In June 2019, I was contacted to be on a Podcast by “L.I.F.E” MicroFame Media. What is L.I.F.E. and what does it stand for? We will never know, but this L.I.F.E. stood for ...

I recently read “Between Silence and Light” by Louis Kahn, the architect of the Salk Institute in San Diego. It inspired some thoughts, as a good book should.    I kept thinking on what I would real...

JHAI searches for clients who seek a special home, place of business or investment, or who have conceived of innovative design ideas to create that perfect environment that will truly inspire their li...

Ever since the Pacific and Central Railroads first met in Promontory, Utah, to complete in the first transcontinental railroad in 1869, it was clear that mass transit was never going to be the same. C...

When I’m reading, my thoughts usually swirl around to what types of projects I’m working on and, inevitably, the issue of aesthetics turns up. In this case, I’ve been reading “The Unbearable Lightness...

  “Repair what is broken, protect what is vulnerable, cherish what is beautiful and be a good steward of creation.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.   Emerson’s words sound so beautiful and simple, don’t the...

Back when I was a student at Cal Poly Pomona, I had an architectural instructor named Steven Bocher. As a “Greek,” he believed in cafes in front of every project. He also regarded the shared music as ...

As a professional, you would think that all building codes are consistently enforced. You would also think that once your project is under construction that means that all code issues and designs have...

I’ve written before about the so-called NIMBYs (Not In My Backyard) (see my blog entry, Wealth Inequality). Recently I read an article on the website of the Sierra Club discussing the people referred ...

When I first started taking construction documents to the Building Department, even people who were putting their design ideas on napkin were getting permits. You could draw up construction documents ...

I have been called a “true visionary,” which is a wonderful complement, but it got me thinking about what that word actually means.  It is in my nature to look at the big picture. I’ve always surveye...

About 15 ago, I had the pleasure of meeting space architect/designer John Spencer “the Wizard of Space Tourism,” with whom I share an appreciation for space tourism and sustainable concepts. I’ve now ...

A few weeks ago, I had the chance to visit The 606, Chicago’s newly created urban walk and bike path, and I think they did a great job in converting what was once the Bloomingdale Line (elevated railr...

   I am asked all of the time, “What makes a good design?” There are many possible answers to this question, but my most frequent reply is: “the principle of center stage versus background architectu...

Clients expect their design team needs to be responsive to the changes, requirements and issues that arise throughout their development project. This is vital to the success of small projects and even...

A strong team leader is key to a successful development project. Among his or her many functions is to educate clients and the design team as to the proper expectations for the project: processes rela...

In discussing historic preservation with a friend recently, I was reminded of my trip to New Orleans’ French Quarter last year. As the oldest still-intact neighborhood in the U.S., its character and c...

In this new world of fast paced multi modes of communication all parties involved in the design process need to define their primary means of communication. The phone, fax, and mail used to be the sta...

I was reading the Los Angeles Times a few months back and there was an article “L.A. takes a step toward tighter rules to curb Mansionization.” and it brought back so many memories for me. Each of the...

Architects’ Design Team Compensation The design team is not just the Architect. It can include many different designers and specialists. They all get compensated similar to the Architect with similar ...

Is LEED really Pushing Forward? Is LEED going in the right direction? Is LEED having any impact on our carbon foot print? You will be surprise on what the industry leaders are saying about LEED's rati...

What is the Architect's responsibility to the client for life cycle costing for the design of a project? In determining the program requirements for a project prior to submitting a proposal for servic...

When we talk to our clients about designing a home, office or community in a sustainable or green way, what exactly do we mean? Sustainability can mean different things. For me it starts with how my a...

Architects Base Fees Architectural fees are determined by the amount of time and effort that each specific project requires. The more services, oversight, and responsibility given to the architect the...

I’m a naturalist. I tend to lean more towards the organic side of things. I enjoy the variations of organic form. They are not ostentatious or contrived. They instill harmony in ones surrounding. Puri...

A good design has a sense of place. Each building type has its specific uses, character, and building materials. All can be designed to have flexibility of use due to changing requirements over time. ...

To maintain an Architectural practice, you need to review what you do as a professional and the results you achieve for your clients. This active duty will keep one relevant and better prepared for th...

So, here are some design thoughts for the day. Design that is flexible, capable of being shared by others, adaptable for future use without building shell modifications are more effective and sustaina...

In May 2016 the City of Los Angeles issued a Mandatory Retrofit program for Soft Story Apartments. These building are at risk of falling during an earthquake. The link below will explain whether or no...

I love to design! When I am presented with a new project, I prefer to have all of the restrictive ordinances and site considerations upfront with the client program. These tell me what my design ...

During the Christmas/New Year’s Holiday I made a trip to New Orleans. While there, I wanted to make a trip to the 9th Ward. Being an Architect, I wanted to see how the rebuilding was coming along. I w...

I go on many building and home tours on my vacations and down time. During my trip to New Orleans this year I decided to do a self guided walking home tour of the Garden District. Since almost, if not...

Why talk about the sustainability of the planet? Why talk of personal responsibility? As an Architect we are charged with protecting the Life, Safety, and Welfare of people, not just our clients. Ther...