Introducing Chris Hirai, our accomplished Project Architect returning to Nacht and Lewis after a brief hiatus exploring alternative markets. With nearly a decade of experience under his belt, Chris brings a dynamic perspective and a passion for innovative design solutions…
BUILT IN THE PAST. DESIGNING THE FUTURE.
Architecture
Sustainability – A Big Word with a Big Responsibility
Sustainability has become an important topic over the last decade, and rightfully so. It is becoming an integral part of how we approach the design and development of buildings. Whether through construction or operations, the built environment is responsible for…
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…
The Black Book
When Leonard Starks first started this firm 100 years ago, he kept a single “black book” that listed all of his projects. The book was recorded by Mr. Starks’ lifelong secretary, Bernice Garobotta. At the time, a typewrite was the…
Native American Heritage Month
Respecting the land that we design our built world upon is architects stand by, but those with indigenous heritage have a stronger history behind those beliefs. November is a time of reflection and gratitude, so this month is dedicated to…
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…
Asian American Pacific Islander Architects
As Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage month comes to an end, we would like to pay tribute to the those who have made a great contribution to America’s architectural history. The month of May celebrates two significant milestones for…
Designing for Justice Facilities
We are dedicated to understanding the complex issues of justice and public safety in our communities. We strive to be a voice for social justice and fair treatment for all. As architects who design justice facilities, we endeavor to create…
Public Schools Week
Public Schools Create Limitless Dreams February 22, 2021 – February 26, 2021 is recognized as public schools week; we welcome you to join us in recognizing the importance of public schools. The public school systems has employed millions of full-time…
In The Life of a Project Architect
The tasks of a Project Architect may vary day by day; it involves collaborating with clients, subconsultants, contractors, and colleagues on multiple projects. Each day, they are faced with addressing projects in different phases through creative thinking, planning and problem…
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…
Designing for Wellness
When designing, architects always think about the effects that architecture may have on the people that use and interact with our buildings and spaces. The experience can vary depending on the intent of the structure. For example, a sacred space should elicit…
5 Tips In Joining The Architecture Industry
One key thing to remember about the architecture industry is that it is much broader than most people may think. First of all, you don’t need to be an architect to work at an architecture firm. Wait, what? It’s true….
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…
Introduction to Building Information Modeling
As Architects, it is essential for us to efficiently collaborate with our engineer and construction partners. Platforms that allow real-time collaboration is crucial from design to construction; therefore, Building Information Model (BIM) is key in our process in shaping the…