that cover the whole spectrum of information needed for smaller projects.

The book is divided into six sections, namely General Information, Planning, Structures, Services, Building Elements and Materials. There is also an appendix containing addresses, a list of sources and an index followed by a few pages for your own scribbles. Within the sections you find a wealth of information, tables and diagrams that cover such useful topics as drawing conventions, anthropometric data, weight of materials, safe loads on subsoils, concrete mixes, lintel sizes, beam formulae, heat loss, timber stress grade tables, types of nails, identifying wood boring beetles, plasterboard dimensions and much, much more.

The book measures 185mm x 125mm x 17mm thick and has 305 pages. Whether you are an architect, developer, student, interior designer, builder, or DIY enthusiast, this book will be relevant and of great practical use to you. My copy is a trusted and well thumbed friend.