Yu-Ngok Lo, FAIA, CDT, LEED AP, NCARB

Transformation and redevelopment

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Alexander Loyer Hughes, AIA believes in holistic energy-saving solutions. Experiments in Brooklyn have shown that turning townhouses into passive houses can maintain a perfect indoor temperature of 72-73 degrees for five days without electricity, even in February. Fresh air circulates constantly, proving the effectiveness of this approach. 🔷 Holistic Approach: Energy savings should not be viewed myopically. Combining strategies, like upgrading HVAC systems and improving insulation, is crucial. 🔷 Cost Efficiency: Many spend millions on new HVAC systems only to lose efficiency due to poor insulation. A balanced approach can reduce system size and stress, saving money and energy. 🔷 Collaboration: Engineers and architects must work together to size systems correctly, ensuring the project's goals are met without oversizing. By looking at the big picture you get the most out of your investments. Ready to make your building more efficient?

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Precision in the early stages of schematic design is not just beneficial; it's crucial. Detailed calculations based on comprehensive initial information enable us to specify the exact space requirements for MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) systems. This foresight is essential because the space occupied by utilities, shafts, and equipment within ceilings or rooftops significantly influences the project's overall design and feasibility. Understanding the dimensions and specifications of systems like fire pumps from the outset allows us to ensure seamless integration within the architectural plan. This level of detail impacts not only space allocation but also critical aspects like egress planning, underscoring the interconnectedness of all design elements.

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In September 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 423 into law. If you’re interested in building homes in California, SB423 is a significant step. Follow me down a bit of a wonky planning law path if you will: Starting 1969, every city in the State of California has been subject to a required Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA, pronounced ‘reena’), that uses economic and census data to assign a housing target that each jurisdiction is required to meet by law. RHNA is assessed on 8-year cycles, the latest cycle (7th) commenced in 2023 and runs to 2031. The City of San Francisco’s 7th RHNA cycle requirement is 82K housing units divided across a range of incomes. So 82K new homes, within the city of San Francisco, by 2031. If you’re from around here you’re more likely to believe in unicorns (no really). The problem is, there has never really been an enforcement mechanism for RHNA. A few carrots available for making your targets, but no real sticks for not. The politics of many/most jurisdictions has historically made missing RHNA targets the preferred option. If you’re an advocate for housing it can, and has for many, make you cynical about the process. That changed with SB423. An assessment of RHNA compliance is now taken at the halfway point (end of year 4, 2027) and if your jurisdiction is not compliant, you lose your discretionary controls over approval. No more council, no more commish, no more board, no more supes. If your project is allowable ‘by-right’ and conforms to zoning and design codes, you get your approval via staff. UNIQUELY, City of San Francisco (the slowest approvals process in the state, by far) has its assessment taken at the end of year 1, not year 4. That’s just happened earlier this month, July 2024. San Francisco has vastly underperformed its RHNA requirements and has now lost discretionary control over its housing approvals (the difference between discretionary and ministerial in planning jargon is huge) and that should GREATLY speed up approvals and permits. So that’s San Francisco and 2024. As of 2027, EVERY one of California’s 1,573 cities/towns/villages (+ other non-incorporated, county level and unique approving jurisdictions) will either demonstrate that they have achieved their midterm RHNA targets or lose the ability to put discretionary barriers in the way of approvals (I say ‘barriers’, I support local control and input but watching the slow motion train wreck of California’s housing crisis and its impacts on communities and families over the last decade+ has been heartbreaking). It’s easy to be jaded, and there have been a few Senate Bills over the years that have promised to solve our issues here (actually a number of them have been pretty effective). But SB423 has potential to be the one that does it. #SB423 #Housing #HousingCrisis #RHNA #Housingforall #California

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Art Of Form Architects' Design for Port Washington Police Station. #artofform #planning #architecture #interiordesign #realestate  #conciergedesign #NOUPFRONTCOSTTENANTFITOUTSTUDIES #esg #permitexpediting #proptech #buildingautomation #architects #technology #art #commercialrealestate #facilities #artofformarchitects #notforprofit #correctionalfacilities

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How AI is Transforming Engineering and Construction Submittals The way we handle engineering and construction (E&C) submittals is on the verge of a major transformation, and AI is leading the charge! ️ Our latest blog post dives deep into how AI can streamline submittals, boost efficiency, and improve collaboration across the entire project lifecycle. Here's what you'll learn: The pain points of traditional paper-based submittals How AI automates data entry and streamlines review processes The benefits of AI-powered version control and improved communication Are you ready to be a part of the future of E&C submittals? We're looking for beta testers for our innovative AI-powered submittal management system! Be among the first to experience this groundbreaking technology and help shape the future of the industry. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gUDMG27A #engineering #construction #AI #automation #collaboration #submittals #innovation #NovaEdge

