Beyond Architecture
The Legislative Voice of the AIACC
May 23rd, 2013
Lee Salin, AIA, managing principal of HMC’s San Jose studio, serves as the Vice President of Legislative Affairs for the AIA California Council—this is his second term in this role. Lee has participated in the advocacy efforts of the Council for the last eight years through the Advocacy Advisory Committee and other Council committees.
He recently published the article “The Legislative Voice of the AIACC” in the Council’s May newsletter. In the article he writes, “The legislative process is exceedingly complex. How can we as architects be informed about all of these potential benefits or risks to our profession, our businesses, our communities, and our environment?
We can’t, at least not individually. Collectively though, we can be informed – and not just to be aware – we can even have an influence in the outcomes of these bills. This is the role of the AIA California Council’s Legislative Affairs program, under the direction of Mark Christian, Hon AIACC.”
For more information, read Lee’s full article: “The Legislative Voice of the AIACC” >>
Posted in Articles & Publications,Beyond Architecture
Steelcase Knows How to Throw a TOMS Party!
December 19th, 2012
By Kaysha Bucher
“Giving is what fuels us. Giving is our future.”
–Blake Mycoskie, Founder and Chief Shoe Giver TOMS
Having fun while helping others inspired several of us at HMC LA who were able to attend Steelcase’s holiday party, which was hosted at their Santa Monica showroom.
Steelcase, a company with an award winning corporate social responsibility program, used the “Style Your Sole” event to not only connect with their clients, but also to make a positive impact. The event was hosted in partnership with TOMS Shoes, where guests were invited to pre-order a pair of Tiny TOMS shoes to be decorated at the event, alongside their kids and a TOMS shoe design artist—yes, this job really exists and is as amazing as it sounds! Each pair was transformed into a one-of-a-kind, creative, and functional mini work of art.
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LA Studio Sets Sail at Psomas Paper Yacht Race
July 6th, 2012
By Yunnan Allen, Project Leader
Can architects design boats? Our LA studio sure can—last week we participated in the Psomas Paper Yacht Challenge, which benefited Para Los Niños. Nine yachts sailed under the HMC flag with the help of generous donations from HMC marketing, Chris Taylor, Kirk Rose, Kate Diamond, Mikaela Klein, Becky Tanouye, Scott Plante, Stacey Hooper, and Adrienne Luce. The race was held at the City National Plaza Fountain across the street from the office, and Goldy Lee’s yacht, “Ness,” took home first place for Best Yacht Design. Although the grand prize for fastest overall time eluded us yet again this year, we had three yachts take first place in their respective heats. Be sure to take a look at all our architecture-inspired, 100% recycled paper yachts.
Goldy Lee’s yacht, “Ness,” received the top design honor
The race course at City National Plaza Fountain
Posted in Beyond Architecture
Best A/E/C Firm to Work For, and Now 100% Employee Owned
March 23rd, 2012
Employees are our greatest asset, and we’re building a culture where careers are built and professionals grow. HMC Architects was recently recognized by Building Design+Construction magazine as one of the best A/E/C firms to work for in the U.S. And as of January 1, 2012, we are now 100% employee owned. Watch the video below to see why our employees think HMC is the best A/E/C firm to work for.
Posted in Awards,Beyond Architecture | 1 Comment »
I Love Architecture. Do You?
March 22nd, 2012
By Rita Saikali, Design Leader
On February 14, 2012, Architecture for Humanity launched a four-month long campaign confessing its love for architecture, and called us all to do the same. The campaign comes at a great time as unemployment in this profession hovers high, and individuals have maintained steady workflow, changed career course, or became creative in applying their skill sets in various ways to maintain livelihood. I’ve seen a myriad of actions including full time volunteerism, design ideation consulting, rejoining the student population, taking on educator roles, or starting up new ventures to name a few. It has been tough for all of us in this recession, and it’s for this reason the campaign should appeal to us all—so that we may remind ourselves and one another that there is hope, there is passion, and that strength comes in numbers to renew our love for architecture.
Posted in Beyond Architecture
Pinterest: The Medium, The Message, The People
March 12th, 2012
By Rita Saikali, Design Leader
The idealist will tell you to never fall in love with the medium, for it will be ever changing and you will never be completely satisfied with it at any given point. The realist will tell you that he doesn’t care about the medium, because after all, it’s not the message. The pessimist will tell you that the medium is not the message. Finally, the optimist will tell you to embrace the medium! After all, it’s hot, it’s handy, and it’s a fun way to share the message in an over saturated world (wide web). It’s a place you can follow and be followed, and more importantly, a place where you can make connections and build relationships based on common interests, ultimately leading to further inspirations and validation.
Posted in Beyond Architecture
iPads Given to Every Employee to Encourage Connectivity
December 20th, 2011
HMC Architects, an international planning and design firm, announced that it gave each of its employees an Apple iPad 2 as a way to reward excellent staff performance, improve productivity, and enhance social connectivity among staff.
- Employees received a 16GB Apple iPad 2 with Wi-Fi; employees have the option to upgrade to other models for cost differences
- The design firm currently employees 411 people, with 12 offices located throughout California, Arizona, and Nevada
- More than 400 iPad2s were given to staff, valuing more than $200,000
- All of the firm’s offices have Wi-Fi throughout, enabling employees to use the iPad2 wherever they are working
HMC, which received the Best Firm to Work For award from Building Design + Construction in 2011, has a tradition of rewarding employee efforts and embracing cutting-edge technology. Over the past decade, HMC has implemented numerous technology-based initiatives, including the use of BIM and social media, to set itself apart from their competition.
“HMC has long recognized that our employees are our greatest asset. This year, we wanted to reward their hard work with a holiday bonus that would help them stay connected throughout the year,” said HMC’s President and CEO Randy Peterson, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C. “It’s important for HMC’s owners to regularly communicate our appreciation for our staff’s tremendous dedication and hard work. The iPads demonstrate that we are continuing to embrace new technology, provide tools in support of design excellence, while encouraging connectivity among staff and clients.”
Posted in Beyond Architecture | 1 Comment »
Holiday Songs from the New Millennium
December 15th, 2011
By Ken Salyer, Principal
The winter holiday season is upon us and it’s the only time of the year when I want to hear holiday music. December 1-24 only, please. During that short time frame, I do actually enjoy listening to the old classics, especially during that last week before Christmas. Surprisingly, there are very few holiday songs played each year that are new, but a few do trickle out now and then. The holiday songs I’ve selected here are all original songs written or co-written by the artists performing them, and they were all written within the last ten years.
Music Playlist at MixPod.com
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Posted in Beyond Architecture
Charity Walk Weaves Through Transformed Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood
November 28th, 2011
By Barbara Perez, Education Facilities Planning Leader
On Saturday, November 19, 2011, Gerardo Sandoval and I were among the record-breaking 10,000 people who participated in this year’s Homewalk. Representing the HMC Happy Feet walking team, we joined United Way of Greater Los Angeles in the fundraising efforts to solve the homelessness problem in Los Angeles. It was our way of taking action to raise awareness about homelessness, and we arrived bright and early to walk the 5K and donate to the cause. But once on the course, our team didn’t rush to the finish line—instead we soaked in our surroundings and ended up rediscovering a transformed area of the city.
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Posted in Beyond Architecture
