Varnell Alexander

Listen to my latest episodes on TheAntiArchitect.com #TheAntiArchitect #AntiArchitect #Podcast #Architecture #Design #AEC

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🎧 Excited to share the latest episode of the TRXL Podcast! Join me as I sit down with David Benjamin of Autodesk and Ryan McNulty of MBH Architects to discuss the integration of architecture and technology in creating a 300-unit affordable housing development in the Bay Area, known as Project Phoenix. In this episode, we explore: - The collaboration between MBH Architects, Factory OS, and Autodesk. - How they leveraged generative design and real-time analytics software tools. - Efficiencies gained through modular construction. - Challenges of incorporating new technology in design and construction. - Potential implications for the AEC industry. 👇 Listen to the full episode at the link in the comments #innovation #AEC #architects #industrializedconstruction

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What seems like an anomaly, could send ripples through Cali Counties that possess high DIFs. Developer Impact Fees are just one of many costs associated with keeping #affordablehousing costs per unit elevated. However, DIFs have been a reason for not significantly (and regularly) raising property taxes.

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Formation Association Architecture, Inc. co-founder, John K Chan, AIA, LEED AP talks with Building LA Podcast host Sam Pepper, RA for episode 16 of the podcast. The pair talk shop about Formation Associations Atwater Canyon project, creating a “great retail experience”, John’s journey into architecture, and more. ⁠ ⁠ Atwater Canyon, an adaptive reuse project, located in the Atwater Village neighborhood of Los Angeles, produces a mid-block passageway through an old market’s masonry shell. The design more than doubles the retail frontage and connects the property to municipal parking in the back. Formation Association’s use of existing material, experimentation, and the consideration of the local community increases the project’s commercial exposure, walkability, and creates a great retail experience. ⁠ ⁠ In the discussion John tells Sam, “Atwater Canyon was like a wholesale sort of reworking of the building from the bones on out, not in this kind of binary new old way, but really in a much more nuanced, sublimated way of transforming this thing from one state to the next. But it emboldened us to keep more and to learn how to work with that. And to learn how to create a conversation about that". John likens the experience at Atwater Canyon to the chef’s table. “When you look at the chef tables, open kitchen, the experience of food that we all love, right now, that same version needs to be happening in architecture as well. Seeing how things work, seeing how things are made, elevating the back of house, or the backstage experience, into something worth talking about.”⁠ Click the link below to listen to the full episode and learn more about, the inspirations behind Atwater Canyon’s design, the sensorial reception to the materials used, input from the property’s owner and developer, Myles Roggs, and the retail experience. ⁠ https://lnkd.in/geTR95M4 Photo by Here and Now Agency #design #architecture #podcast #buildingla #losangeles

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Especially when it comes to the cost of working with an architect or structural designer in locations like Malibu and Maui, there’s a common misconception that hiring a top contractor or architecture firm is a waste of money. The reality is that working with a reputable architecture firm can actually save you money in the long run. Here’s how. 👉 https://lttr.ai/ASX48

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First things first, when it comes to architectural fees, there's no one-price-fits-all approach. We’d love to give you a cost estimate per square foot—if we could. But answering the question of “how much does an architect in Malibu or Maui cost?” really does depend on what you want from your property, as well as the complexity of your home project. These are some of the factors that might influence the fees involved in planning for your new home in Malibu or Maui. 👉 https://lttr.ai/AShes

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Brian and I could be considered boomerangs with this move... So excited for this next chapter. For almost 17 years, Studio C has been working incredibly hard for and with our clients to help them achieve their own successes and that of those whom they continually serve so tirelessly. We're now so happy to re-join MG2 as it will help us to serve more people more rigorously, with the same intent and passion as we've always had on our projects. This is supposed to be harder than this. Typically, when an acquisition like this takes place, there are so many hurdles to overcome. How do we build trust within the group? How do we keep serving our clients the way that they need? How do we merge our ways of doing EVERYTHING? How do we do all of this while simultaneously ELEVATING our service in all areas? As many of you know, both Brian and I are MG2 alum. The foundations of what we've been doing all these 17 years is largely based on what we learned at the MG2 back then. While much of the technology and infrastructure in the firm may be different for us, "why" we do things and "what" we're attempting to achieve are very similar. We speak that same language on everything, which frankly is an incredible time saver. This is supposed to be harder than this but we're already focused on elevating everything that we do. Such an exciting time.

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How does a high-stakes architecture project meet quality, accuracy, and client satisfaction every single time? At MWB, we've mastered the art of precision through: • Ongoing Template Development: We consistently update our project templates based on client feedback and regulatory requirements. • Structured Checklists: Every project submission undergoes rigorous checks to ensure all requirements are met, thanks to our detailed checklists. • Quality Assurance Oversight: Our dedicated QA department reviews project histories to ensure compliance with architectural specifications and client objectives. • Internal Clash Detection: By identifying conflicts between trades early, we prevent costly changes during construction. This approach not only streamlines our workflow but also significantly reduces the risk of errors and change orders, ensuring that we deliver top-tier results on every project.

