Green Design Jim

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Wealth Inequality

At each recession going back to 1974 I have noticed the type of economic changes that occur as an architect. For one, my profession gets hit very hard. The talent pool dries up and there are less experienced architects left. The younger people going into this profession also then do not get to advance as much in their growth. We will need all these people if and when a real catastrophe occurs.

So what does this have to do with wealth inequality? Over my entire career the proportion of client type is changing. Some of it is just the natural growth of my company. But the Residential client is really changing. We used to work on three plus addition remodels per year. The clients were very cost conscious but willing to pay professional fees to get their custom projects and full services. Now that middle class client is being stretched even farther. This limits their ability to add and modernize their homes in final product and professional services.

The expanding code requirements are also a factor in this calculation. Now it’s the upper end of the middle class and the richer crowd that brings us into their projects. The cost consciousness is still very present. Many of these type projects are investment related as opposed to personal.

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Mansionization Ordinance in the city Of Los Angeles

What do you know about the Mansionization Ordinance in the city Of Los Angeles?

Let’s back up. When you vote, those people elected to office, say city council members who represent you, help in setting the direction of your local zoning codes. It is your responsibility to know what is going on in your community. You need to keep up with a million issues. Especially zoning codes that affect the value of your land and protect your rights of what can be built. These zoning codes can affect could affect your views, sun access, ability to generate solar energy, privacy, density of your neighborhood, parking conditions, and many other personal issues. So keeping yourself informed is very important when it comes to what can and can’t be done to your or other properties. This needs to be done in a proactive manner. You cannot wait till the last minute to have real impact on zoning changes. If you want to protect your piece of the pie stay educated. Be involved. Work with your local neighborhood councils, council office, neighbors, and planning commissions. This could be the best way to protect your own interests for your personal freedom and property values. For most people, their homes are their biggest investment in their lives. Treat it that way!

Is Civilization Natural?

As we enter the Anthropocene Era we need to re-think our actions on Earth.

Human activity represents a principle driver of planetary changes. It's a question that has more than academic importance. How we resolve this split may have a lot to do with our chances for creating a technological society that can last for more than a century or so. That's because the Anthropocene is really the "Age of the City."

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Why The Rich Are Rattled

I believe in the fair and equitable ability of people in America to make money. It is what helps motivate. But the 1% are not the very rich I’m talking about. It is the .01% that worries me. The fair distribution of dollars in this country needs a better method of wealth distribution. Selling items or services that make up the bulk of one’s profits probably show and or sell at a lower price point reducing costs and limiting the major wealth generators a degree or more. The taxes on the extremely wealthy can climb to help offset this wealth gap. The giant pools of inherited wealth can be taxed in a more reasonable method. In other words huge profits are derived from capital gains, stock dividends, and other related business investment gains. The very wealthy are making their money also on investing their money to make even more. Higher incomes allow one to invest even more. This helps exacerbate the income inequality. There are many options to the way we are living now.

WE'RE HIRING!

ARCHITECT

At James Heimler, Architect, Inc. (JHAI) We are looking in to the future. We are looking to add an experienced Architect to our team. We care about the success of all our employees, our clients, and the environment. We are a driven sustainable design firm which focuses on every aspect of our design, services, and business management. We are looking for an interested and driven architect who would appreciate the training we will provide to grow within our company. The position will entail defining code issues, project design and review, management over projects from residential, commercial, instutitional, and industrual, employees and consultants, and requires responsibility and leadership experience. Applicants must be licensed California Architects and be willing to hit the ground running. This opportunity comes with the possibility of growth within the company to potentially become a Co-Owner in the firm after a period of time. If you meet these qualifications and want a diversified architectural career please contact our office to schedule an appointment. Contact us via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or call 818-343-5393

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