JL Architects

nationally licensed architect

Succeeding in Architecture

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As a recent architecture graduate and aspiring architect, I have learned that one never truly walks away from the classroom, and that to succeed in architecture, one must continually pursue learning and growth.

Here are my insights as I finish my first 6 months as a full-time designer just out of college:

1. Technology is one of the most continually expanding and changing aspects within the profession of architecture. Our primary drafting software, Revit, has meaningful updates every year, allowing us to create adaptive and accurate models and drawing in real time.

2. Understanding building codes is crucial for the success of a project. Designing for various clients in various municipalities and geographic regions, we must be well educated and understand that each project may have different codes that apply to it.

3. Building relationships is just as important as creating beautiful architecture/designs. Our clients need to know they are being heard, and that we are designing for them, not us. The integrity and accuracy of our work is of utmost importance.

Committing to your continued learning as an architect is what will ensure your client’s project success, your firm’s success, and your success as a professional.

-Franklin Rodriguez, Architectural Designer

An Interview with John Lister, Founding Principal of JL Architects

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JL Architects, founded in 1988, recently celebrated its 34th anniversary. I sat down with John, the firm’s founder to learn a little more about his vision for the firm – past, present, and future. It was a long interview, we had 34 years to cover! Today I present part 1:

How have you and the firm grown over the past 34 years?
A company with a long history must constantly evaluate what it is doing and how. There is a natural evolution that goes with that. JL has successfully shifted focus with changing economies, each time leveraging and building on the history of past work. This has allowed the firm to grow in its breadth of work and capabilities. As JL expanded in diversity of client type and work type, the team became very efficient at uncovering the unknown variables and possible concerns early in the project phase. This results in completed projects that run smoothly and contribute to the success of all parties involved. Each project will always continue to be part of our building blocks in the tower of growth and success. We can never stop learning and growing!

On a personal note, I have learned how to rely and depend more on others to expand JL’s capabilities by hiring people smarter than myself and with experience I do not have.

How does your vision of the firm when you started compare to what it looks like today?
I had always desired to lead my own firm. An opportunity to do just that presented itself (earlier in my life than I expected) and I seized the opportunity. My vision for the firm evolved based on where I saw the market going, what opportunities I saw in changing markets, and where our clients were leading us. I have chosen to operate as a “boutique firm” that prioritizes long term relationships with repeat clients, whose trust has been gained through the dedication and personal attention of our JL team.

Of great importance is the integrity and quality of our work. Probably of equal importance is knowing our staff can feel confident in providing for themselves and those they love, both now and into the future. These will always be a constant in my vison for JL Architects.

Did you know you would be licensed to serve clients throughout the US? How did this decision impact you and JL Architects?
JL became a firm licensed to work throughout the USA because our clients asked us to continue servicing them as they expanded geographically. This decision to carry 40 licenses across the country has had a profound impact on the firm. It has allowed us to serve our clients and their changing needs, it has taken us into new market types, it has taught us nuances about permitting and working it various regions, and it has been a buffer during economic downturns.

How have you been able to use architecture to impact the world around you?
Not everyone understands or can pinpoint what an Architect does. Yet, when an Architect does impact the built world a person can sense it, even though they may not be aware enough to express it. When a project marries our training and sensitivity to created space with our client’s vision, the magic happens, and it is very rewarding. I have the privilege of living in a home I designed and working in a building I designed, so I would say my personal world has been very impacted!

Our next part of the conversation is going to get more into the details of the practice of architecture – the changes in construction, the impact of technology in the industry, and lastly John’s thoughts for future architects. Stay tuned!

Joseph Kaye, Architectural Designer

Construction Management Challenges & Trends in a Post-Pandemic World

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The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges for all industries. The construction industry, in particular, has witnessed significant impacts with increasing project construction costs that even occur on a weekly basis, shortage of construction materials and available labor, disruptions in the supply chain. These impacts have resulted in unprecedented long lead times and other factors creating delays in the delivery time of completed projects.

It is wishful thinking to believe there will be a return to the “normal” of the pre-pandemic world. A more likely outcome will be a “new abnormal” because things are not likely to get back to “normal” in the foreseeable future. Therefore, it is imperative for construction firms to prepare themselves for recovery by recognizing the construction management challenges and trends in a post-pandemic world.

The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated and expedited some trends that were already in motion. There are some drastic changes in the construction industry that will impact construction management. Here are some of those challenges and trends.

CHALLENGES

Changing Roles and Responsibilities
Construction supervisors and managers may experience a sudden surge in workloads and they will need to go the extra mile with administration and scheduling processes. A construction management platform is essential to overcome the challenge by having one that is capable of keeping schedules on track.

