Statement of Qualifications

James Heimler, Architect, Inc. (JHAI) was founded in 1985 by James Heimler. Since then, we have grown into one of the largest Los Angeles based architectural firms in the San Fernando Valley, while maintaining our well-known degree for high standards and quality. We strive to incorporate sustainable features into our projects as often as possible while meeting and exceeding our clients’ expectations. We have worked on over 1,900 projects, with over 900 clients, and currently have over 150 projects with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). These projects vary from site analysis to campus modernizations. We are on many approved lists to provide architectural services for many organizations, including, but not limited to: Los Angeles Unified School District, California State University System, Los Angeles Community College District, LA City and LA County Department of Public Works, LA City Department of Parks & Recreation, Kaiser Permanente, USPS, NBC Universal, and Sempra Utilities.

We offer full-service construction management services. We are actively involved with going out to job sites, participating in meetings, setting up and reviewing agendas, taking field notes, and walking the site to verify conformance to construction documents. Prior to going to job sites, we research the agenda items relationship to discuss cases and documents, to expedite time spent on the site. We also verify the agenda with all participating parties so our site meetings are more time efficient. All information is logged into our database so it is usable for future reference. Our team of construction managers and supporting staff review site visits and new Requests for Clarification with each other and transfer knowledge amongst our entire staff and consultants as necessary. This helps in the project communication and in getting the best response, as all of our team members will be on the same page. 

At the start of construction administration and/or management services, we start by reviewing all the documents and agreements between the design team and Owners so we understand the perspective from which to approach the project. In general, specific conditions within the construction document specifications need to be fully understood and enforced. During all meetings, any issues that are not resolved are addressed until they are resolved – we place such issues on the agenda for every meeting and move to higher level of priority. We want to start the project off on the right foot. We want all parties involved to be geared toward achieving the successful completion of the construction. Having completed so many projects, we do understand from the beginning where a project is heading. We foresee future issues and try to present those early on. By understanding future construction related issues, the project is kept on a smoother path toward completion.

 JHAI has a full picture vision of what is required to complete projects. In the last 10+ years, we have been working on many institutional type projects. We are aware of the state and local agency requirements, and keep abreast of the latest developments in the Uniform Building Code and the California Building Code. We have studied the new California Green objectives. We stay informed of local, state and federal requirements and work with local plan checking agencies as well as the Division of the State Architect (DSA), the Office of Public School Construction (OPSC), the Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC), and the California Department of Education (CDE) as required. We coordinate with project close-outs and as-built conditions for existing construction. We have a lot of experience verifying as-built disabled access conditions. Our numerous K-12 modernizations have involved a creative use of government regulations, space, schedules, and budgets.