Customer Reviews
Magazine Incorrectly named. 
2008-06-20
It should be called "Digest for Decorators with Unlimited Budgets." Once a year there is an "architecture" issue, and there might be one article in other issues with architecture as the subject. If you really want something about architecture, you cannot go wrong with Architectural RECORD.
BUYER BEWARE - Gift Subscriptions 2008-02-06
I ordered this magazine as a gift for someone, and when the first issue arrived, it came to my house (the billing address) instead of the gift recipient's address. When I called Architectural Digest to have the delivery address changed, they told me that they will not process Amazon orders as gift subscriptions and, in order to have the delivery name and address changed, they would have to suspend the subscription and create a new gift order that would result in issues being delayed or left out.
I have no complaints about the publication, and I have no complaints about Amazon's order processing in general, but I caution you not to purchase this magazine as a gift without verifying that the intended recipient will actually receive the magazines.
ADdicted to AD 
2007-11-11
This periodical is not only an investment purchase (save 'em and sell 'em on eBay), it is wonderful architectural and design training for your eye. My DH stacks it in the smallest room in the house, since it's always interesting while you wait.
This is a painless way to develop good taste. The only problem is to figure out how to copy your favorite idea for your own home on a reasonable budget. Some people also like reading about the celebs, who show off the homes they don't really live in, so their architect and interior designer can get good PR.
Great Read 2007-03-11
This is a fantastic Magazine, and it was offered at a great price. I highly recommend it.
ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST 
2006-04-16
The images in this magazine are always first rate and the editors get access to houses no one else does. The writing is also very good and the houses chosen for each month are always in varing designs and spectucular. This magazine does have a certain reputation of being on all the coffee tables of the wealthy, but is not Town and Country, it really is a magazine that takes its name seriously and the writers are well informed and have skill. Pick it up sometime, it's worth the effort.
House Pornography 2005-03-05
The definitive design magazine, Architectural Digest takes you inside the world's most beautiful homes. With stunning photography and the best writers, it is the premier interior design magazine, featuring classic and contemporary styles. Your subscription includes the annual special issues: Before & After and Designers Own Homes.
Great magazine! 2004-08-03
I love this magazine. Some reviewers have stated that they disliked some of the interiors. That's fine and fun! I show my husband some of the things (he's a graphic designer) and we have a great time laughing at some of the designs. Other times it's absolutely great. The latest issue (Aug. 2004) is one of the best and the theme is Exotic Homes Around The World, and they are all fantastic.
Of course I wish I could afford a lovely home such one of these in the magazine (maybe one day?) but in the meantime I can look at these homes and dream and also get great design ideas. This magazine is wonderful and relaxing to look at and read.
Try 'Architecture' and 'Dwell' Instead 2004-05-24
'Architectural Digest' has changed over the years to become fussier and more lifestyle oriented than substantial architecture and design commentary. I still have a subscription, but intend to allow it to lapse when it expires for three primary reasons:
1) The magazine is huge and cumbersome, largely due to the massive quantity of advertisements;
2) The magazine exclusively highlights gazillion dollar homes, that only are a factor for celebrities;
3) Stylistically, the magazine seems stuck in a rut of cluttered end tables and credenzas, overstuffed pillows, and no space on a wall unoccupied by a huge, gold, gilded framed picture from eighteenth century France.
I don't like clutter, and I don't like being ornate to make a house look rich. That's why I no longer think this is a magazine that I really need. For me I will read 'Architecture' for serious architectural commentary, and 'Dwell' for reasonable (and financially attainable) interior design commentary. Thanks, but no thanks.
Mixed Bag 
2003-09-12
I used to love Architectural Digest. I got to admire and be inspired by incredible homes, and I couldn't wait to get my issue every month.
However, lately, I have seen less Architecture than Interior Design, and more ads than ever. I've even let my subscription lapse. Every now and again, I'll pick it up on the magazine rack, but only if the issue is architecture heavy, or covers a particularly interesting project in depth.
Architectural Digest used to be the pinnacle in the field, but now it is just a mixed bag.
Way Too Much Filler, but still "Required Reading" 2003-07-01
AD has lost its edge over the years as it has become more focused on life style rather than interior design (witness the extensive sections dedicated to world hotels and properties for sale, or look at the breezy, non-substantive "Letters to the Editor" to get an idea that AD is not taken seriously by designers).
Still, AD usually presents one designer, or two, whose work is inspiring, and it's Special Editions ("before and after," or "designers' own homes") usually make up for some disappointing months.
