Human-centered design is a process that focuses on human needs and problem-solving. In the architecture field, it is a collaborative undertaking, a partnership between architect, client, and the client’s end-users that takes into account multiple perspectives to create spaces that are functional and inspiring. Benefits of Human-Centered Design A central goal of human-centered design is
To-Do List for Homeowners every 5, 10 and 15 years If you are like 47 percent of Americans, you may have lived in your home for six to 10 years. According to The Zebra, another 35 percent of homeowners have lived in their homes for 10 to 15 years, and California homeowners stay in their
Now that the days are getting shorter, your thoughts may be turning to the waning daylight outside. Are you experiencing a change of mood? If so, you wouldn’t be alone. We are wired for natural sunlight. Our circadian cycle helps us to regulate sleep and is impacted by light and dark. The way we bring
Creating your dream house, or diving into that home remodel, can be a bumpy process at times. We all know planning can help keep things on track, but how do you plan for something you’ve never done before? 1. Find the Right Professionals Since a home is one of the biggest investments many of us
When people find out I’m an architect, they almost always want to talk about their projects. Whether it’s a home remodel, a new retail space for their business or a new commercial building, one of the first questions that usually comes up is, “Do I really need an architect for that?” In some cases, the
A commercial building project is complex. It often involves a large team of people with different skills, time pressures and communication styles. When you add the worries any entrepreneur has when building a new business or revamping an old one – local competition, market changes, permitting issues and environmental requirements, to name just a few
This post first appeared in 2019. From the 19th-century Mission San Diego de Acalá to the ultra-modern space of Oakland's Cathedral of Christ the Light, these worship spaces are very different examples of California architecture. The common theme that unites them is the way they use their environments and direct the eye with
We recycle plastics, paper, food waste but house paint? Why, and what happens to it? Living in Marin County, California, most of us are hyper-aware of the need to practice habits that protect our environment. We’ve got the green can for left-over scraps of food and the vegetation cuttings from our yards. We have a
This post first appeared in 2019. California architecture includes some unique industrial and office spaces. From the simple lines and elegance of the Salk Institute to the over-the-top glamor of the CAA Building, a wide variety of styles reflect the diversity and beauty of the Golden State.
This post previously ran in 2019. California architecture is as diverse as its population. It encompasses a wide variety of styles, from the Victorian "painted ladies" of San Francisco to the environmentally oriented designs of California Regional Modernism. I've traveled up and down the state since moving here from New York, and I've
