A Place of Mind

California Parking Lot

2011-08-02T16:46:00.000-07:00

San Clemente

2011-08-02T16:29:00.000-07:00

While visiting San Clemente, my mom and I were able to hangout with the locals and experience the annual Ocean Festival.

Napa Valley

2011-08-02T16:24:00.000-07:00

While visiting Napa Valley, my dad and I were able to learn hands on about how wine is cultivated and harvested. The winery process is an art that one should look into if they were to come across the opportunity.

San Francisco Giants, AT&T Ballpark

2011-08-02T16:10:00.000-07:00

The Giants faced the Milwaukee Brewers and won 4-2. The game was amazing, and to top it off we were able to watch the Giant's closer, Brian Wilson... "FEAR THE BEARD!"

San Francisco

2011-08-02T15:47:00.000-07:00

The weekend with my dad started off by visiting Lombard Street, Fisherman's wharf, and Alcatraz Island.

Alcatraz Island

Squid!

View from the hotel room.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

2011-08-02T15:27:00.000-07:00

The Walt Disney Concert Hall was designed by Frank Gehry. An interesting fact is the building cost a total of $130 million and the parking structure cost an estimated $110 million.

Painting Party

2011-07-15T00:33:00.000-07:00

A local artist, Roxanna, had a showing coming up. To prepare for the showing she decided to have a painting party. This event was probably one of my most enjoyable times spent with the locals. There's nothing like a party with a bunch of artists... The fellow in the white shirt is Moses, a great friend and artist.

Newport Beach

2011-07-15T00:23:00.000-07:00

The weekend started off at Irvine's Farmer's Market where Nathaniel and I bought fresh fruit. After a quick snack, we met up with my friend/colleague Mariela in Newport Beach. While cruising the bike trail we stumbled upon The Lovell Beach House.

Our trip was capped off with a visit to California's #1 surfing spot, The Wedge.

Newport Beach

2011-06-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

View from our porch

Last weekend, my buddy Charlie came down to visit with a couple of his friends. We ended up staying at the Marriott Hotel in Newport Beach...

Our pool :)

2011-06-14T16:34:00.000-07:00

Topanga State Park, Los Angeles

2011-06-13T16:57:00.000-07:00

Topanga State Park is located entirely within the city limits of LA and is considered the world's largest park and recreation area within the boundaries of a major city.

The main attraction of Topanga State Park is Eagle Rock. While at Eagle Rock, one can experience breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Dumbest thing I've done thus far.

Del Mar

2011-06-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

Del Mar Pizza

Del Mar Beach

While in Del Mar, I came across an amazing pizzeria simply titled "Del Mar Pizza." After ordering a large pizza, I decided to walk around and absorb the culture.

Del Mar is known for its quality of living, weather conditions, and beautiful beaches. In fact, it was mentioned in Time magazine's "100 Greatest Beaches in the World."

Salk Institute

2011-06-13T10:55:00.001-07:00

In typical man fashion, I ignored all directions given by the Garmin while heading towards La Jolla Beach... In doing so, I came across the work of one of the most inspirational architects of our generation, Louis Kahn!

Although the Salk Institute was closed over the weekend, I was able to befriend a couple security guards who gave me an all-access pass.

View from Salk Institute

Ho-ho

2011-06-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

Shout out to my fat dog Ho-Ho...
He is the Homer Simpson of dogs. He is notorious for leaving indents on our couches from long naps and pure laziness.

La Jolla

2011-06-13T10:18:00.000-07:00

After spending the night in LA with my friends, I drove down to La Jolla to get a taste of what is consider one of California's best beaches. La Jolla means "The Jewel," and it's given name certainly correlated with my experience.

La Jolla turned out to be a tourist hotspot, so I decided to escape the populous and drive further up north towards Del Mar.

Before venturing North, I stopped to eat at Crab Catcher which provided a gorgeous view towards the ocean. Although it was a little pricey, you get what you pay for in this circumstance.