Shortage of Skilled Labor
A large segment of skilled people in the construction industry migrated from construction during the early stages of the pandemic. The construction project management function was challenging to the managers as they struggled to get the right resources and complete projects on time. The best response to this challenge may be to offer incentives for longer term skilled employees who are ready to stay and complete projects.

Supply Chain Bottlenecks
The supply chain and logistics disruptions will continue and result in elevated costs of materials and delayed deliveries. Supply chain bottlenecks will continue to negatively impact projects more often, which will threaten projects because of the potential to cause delays and missed deadlines. Identifying secondary suppliers early on and keeping supplies and raw materials in a “just in case” model are good ideas. Acting sooner, not later, is the key to survival in the “new abnormal.” Construction managers must evaluate the supply chains well in advance and identify secondary suppliers who can come to their rescue in the event of current suppliers being unable to deliver.

Remote Work
The impact of COVID-19 on construction managers has been dramatic. A reliance on remote work obstructed the collaborative approaches often seen within a traditional team environment. Lockdowns and border closures caused a major disruption to supply chains, and the risk of operating a business and managing projects skyrocketed. Managing a partial remote work force may remain a key to success in a post-pandemic world.

Risk Mitigation
Risk mitigation is more essential than ever in the future of construction management. The potential of new and evolving risks such as lockdown measures or virus transmissions means construction managers must create comprehensive contingency plans that are frequently reviewed and updated.
Working with Contractors
Hiring the best contractors to assist on a project will be a challenge. Construction managers will need to consider the financial stability of a contractor to finish their project, carefully analyze contracts, and perform a risk analysis of all critical contractors to avoid potential disruptions to productivity.

TRENDS

Repurposing
More existing buildings will be repurposed. Existing buildings that have been abandoned or are not being used as they were intended provide opportunities for new occupancy. For example: An existing mall may be transformed into a mixed-use facility with apartments, condos, and retail. Many one level stores or strip malls are being converted to apartment buildings that may house 80 to 100 units, and also still have the retail stores at the street level simulating a similar shopping experience except that apartment living is now above the retail spaces.

Sustainability
Sustainability will be a continued trend. New green buildings are designed to use renewable energy and include recycled materials that help maintain successful sustainability and energy savings over the life of the building.

Off-Site Construction
Prefabrication of walls, metal panels, millwork, and other custom types of projects are becoming part of the new thread of how more of the construction will be done off-site.

Software
Construction management software, project management tools, and other mobile tools will play an increasingly important role in assisting the entire project team review daily reports, photos, additional work orders, requests for information, schedule, and so many more options.

Drones
Drones are becoming a new tool for surveying and inspecting construction projects. The drones provide a tool for an easier and safer method to survey the property or view the construction of an existing project.

Resilience
Resilience is going to be a cornerstone of how to develop emergency preparedness and disaster recovery to: address near-term and long-term financial challenges; create a more agile plan during shutdowns or times of economic stress and to create a strategic plan to return to business operations and to scale as quickly as possible.

Closing Thought
The COVID-19 crisis is unprecedented and the challenges it has brought have been and are daunting. There is optimism in a post-pandemic world and now is an opportune time for construction management to leverage all that has been learned during the pandemic and to identify the opportunities that lie within the challenges of the future.

-Glenn Ebersole, Director of Business Development

How Can 3D Renderings Help Communicate Your Design Intent?

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Architects use 3D rendering software to create photo realistic images of their design intent, allowing others to thoroughly picture the proposed project. 3D renderings can be used to capture any scene, location, time, or option within the design. The opportunities for what can be shown are endless and can benefit a project in many ways.

Options:

If a client or designer is unsure of what they want to implement in a space or aspect of the project design, options can easily be created digitally and viewed pre-construction. This supports the design process, allowing it to progress forward with the input of the client. This also allows the design team and client to view and consider alternative options and designs that may not have been thought about for the project.

Lighting:

Whether it is the interior or the exterior space, realistic and consistent lighting can be rendered. The direction and angle of the sun at the site and proposed building may be considered, impacting both exterior and interior lighting needs and placement of walls/space. In the interior space, artificial lighting can be rendered to help determine needed lumens and the expected lighting aesthetic. Rendering natural and artificial light helps avoid costly ordering mistakes, allows for best use of natural light, and is an effective tool for containing energy use costs.

Streamlined Branding:

Like choosing lighting and options, 3D rendering for your branding can help decide best placement, and allow for tweaking of the branding as, and if needed. Your project is your brand and with 3D rendering you can make sure of the symbiotic relationship you are working to achieve.

The final renderings allow for the marketing of your new project before construction has even begun. Pre-leasing, pre-sales, leaseholder engagement, and employee pride will all benefit.

The benefits of 3D renderings are many, and I have just touched the surface! How can JL Architects help you visualize your next project?

