Out of 116,000 architects in the United States, only 502 are Black women. What a staggering statistic. That is only 0.4%. And this number is up ten times from where it was 30 years ago, which one could say is certainly progress. But is slow progress enough progress?
Read MoreSigning on to a new design + construct project is always exciting. Signing on to a Eugene Kinn Choy designed home, and we have to admit, we took an extra minute to let it fully sink in that such an opportunity was ours. Architects and designers revere history-rich homes and buildings.
Read MoreFrom an architectural standpoint, urban development and revitalization in the Los Angeles area is of great interest to us. We also see the importance in staying informed on the current direction of design and construction around the city. To be completely biased, LA has some of the best creative thinkers when it comes to innovation, and the architectural design community is no exception.
Read MoreLast summer we heard that the A+D (Architecture + Design) Museum was closing their physical location in downtown LA and moving to a hybrid model of virtual programming and pop-up exhibits in different cities. A museum that “explores the definitions of architecture and design, from the conceptual to professional practice,” A+D has become well known, especially to those of us in Los Angeles.
Read MoreAs we embark upon a fourth year of writing the SweisKloss blogs, we reflect back on past blogs and how much we’ve enjoyed writing them. We were curious to know what our readers gravitated toward the most in 2020 and thought we’d share them with you. Here are the top five blogs to revisit or see for the first time if you are new to our newsletters.
Read MoreHolidays from the Heart is a program near and dear to my, well, heart. This charitable initiative supports the most vulnerable and financially challenged patients at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). I have been involved with this cause for the last seven years when my brother first introduced it to me.
Read MoreTo say that women have come a long way when it comes to owning a business would be a vast understatement. The road to being on equal footing in an ever-challenging business world has been paved by successful, strong women, for which I am grateful.
Read MoreWhen designing and renovating a space that includes a countertop, it is smart to weigh all the options. A countertop should provide a captivating focal point and complement the materials and colors that will surround the surface. Equally as important is selecting one for daily functionality that works with the homeowner’s lifestyle and needs. Consider the durability, maintenance, and porosity of the countertop material.
Read MoreEven in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, I am certain each of us could still list off many things we are grateful for. Our list may look a little differently this year, but finding something to appreciate each day has helped me get through this unprecedented year.
Read MoreDoughnut aficionados near and far will tell you that Sidecar Doughnuts + Coffee is hands down the sweetest establishment in Southern California for ridiculously-mouth-watering doughnuts, avid community giving, and that’s right…award-winning architecture.
Read More“What if a single act of design and construction made the world a better place?” This is the first sentence you read when you go to the International Living Future Institute’s (ILFI) site page about the Living Building Challenge (LBC). How could a line like that not resonate with us or with others in the field of design, architecture, and construction?
Read MoreAfter only five years, The Broad Museum is already becoming an iconic, recognizable Los Angeles structure. And we love how they are celebrating their fifth year as a renowned museum. In honor of the anniversary, Brazilian-born, LA-based visual artist Clarissa Tossin created an eleven-minute film on the beauty of The Broad’s architecture.
Read MoreI’ve been teaching in architecture and design programs at universities for many years, and it is something I love doing. I especially enjoy guiding students to further their creativity and think beyond the norm. I love how each one of them can come up with a unique solution for the same building.
Read MoreIf you have a passion for architecture, then the name Esther McCoy would be well known to you. For those who can’t quite place her, then allow us to share how meaningful she was to the architecture community of Southern California, especially during the mid-twentieth century.
Read MoreOne does not need to geek out on technology to know that smart homes will not only continue into the future but will become even more advanced. That’s right, even smarter. In fact more smart cities will be popping up in addition to smart home automation. And what exactly is a smart home?
Read MoreWe have probably said this more times than we can count…Santa Monica is a beautiful place to work and live. There are incredible homes, a perfectly sized downtown area, and of course the oceanfront and a backdrop of mountains with nearby state parks. And because of the close proximity—within a few miles of the SweisKloss office—some of the SK staff have gone to Will Rogers Historic State Park for a run or hike on the winding trails.
Read MoreSome of our latest residential projects at SweisKloss have included designing and constructing green roofs, also known as living roofs. When an opportunity arises to incorporate a green roof, clients are very much drawn to the idea of having one. From a design angle, they add aesthetic value; they are colorful and provide a wonderful natural element to any structure. But the myriad of environmental and health benefits is certainly what impacts quality of life the most.
Read MoreAt SweisKloss, the role of a Site Superintendent is invaluable and serves as the construct counterpart to our design team. Superintendents are the daily eyes, ears and voice at job sites and facilitate the building phase of our projects. They appreciate the subtle nuances in architectural design and thoughtfully planned spaces but can envision a home as a whole.
Read MorePaul Revere Williams is a name synonymous with LA architecture. A few years ago, SweisKloss had the good fortune to work on a home designed by legendary architect Paul Williams. We look back on that memorable project and recall how striking the architecture was of that Bel Air estate. When we were hired to design + construct a complete renovation to the exterior landscape and hardscape as well as
Read MoreThere has been a good amount of recent press surrounding the Chateau Marmont and how by year’s end the iconic hotel will become a private club. Meaning it will become even more exclusive than it already is? Since SweisKloss likes to follow news on historic landmarks in Los Angeles—the Chateau was designated in 1976—we had to learn more about the upcoming plans.
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