Downtown Los Angeles

2011-06-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

With my buddy Nathaniel gone for the weekend, I decided to explore as much as possible within a 48 hour span. The weekend started with hanging out with some new friends that I met in Los Angeles.

Comeback

2011-06-10T22:09:00.000-07:00

So I've been away from the blogging for a while. Just like every great band with a good run, there is a comeback. Bon Jovi is "the ticket" right now, and in 1986. How about Tina Turner bringing 'it' with Beyonce.

Each of these band references is likely to the dismay of our new intern from Iowa State University College of Design. He's young, fresh, and...let's say inspiring. (New edit: By the time I'm actually getting around to posting this, he's already re-designed the site and started on the posts. Need I say more?)

The picture to the left was from Greenbuild last November, right before Thanksgiving. It reminded me of the nostalgic images of Thanksgiving; American Indians with feathers in their hats that represented feats and also status among the group. There were those walking around, head held high, with several colors draped from their badges. "The Chiefs" had PRESENTER, were AWARD RECEPIENT, were HONORARY, and were ATTENDEES. The young "Warriors", well, they had their name... and a schedule of sessions to attend.

My status was that fairly in the middle. I am responsible for some, I report to some, and with that, a requirement for a whole scope of skill sets. I have to learn to delegate, interpret, manage, teach, learn, and most of all; impart responsibility.

Presenting at Greenbuild was a humbling experience and it taught me that; everyone has something to offer and you are only as good as those who are in your "tribe". With that: enjoy the posts from our newest member.

Peter's Canyon Trail

2011-06-07T17:54:00.000-07:00

Top of Turtle Hill

Peter's Canyon Trail

2011-06-07T17:45:00.000-07:00

While touring through the trail, we witnessed a little boy trying to conquer "Turtle Hill." The good news is that the little boy made it up the hill, the bad news is that he left his bike halfway up the hill because he was to tired bahaha....

Peter's Canyon Trail

2011-06-07T17:29:00.000-07:00

My buddy Nathaniel and I go on Peter's Canyon Trail. Nathaniel is an associate at Studio SA, and has to deal with me for the entire summer, boy do I feel sorry for this guy... ha

A new beginning

2011-06-07T17:21:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of my backyard in Sioux City, Iowa. My friends at Studio SA have helped the transition from Iowa to California, and have made me feel right at home. Although I miss my friends and family, words cannot describe how excited I am to begin this journey...

Lunch break

2011-06-06T23:23:00.000-07:00

Studio SA's location provides plenty of opportunities to see and experience Santa Ana's amazing culture. If you're lucky enough, you might be able to see Riff Raff live at the Gypsy Den! Great food, amazing atmosphere, and highly advised to partake in...

Studio SA

2011-06-06T22:42:00.000-07:00

Studio SA is located within the heart of the art community here on 207 N. Broadway in Santa Ana.

The Numbers

2010-11-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

As the site managers were overseeing the landscape changes and preparing for the 'Alice in Wonderland' themed Halloween festivities for last Friday, I was gathering the last bits of information.

Final inverter readings. Check.

Photos of those residents I interviewed. Check.

The recent rains had some washout effects on the stormwater retention basin, and a majority of the patios had been cleverly themed out for the Halloween contest. Other than that, the site looked clean and moderately lively, as usual for a mid-day visit.

It was during my final walk that I got to meet the two boys below. They are 3 and 4, respectively. Three AND A HALF to be precise. The ages are very important, and so is that half of a year.

So now it's my turn to get to the precise numbers. comparing, analyzing, and preparing the final paper for issue. And then that presentation at Greenbuild. See you there. And yes, the info will be posted here, stay tuned.


Vista Dunes Residents

You're gonna love this presentation

2010-09-27T20:26:00.000-07:00

Panic stricken on how to get all the information in my head onto the presentation field, my inbox sings something I can only compare to my Nike power song from my ipod running playlist, and sitting there is a link to Prezi from my dad/genius. (Please recommend he add a photo if you are on Twitter.) Here is a teaser on the capabilities.