Recent News

Torrance Plaza Hotel (TPH)

Recently James Heimler Architect, Inc. (JHAI) was approached by Torrance Plaza Hotel investors to come up with a design scheme for a new renovated and modernize Torrance Plaza Hotel with a Japanese panache to it. JHAI gracefully took the challenge and hit the drawing boards and put their research skills to test. Some of the issues JHAI had to address was the entrance upgrades, parking and security, accessibility upgrades, lobby upgrades, elevator cab and doors, guest rooms and rear patio.

Some of JHAI solutions to these issues were

LINC Housing Award

While working on a church in 1997, I met a developer who recommended me to be on the board of LINC Housing, a non-profit 301-C corporation and one of the top 10 developers of Affordable Housing in California. I was the only architect on the board of directors. Most of the other 20 or so board members were older and from government positions. I was on the board of another non-profit, Santa Maria Parks and Trails Association (SMPTA). Over time I linked both groups together by having SMPTA provide funds for inner city children for LINC's' Linc Cares program. These funds allowed the LINC Affordable Housing community to go on field trips to the Santa Monica Mountains and learn about the indigenous people and animal population, environmental education, and experience the outdoors. For many of these children and their parents, this was a new experience. I began LINC as a new board member up and rose through the ranks to Secretary, Vice- Chair, and Chairman. I helped guide the organization through two recessions. I was on the Project Review committee for a time, assisting in authorizing all construction projects. Later, as Chairman, I was on most of the many committees directing the operations of LINC Housing. In 2011, I was termed out of being on the LINC board of directors after 14 years.

One of the biggest agenda items I had as Chairman of LINC Housing was to amend their development and management priority goals. I wanted to make all our projects more sustainable and reduce carbon footprints, thus passing on the savings to our tenants. Working closely with Hunter Johnson and the staff, this task was accomplished and continues to be a high priority. The experience I have from running my own company (JHAI), helped in securing a higher quality of projects and cost analyses within our organization. Now I can say that I have a higher appreciation and admiration for the work of the non-profit organizations. I have gained respect for the red tape, political hurdles and the hard work that the staff must do in order to obtain the funds to continue to be a viable Non-Profit housing developer. click to view Recommendation letter

AIA SFV Chapter 30 Year Membership Award

Jim Heimler, President of James Heimler, Architect, Inc. (JHAI) has been involved in architecture since 1974. His architectural expertise is coupled with his care for the environment and his clients. He has been involved in over 2000 projects and has worked with over 900 clients dating back to 1982. His projects are located throughout Southern California and include new buildings, modernizations, green projects, additions, remodels, rehabilitations, code upgrades, insurance issues, and consultations.

Jim attained the National Design Award accredited to California State University Northridge in 1986. He is a member of the AIA and USGBC, and is a LEED accredited professional. For over 15 years, Jim was Chairman and Board Member for LINC Housing, a non-profit housing developer. He is licensed in the states of California, Nevada, and Washington.

Jim spends time meeting with clients and calls them regularly to ensure their project is moving in the right direction. He educates his community about the importance of sustainability, and incorporates sustainability seamlessly into his architectural design whenever possible. His Personal life is also intricately linked to providing holistic views of sustainable life on this planet.

City of Los Angeles Certificate of Recognition

LAUSD Serrania Elementary School-Shade Structure

Working with LAUSD to seek design and scope of work approvals

JHAI worked closely with LAUSD project managers and site administration during the planning and design, and construction document phases.
Worked closely with the district project manager, school principal, plant manager and the shade structure manufacturer.

The project at Serrania ES consisted of the installation of a new shade structure over the outdoor lunch area as well as campus wide accessibility upgrades. JHAI worked closely with LAUSD project managers and site administration during the planning and design, and construction document phases. We coordinated with DSA for the submittal and approval of the plans and specifications. We also provided construction administration during construction through project close out.

During the design and construction document process we worked closely with the district project manager, school principal, plant manager and the shade structure manufacturer to explore all the design options in order meet the needs of the school and stay within the project budget while still meeting the code requirements necessary for providing the new shade structure.

The accessibility upgrades consisted of the design of a new accessible ramp at the front of the school; upgrading the accessible parking; making the main office accessible; making a boys, girls and faculty restroom fully accessible; and installing an accessible drinking fountain.

JHAI worked closely with the district OAR, the contractor and the inspector during the construction process. We responded to Request for Clarifications, reviewed and approved shop drawings and performed field observations as necessary to facilitate the successful completion and close out of the project per the approved construction documents.

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church

The multi use school, church and daycare facility had 45,000 S.F. of floor area on a 4.3 acre site. We were originally contracted for architectural services including pre-design, site analysis, facility survey, and a master development program for Our Redeemer Church and School’s next 20 years of growth. From all the different user groups of the church and on-site school, we learned that they had out grown their facilities and needed code upgrades to almost all the buildings. The first phase of this project was designed within the budget of $600,000, and with the consensus of all parties involved. We developed a phased master plan that was highly adaptable and cost efficient in each phase. We secured an approval for a Conditional Use Permit allowing multiple phases for future development based on the ability of the church to modernize and expand its facilities for the community. We received approval for each phase of the 20 year plan for the potential build-out for the life of the property.

The Champley Residence

After several years of design, development, and planning, the Champley Residence is at last realized and we are proud to present it. The residence is being considered for LEED-Gold certification. It combines modern architecture with sustainable materials and classic elements, such as the spiral staircase. It boasts a welcoming, expansive and well-lit interior. The photos below were taken by Emad Asfoury of LA Color Studio. Enjoy the photos, and remember that the vision you have for your home can become a reality!

Click here to go to the project's page and see more photos!

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