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Check out this article and video on Interior and Sources magazine to see what our Sustainable Liaisons have been doing at HOK around Interior Sustainable Materials. We are on our 4th year of tracking data for all projects equitably across our 26 offices. #sustainabledesign #materialtracking #HOK #interiordesign #HOKsustainableliaisons

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Andrew Hawkins, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB and I are finally conceding to a request that’s been made a thousand times – please do an episode on starting an architectural business! – a topic that I have resisted for essentially 6 years, and I think I’ve finally broken. This is not as easy of a topic to discuss as you might think because there are a million different ways you could answer a question this broad. In an attempt to make this conversation of value, we are going to start at the beginning, and we are going to eat this whale one bit at a time. We cover: - Executive Strategy - Summary of Services Offered - Vision and Mission Statement - Legal Structure - Market Analysis - Pricing Strategy - Financial Planning - Insurance - Marketing and Branding - Technology and Software Even though I have put any sort of discussion around starting a new architecture business off for YEARS, there are some easily identifiable reasons why the time spent creating one is worth the effort. A successfully prepared business plan is invaluable as it provides a clear roadmap for growth and development, helping to articulate the business’s vision, mission, and goals. When done well, it offers a comprehensive analysis of the market, identifying opportunities and potential challenges, and outlines strategies for marketing, operations, and financial management. This detailed plan enables anyone starting off on this journey a way to make informed decisions, and possibly most importantly, manage your resources effectively. If you have been through this process and feel like there is a key consideration worth adding to the list, please add it below for others to consider. Cheers! #architecturefirm #architecturebusiness #businessplan #architecturalstrategy

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Effective July 1, 2024, the California Green Building Standards Code, known as CALGreen, has mandatory embodied carbon requirements commencing for public and private non-residential buildings larger than 100,000 square feet and schools larger than 50,000 square feet. This means the Carbon Leadership Forum is collecting whole building life cycle assessment (WBLCA) results conducted for compliance with CALGreen to inform future policy development. ASSA ABLOY has a complete mapping of more than 250 environmental product declarations (EPDs), which note their environmental footprint and detail their LCA (Lifecycle Assessment), independently verified by an accredited 3rd party. Read about the key benefits of certified products and see the library of ASSA ABLOY EPD’s here: https://bit.ly/3QXW57j #ASSAABLOY #security #securitysolutions #AllIn #sustainability #environmentalproductdeclarations #greenbuildings

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📰 Need some weekend reading? AIA California has got you covered! Find candidate questionnaires, details for the AIA Annual Meeting, and a number of letters both in support and opposition of proposed bylaws amendments and resolutions in one place: bit.ly/3V78irm. Read my thoughts on priority issues, the value of design, the economy, member engagement, and the evolution of practice below ⬇

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Coordinating structural beams and columns for windows and doors usually falls on the GC as most architects do not include every detail. This is my specialty to help the architect and GC as the expert glazing consultant before you begin construction, before your steel and rebar is ordered, to resolve conflicts and plan for sizing and placement. From early design development to construction planning, I can work hand in hand with the GC and shell contractor at every stage to help dial everything in for the glazing to interior/exterior finish transitions. _________________________ I help architects, builders, and owners select, specify, and detail luxury residential hurricane glazing systems without manufacturer or dealer biases. From just one hour to as many hours as you need a glazing expert for your project. I also give classes in all aspects of hurricane windows and doors on glass aesthetics and energy performance, manufacturer product overviews, detailed installation planning and best practices, and understanding hurricane product approvals. #construction #architecture #design #luxurymiamirealestate #caribbeanrealestate #miamirealestate #luxurydesign #luxuryarchitecture #windowsanddoors #architecturedesign #coastalhomes #builders #beachhomes #coastalliving #designers #luxuryhomes #architectureanddesign #contemporarydesign #architecturelovers

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We're thrilled to announce that Anthony Cataldo, AIA, LEED AP is featured in Bisnow! After speaking at Bisnow’s SOCAL Industrial Conference, Anthony was invited to share his insights on California’s new building code aimed at reducing embodied carbon. This amendment, effective July 1, marks a significant step towards net-zero goals. As Anthony says, "My guess is California did this because they want to get us starting to look at carbon and being accountable, ultimately, for the embodied carbon that our buildings are producing," Lowney Architecture Chief Operating Officer Anthony Cataldo said. "When the building code is updated a year and a half down the road, they’ll start to turn up the heat." Read more about this pivotal change and its impact on construction and development in the full article on Bisnow. #LowneyArchitecture #SustainableBuilding #EmbodiedCarbon #GreenConstruction #NetZero #BISNOW #IndustrialDesign #CaliforniaBuildingCode

