Legal Disclaimers

Engineering and Architecture Ideas

The concept sketches in this website are just that -- ways to generate ideas about how a modern lookout tower might be built. Although they look detailed, that's an illusion created by how CAD software makes quick sketches look professional.

These concept sketches are not construction documents or architectural designs. Before any construction takes place, a licensed architect or engineer should prepare and professionally stamp a detailed set of construction-quality plans.

With that legal disclaimer out of the way, this site's concept sketches have more validity than quick napkin doodles. For example, our concept sketches borrow heavily from tried-and-true forest service designs, such as the 1963 fire tower design shown nearby. Also, our concept sketches have been modified based on comments and suggestions from licensed architects and engineers. So we believe that with appropriate modifications and review, they can fairly quickly be converted into roughly equivalent drawings that have an engineering seal of approval.

The licensed professional who has had the most impact on this site's sketches is Ben Brungraber who founded Fire Tower Engineered Timber, a design and engineering firm that specializes in timber frame and complex post-and-beam construction methods. You can learn more about Dr. Brungraber and his qualifications at the Fire Tower Engineered Timber website.