Today's project site visit was at Alaska Ave. Residential Condominium. This project was designed by ALine Architecture and built by Monarc Construction. The owner has decided to name it Shepherd Flats. The project has undergone a very long journey with design, Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA), original permit, permit revisions, budget constrains, value engineering, utilities challenges, construction and ADA accessibility. At the end, it was a rewarding and worthwhile exper

Light unfolds the colors and materials. We see objects around us as a result of the reflection of the light from their most outer surface. Light is made up of wavelengths and each wavelength is a particular color. The color we see is a result of the wavelengths that are reflected back to our eyes. Light makes it all possible. Images pass through glass but are stopped by wood and other rough or solid materials, while a smooth and shiny surface throws them back whole so swiftl

The blank paper is intimidating, so is the white canvas. Whether you put down words, lines or colors, the brain uses it's systems and orders the hand to lay out the visions. These systems are analytical and artistic, functional and poetic, striving for balance and harmony. The entire piece consists of many smaller pieces that relate to each other like a good neighbor or overlay one another like the rain, the sun and the colorful rainbow. Experienced writers know to get som

You’ve all heard the phrase by Aristotle, "the Whole is greater than the sum of its parts." While this phrase is philosophical in nature, its application and materiality are not difficult to prove. For example, a pile of lumber, gravel, nuts, and bolts does not constitute a house. Even mathematically they are not equal because someone has to put it together. This process requires vision, creativity and hard work of the Owner, Architect, and Contractor. Successful planning