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🚀 Industry Insight Alert! 🚀 I recently came across an inspiring quote from Ryan Colker, VP of Innovation at the International Code Council, during a Q&A session with BUILDER Magazine: "Instead of having panelized systems or modular systems be one-offs, being able to have it in a systemized approach where you could bring different components or pieces together in different configurations but have those pieces treated more like products. To have a productized approach [would make] approvals and acceptance a lot easier." This idea of a productized approach in construction is truly game-changing. Imagine a future where our modular systems are seamlessly integrated, streamlining approvals and accelerating project timelines. 🏗️ 🔍 Question for the Community: What are some practical steps we can take now to make this vision a reality? 💡 Your Thoughts: - How can we innovate in our current processes? - What role can technology play in this transformation? - Are there examples or case studies where a productized approach has already shown success? Let's start a conversation! Share your insights, experiences, and ideas below. Together, we can drive the future of construction towards greater efficiency and innovation. 🌟 #ConstructionInnovation #ModularBuilding #FutureOfConstruction #IndustryInsights #BuildingBetter

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Why does cladding over parking structures require such special attention? 🤔 ⬇️ The pre-cast concrete parking structure for Broadcom in San Jose isn't your average garage. Designed by HOK, with HNA Pacific as the parking consultant and architect of record, and Devcon Construction as general contractor, this project showcases a unique approach to cladding—both for aesthetics and functionality. Most people don’t realize that cladding on open parking structures, unlike typical building envelopes, needs to be aesthetically pleasing from the inside too. This is where B.T. Mancini’s innovative work with Centria metal panels, custom aluminum framing, extruded aluminum trim, and GKD stainless steel mesh screens shines. They created a design-build facade system that not only looks good but also cleverly conceals all brackets and attachments. With finish painting on the interior, the cladding looks just as good inside as out. Moreover, these facades aren't static. They span multiple floors and are designed to handle the deflecting floors from parked cars and seismic story drift. This flexibility in attachments and connections ensures the structure can move without compromising the facade's integrity. Capturing this was a visual treat. The day I filmed, the sky was decorated with wispy clouds, adding drama to the golden hour glow during my drone flight. The video intersperses photos showcasing the interior side's detailed design, highlighting B.T. Mancini’s craftsmanship in creating a seamless, pleasing finish. #ArchitecturalPhotography #ParkingStructureDesign #SanJose #HOK #HNA #DevconConstruction #Centria #GKDMesh #BTMancini #drone  B.T. Mancini Co., Inc. Devcon Construction CENTRIA HOK HNA PACIFIC GKD Group

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Looking to learn more about #SB9, #ADU's and #Passivhaus and how all three of those are being implemented in California? Today is your lucky day.... Log into this FREE webinar today hosted by Passive House California (PHCA) where all three of these topics will be explored, exhumed, and elevated (not necessarily in that order. :) cc. @CasitaCoalition, @YimbyAction, @NancySkinner, California Energy Commission, California Public Utilities Commission, Dave Intner, @DecarbCoalition, Pacific Gas and Electric Company https://lnkd.in/g6EHZxa7

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The complexity of interwoven, interdependent Increments of OSHPD projects involves a diverse range of management tools from 3D/4D/5D BIM to online platforms to VR/AR to the classic, simple paper and white board. At UCSF Health Helen Diller Hospital, Increment 6: Prefab Bath Pods is in Prototype Phase while SMR (Site Make Ready), HMR (Hospital Make Ready) and Increment 1: Shoring are in full Construction Administration. Increment 2: Foundations in final approvals. Increment 3: Superstructure / Secondary Steel is in Initial OSHPD review. Increment 4: Enclosure Façade and Increment 5: Interiors / MEP are in Initial Review and Detailing. Circling back to Increment 6: Prefab Bath Pods… UCSF Health UCSF Real Estate #UCSF #leanipd #PrefabBathPods #OSHPD

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How Sustainable Design Is Elevating Multifamily Living Spaces Architects and developers are enhancing resident well-being and paving the way for a greener future in housing. https://lnkd.in/dnj5FKuR #interiorarchitecture #interiordesign #sandiegointeriordesign #multifamilyinteriors #sustainabledesign #sustainability

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I had the opportunity to discuss California’s new building code targeting embodied carbon at Bisnow’s SOCAL Industrial Conference. This new amendment, effective July 1, is a major step towards our net-zero goals. Check out the full article on BISNOW to learn more about this pivotal change. #LowneyArchitecture #SustainableBuilding #EmbodiedCarbon #GreenConstruction #NetZero #BISNOW #IndustrialDesign #CaliforniaBuildingCode

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"We have to think we are integral to somebody's existence on this planet." Yiselle Santos Rivera, AIA, SHRM-SCP, NOMA, NAAB, WELL AP, gives her inspiring take on the value of an architect. ✨ #ArchitectureWeek is about inspiring the next generation through K-12 engagement AND celebrating the #architecture profession! How would you answer this question? #AIA #NationalArchitectureWeek #Design

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