Homeowner’s Guide: Are Permits Necessary Protection or just Bureaucratic Red Tape?
Most homeowners don’t think about permits until they’re well into a renovation or worse, dealing with the aftermath of skipping…
A writing and research platform that examines architectural decisions through design intelligence.
Design Intelligence for architecture that endures beyond trends.
Architecture involves numerous decisions about layout, materials, facade and more. Without clarity, it quickly becomes overwhelming. Design intelligence is about making careful decisions by understanding constraints, trade-offs, and consequences before anything takes physical form.
Blog Posts
Built Basics blog breaks down architectural decisions, misconceptions, and trade-offs through clear explanations grounded in real practice. Each piece is written to help think more clearly about the spaces they commission and inhabit.
San Francisco Building 12’s Bold Move to Combat Rising Sea Levels
Located in San Francisco, Building 12 is an iconic landmark that reflects the city’s industrial past while embracing a future…
Debunking the Myths of Mass Timber Construction
Mass timber, an emerging technology in sustainable construction, is transforming climate-conscious design. It includes engineered wood products like cross-laminated timber…
Reducing Embodied Carbon: Why Adaptive Reuse Matters
“The greenest building is the one that already exists”, Carl Elefante. Just like materials can be reused, so can buildings;…
Work with Us
Built Basics is written and led by licensed architect, Ruchi Singhania with experience across professional practice and research.
She supports architectural work for clients who value clarity and thoughtful decision-making. Services are offered selectively, focusing on early-stage guidance, residential projects, and design development.
Built Basics 