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DPR Construction’s Abe Sipes and Chad Arthur will present with the University of California, Davis Health’s, Creed Kampa, Assoc. DBIA, AIA, and SmithGroup’s, Jacqueline Lee, AIA, WELL AP and Gabriel Fonseca AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, Assoc. DBIA at the 2024 DBIA Western Pacific Region Conference on their collaborative efforts on the UC Davis Health 48X Complex in Sacramento, California. Their presentation, Accelerating Projects with Smart Blocking and Stacking and Choosing by Advantage will: ✔Demonstrate leadership techniques for early collaborative decision-making and delegation to cluster teams.  ✔Detail how to align teams in clear design concept communication by using cost modeling Smart Blocking, and Stacking.  ✔Assess cost and schedule impacts while efficiently integrating new input and maintaining project milestones. ✔Help identify, plan, and execute prefabrication opportunities. Learn more about the conference: https://lnkd.in/gCvtdwas

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In case you missed the ULI Los Angeles tour of 42XX, hear from some of the leaders behind Marina del Rey’s first mass timber buildings. Thanks Western Wood Structures Inc. for the video, and to our project team members for sharing the perks of working with this sustainable building material. Congrats to the full team—on successful execution of a mass timber-steel hybrid structure, reducing building weight and embodied carbon emissions, integrating MEP systems through slick CLT panel gapping, and installing 29 truckloads of timber within three months on a tight site lot. We’re pleased to provide structural and fire engineering and help make 42XX a reality. “The key to ensuring success with marrying materials that are inherently fabricated to different tolerances, is to boil it down to simple connections. It’s really straightforward: you drop the glulams into place, bolt them in, and we’re done. You drop the CLT panel in, you screw it down, we’re done. There’s a lot of value, especially on savings in the construction schedule, with the componentized nature of mass timber construction.” —Jose H. Machuca, Project Manager/Associate Principal, Holmes US +Ali Conwell, The Bradmore Group Mike Dyer, Western Wood Structures Inc. Wilson Antoniuk, Western Wood Structures Inc. Allen Guiberson, Western Wood Structures Inc. Mark Motonaga, RIOS Matt Montijo, Morley Builders Denis Rivera, Morley Builders #masstimber #crosslaminatedtimber #CLT #glulam #sustainability #sustainabledesign #embodiedcarbonreduction #structuralengineering #fireengineering #southerncalifornia #losangeles #marinadelrey

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What annoys you about architects? With The Anti-Architect Podcast, I continuously look to improve our industry by taking a critical look at how architects are viewed. If you ask the tough questions you can get some pretty interesting answers. Comment with your answer below👇 Christine Williamson, AIA Jeffrey Bershad David Supple Michael Abboud KP Reddy #TheAntiArchitect #AntiArchitect #Podcast #Architects #Architecture

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Busting myths about Passive House is important to its propagation. Read and learn what Passive House is NOT as well as what it IS.

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Construction is underway for a new three-story plus basement home in San Francisco, and ZFA is working closely with John Maniscalco Architecture and Cook Construction to bridge the gap between engineering design and construction. Our integrated shoring system is thoughtfully designed to be a key part of the final structure. The structural work for this beautiful ~4,500-square-foot home in Dolores Heights is anticipated to be completed later this year. ZFA’s integrated shoring design focuses on incorporating shoring elements, which are typically only intended to be used temporarily, into the permanent structure to the greatest extent possible. For this project, the existing grade was lowered by more than 20 feet beneath the structure. Perimeter hand-dug pits and wood lagging with concrete infill walls and cross-lot steel bracing provide lateral stability and soil support. These elements are also designed to be incorporated into the final structure without infringing on livable square footage. The location of the cross-lot bracing elements was closely coordinated with the architectural design to align with the final structural systems. ZFA has extensive experience in integrated shoring design systems on residential projects in San Francisco. Because traditional shoring design involves expensive structural systems that are typically removed for installation of the final structure, an integrated shoring design results in timeline efficiencies and reduced construction costs. Our comprehensive approach to shoring also provides for the consideration and coordination of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades during the shoring phase to streamline construction. This results in a seamless integration between systems and a more efficient structure—ultimately providing value to our clients.

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Schematic design marks the critical first phase post-project kickoff, setting the foundation for a building's future. At this stage, our focus at MWB shifts to a meticulous code analysis, ensuring every aspect of the building, from size and height to proximity to infrastructure like subway lines, aligns with strict code compliance. Understanding the client's vision leads us into detailed planning for space allocation, especially for major equipment. Calculations for the fire pump room, electrical room, and major HVAC components are not just about compliance but also about optimizing the building's functionality and aesthetic appeal. During this phase, we leverage Revit for modeling, transitioning even CAD-received backgrounds into Revit models. This approach underlines our commitment to precision and seamless coordination throughout the project's lifecycle. The schematic design lays the groundwork for efficient, compliant, and visually appealing spaces.

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