shannon scarlett is the author of two architectural design composition books—simple rules—on timeless design concepts sometimes forgotten

each book includes 25 principles that architects have used over the centuries, sometimes millennia, to create enduring beautiful architecture

Simple Rules Vol I

Simple Rules Vol II

available on amazon, barnes and noble, apple, and other booksellers

SAMPLE RULES

simple rules

How did the old-timers design so many beautiful buildings? What did builders know a hundred years ago that we have since forgotten? What rules were they following? What guidelines did they refer to?

Simple Rules is a collection of 25 of the basic concepts, design principles and rules of thumb that builders and architects used throughout history in the making of beautiful buildings. There is now a second volume in this series, Simple Rules: Building Elements with 25 more design principles, many of which focus on building elements, including, columns, windows, chimneys, stairs...

Editorial Review

"This thoughtful and thought-provoking little gem outlines 25 crucial design principles that the author believes have been jeopardized as domestic architecture has become dominated by developers. Scarlett, who runs an architecture firm in Wellesley, Mass., aims to “remind those in the building community that simple beauty and meaning… is still reproducible in new homes, and that many traditional building techniques are still applicable in today’s economy, and within current construction practices.” In this, she succeeds terrifically. Most of this attractively illustrated book consists of quotations taken from original sources published from the 16th to early 20th centuries..." Publisher's Weekly starred review

see other Amazon reviews of Simple Rules here

The Simple Rules builder handbook can be purchased at Amazon, iTunes, Kobo and bookstores like Barnes and Noble