architecture

A Day in the Life of a Project Coordinator

As an architectural project coordinator, every day unfolds with a mix of tasks and challenges that demand adept management and clear communication. I kickstart my mornings with a nourishing breakfast and a nice cup of coffee, setting the stage for…

A Nontraditional Pathway to Architecture

Embarking on a nontraditional career path to architecture, James Hicks speaks on his unconventional journey from Network and Media Production Manager to Architectural Project Coordinator in a recent interview. Can you tell me about your journey coming from a technology…

Reimagining Design with Modular Facilities

In more recent years, modular buildings has become increasingly popular in design and construction. American Institute of Architects states, “modular construction is the process by which components of a building are prefabricated off-site in a controlled setting and then shipped…

Road to Becoming an Architect

Fall of 2007, I chose to go to University of Nebraska without a clear understanding of what I wanted to study. When enrolling into my first semester courses, I was afraid that I would never decide on a major and…

A-Z of Nacht & Lewis Projects

Celebrate our anniversary by looking at the different projects that has transformed our firm to who we are today from A – Z.  A for Alhambra Theatre Completion Date: 1927 | Location: Sacramento, CA  Once named the ‘Showplace of Sacramento’…

Hemmings’ Hidden Files

As we approach our 100-year anniversary it is a great time to reflect on some of the historic drawings our firm has accumulated over the years. These Sacramento projects hold a great historical significance to our firm. However, they are…

Baking & Architecture

My grandmother owned a small bakery on an island in the Philippines. I remember her waking up at 4 am to knead batches of dough with great effort. Pan de sal was her specialty, which translates to salt bread. Locals…

The Builder/Architect Relationship: Things to Remember to Make It Work

Before entering the architecture industry, I began my career as a union carpenter building custom homes and commercial projects. I worked with architects, engineers, and consultants discussing plan sets and specifications. During that period, I was able to obtain a…

The Process of a Designer

“You don’t just design buildings, you design details, you design execution… you design the entire process”. – Bob Borson, lifeofanarchitect.com I was recently asked about “design” and what the process entails.  While the notion of “design” is something achieved and…

architecture talk

Architecture Talk – A Language of Its Own

Architecture comes from a deep-rooted culture and long history, commonly assessed through visual terms and subject to perception. When speaking to an architect, you begin to pick up on words that are uncommon. Like all professions, architects have their own…

Art-chitecture

Designing with Functionality Architecture plays an important role in our lives. The physical infrastructure is something that we are confronted with every day. We share an apartment or a house with our family and if we are lucky, we are…

A Tale of Two Clinics

Nacht & Lewis has been working with UCSF since 2003. In our 15-year relationship we’ve had the privilege of working on three significant healthcare programs that needed to be moved from the Parnassus campus over to the new campus in…

Drowning Accident Rescue Team (DART)

Last December, my son Grant and I joined Sacramento’s Drowning Accident Rescue Team (DART). On May 13th, we were certified as Swift Water Rescue Technicians. It was a tough course, but a lot of fun and very rewarding. It all…

Leonard F. Starks and His Watercolors

Leonard F. Starks and His Watercolors

Leonard F. Starks was the original founder of Nacht & Lewis in 1922. Here’s a brief spotlight on our founder and his love for watercolor painting.  As one of the leading architects in Sacramento throughout the 1920’s, up until his…

2018 Staff Promotions

January 2018 Staff Promotions

Congratulations are in order for our staff members who received promotions this month. Well done all!  DeAnn Splinter – Senior Project Manager, Associate Principal Eric Sifuentes – Senior Project Coordinator, Associate Eric Tien – Senior Project Coordinator, Associate Julie Bettencourt…

Travel Blog: Healthcare Synposium 2017

I was invited by Walt Vernon of Mazzetti to participate in a special focus group in collaboration with Facilities Guidelines Institute (FGI) and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) entitled “Reimagining the ED” to be held at the Healthcare Symposium in Austin, Texas. On an…

Core Values Series: Cultivate Optimism

Core Values Series: Cultivate Optimism

In the final edition of our Core Values Series, we asked our staff what “Cultivate Optimism“ means to them (including some gardening metaphors): The way to cultivate optimism is to meticulously prepare the ground with discipline, plant the kernel of…

Core Values Series: Guided By Integrity

Core Values Series: Guided By Integrity

In this edition of our Core Values Series, we asked our staff what “Guided by Integrity“ means to them. Doing the right thing . . . even if it means swallowing your pride and admitting you were wrong. Guided by…