Welcome to my blog!
Only one year after receiving my degree I had designed and permitted my first project in Venice Beach and have now been a professional designer for over ten years with nearly a hundred built works. I have always been interested in writing but never had the time. As a sole proprietor I still don’t have the time. However, as trends change, codes are updated, and information is in a million different places, I feel it’s my duty to create this blog so I can share my experiences learned and resources gained with my fellow designers and the general public. In addition, I wanted to share my passion for architecture and explain the value that having a professional can bring to any type of project.
Drawing architecture and drafting conceptual floorplans has been a part of my life from before I can remember. Having lived in 12 places before 12th grade and visiting dozens more homes, I fell in love with Architecture and the endless variety of spaces and arrangements that can be unveiled. I specifically remember the first moment I wanted to become a creator of space. While living in Virginia between 5th and 6th grade, I went to a large boat show and while touring a massive yacht inside of a stadium I remember being fascinated at how much can fit inside such a limited or specified space. Later that day, or more likely in the car ride home, I began sketching my own versions of yachts and their multiple floor plans, elevations, and perspective drawings. That eventually led to RV’s and finally houses and buildings.
In high school they offered engineering and architecture courses. I was passionate about those classes that the teacher recommended me for my first job at a structural surveying and architectural forensics firm. There I was tasked to measure entire houses and take elevations points of the site and foundation of the homes. That job further solidified my desire to design and build homes and following senior year, I worked the second half of every day through a co-op work program at Michael G Imber Architects. There I was introduced to the ins and outs of a true architecture and interior design studio. During this internship I realized that this work is more than a job, it’s a passion for me and what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.
College stripped away any previous assumptions I had towards Architecture and I was given the opportunity to start fresh with an open mind. While there, I was trained not only to draft architectural drawings by hand but also to do so with the latest cutting edge 3d and 4d software. While there, I also expanded my education by holding a position in the College of Architectures Wood, Model, and Metal shop for three years. Helping scores of students with model and furniture making.
Immediately after graduation, and halfway on my way to Los Angeles, I received the notification that I was hired to work with Domaen based in downtown LA. Thankfully the office was close enough to ride my fixed gear from the cheap, dark, and dank street facing apartment I had already rented on sunset boulevard between Silverlake and Echo Park. Right next to the happy/sad foot sign is (Y’all know what I’m talking about if you are familiar with the area). Following that position, I had the pleasure of working with Michael Maltzan and Francois Perrin. While there, I was fortunate to get my first referrals which, through word of mouth, quickly became a full-time workload and I took the leap which lead to me founding my architecture design firm MRM|AD in 2016.
Photographing physical model in for STR_ project in 2016
Since then, I have had the pleasure of successfully completing over 100+ projects for my own clients and in collaboration with other architects, interior designers, and developers. Curating priceless relationships and resources along the way. As I have matured into the practice, my goals have been fine tuned to not only towards the creation of unique and one of a kind spaces but to do so with thought and consideration for the environment. This is achieved by analyzing each individual sites context and implementing tailored design strategies to boost passive performance and decrease costly utility loads.
A perfect example of this and what sets MRM|AD apart from others is the ARO_ project. This project was designed after careful analysis of the climate and site conditions. It also utilized local materials, off grid power water and energy generation/storage, and passive design strategies. By implementing these elements, and by the trust of the client, the design omits the need for doors and windows. Creating a truly one of a kind living experience.
Another thing that sets MRM|AD apart from other firms is the love of solving the everchanging maze of rules and regulations to accomplish a projects’ overall goals. Just like the moving staircases in the Harry Potter film, the international/state building codes and local zoning regulations are everchanging.
A good example of this is the LOM_ project. An accessory dwelling unit that I’m currently working on in Lomita California. During the schematic design phase, the code stated that buildings must be separated a minimum of 10’-0” from one another. The code was recently updated to reduce this minimum to 3’-0” and even less in some situations. Although we already received permits, I notified the client of the code change. Upon the news they decided to revise the plans and update the design to increase ADUs square footage and concurrently the clients rental income.
As a sole proprietor, everything that comes-in ang goes-out is reviewed or created directly by me. So not only am I able to work with the clients directly but also with my network of established connections of contractors, fabricators, and city officials. This ensures clarity and efficiency throughout the entire design, permitting, and construction proceses.
When not working, sketching, or reading about architecture you will most likely find me out in the ocean surfing, sailing, or getting my hands dirty in the garage on, crafts, projects, or repairs.
So that’s a brief overview of me and what MRM|AD is all about! To learn more about the firm’s specializations and the various types of projects completed, I invite you to review the “about” section of my website. To review my selected work please “click here”. To reach out and review your projects’ possibilities or just get in touch please "click here".
Cheehoo amazing story man!