-Sydney Hitchens, Architectural Designer

The Importance of Acoustic Flooring in Your Commercial Property

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Have you ever been in a hotel or lived in an apartment where you heard people stomping around above you? How about working in an office and hearing all the chairs moving and feeling doors slamming on different floors? Turns out, there is a way to lessen that noise and vibration to allow for peace and comfort on every floor. It all comes down to the flooring.

Acoustic flooring is a great way to control noise and vibration in commercial properties. Whether from foot traffic, carts or vibrating machinery, floors bear the brunt of impact within your building. The sound and vibration generated by this impact can be transmitted through the structure of your building, disturbing its occupants. Acoustic flooring is designed to insulate noise, preventing its transmission from your flooring into the rooms below. Airborne sound typically stems from people, speakers, and instruments. Like impact sound, airborne sound can transmit through your flooring into other parts of your structure. Depending on the material, acoustic flooring can absorb airborne noise and prevent its transmission.

While acoustic flooring materials are not one-size-fits-all, there are some materials that are better at preventing sound transmission than others.

• Carpet is known for mitigating impact sound, making it a perfect choice for hotels, classrooms, and offices. Higher pile carpets or carpets with a thick pad underneath, are especially good at absorbing sound and reducing transmission.

• Cork flooring is a sustainable, comfortable, and sound-absorbent flooring option perfect for many commercial applications. It is often used as an underlay to provide acoustic insulation.

• Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) is durable, waterproof, easy to maintain and provides great acoustic benefits, especially when it comes to mitigating the impact noise such as high foot traffic. Its acoustic benefits are largely drawn from its backing layer, which not only provides sound insulation, but also protects against mold and mildew.

• Commercial rubber flooring is known for its sound absorbent qualities. More than that, it is slip, mold and mildew resistant. It is a great choice for hospitals, schools, gyms, and kitchens looking for a durable acoustic flooring material.

• Vinyl tile, especially luxury vinyl tile (LVT) installed with a sound-insulating underlayment, is a great resilient flooring option used for sound treatment. It is selected by many facilities due to its design versatility, durability, and relatively low maintenance costs.

To reduce noise and vibration in residential or commercial buildings, application of soundproof subfloors, underlayment, and pads when installing flooring significantly decreases sound transmission from one space to another. The ability to provide a quiet working or living environment with proper acoustic floor insulation is a major benefit for all.

The Wide and Wild World of Warehousing

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Very few people, if anyone could have imagined today’s world of warehousing prior to the launch of e-commerce. Today’s warehousing industry is wide and wild.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there were about eight million people employed in the Warehousing & Storage Industry Group in 2020.

The public storage & warehousing market size in the US is $30.9 billion in 2022. The market has experienced an annualized growth of 5.8% in 2022, after an annualized market growth of 3.3% between 2017 and 2022.

A new JLL report states that demand for warehouse space is skyrocketing, as witnessed by a 22% year-over-year growth. Increased e-commerce operations and the demand for home delivery are driving the need for expanded warehouse space across the United States.

The continuation of the e-commerce market boom is causing distribution centers to be stretched to carry more SKUs. Warehouse space is expensive and therefore construction of a new warehouse is often out of the question. Rents also have continued to rise, and vacancy rates are low.

The largest users of warehousing include:
• Manufacturing.
• Consumer goods and retail.
• Food and beverage.
• Third-party logistics (3PL) companies.
• Wholesale distributors.
• Health and hospital care.

Warehouses are crucial assets for many businesses as long-term storage for surplus goods, which customers and clients do not need immediately. Most companies usually produce goods in anticipation of demand. Adequate storage is needed for their surplus goods until their customers and clients start putting in orders.

The shortage of commercial warehouse and industrial space is also the fallout from a paradigm shift from the “Just-In-Time” delivery model to the “Just-In-Case” delivery model coupled with the pandemic-fueled growth in online shopping.

Future warehouses must be more advanced and efficient to manage the increased demand. This requires the deployment of innovative technology to transform the warehouses to improve productivity, reduce costs and make order fulfillment more efficient.

Industrial warehouse technology has seen exceptional advancements in recent years. Advanced technology has transformed labor-intensive manual tasks such as processing payments, dispatching orders, and updating tracking information into automated actions occurring within seconds.

Maintaining accurate inventory was another challenge for warehouses across all industries in the past. Automation will be seamlessly integrated into all warehouse processes. Today, very high-end futuristic warehouse technology can track inventory and provide up-to-date numbers to business owners and warehouse managers wherever they are located around the world.

Technology will be at the center of the warehouse of the future and warehouse management systems will continue to evolve and become even more efficient than can now be imagined.
Warehouse inventory technology and supply chain automation are expected to grow exponentially in the next five years. Estimates suggest that the $700 billion spent in 2020 on Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) by growing companies will increase to $1 trillion by 2023.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are changing how the supply chain industry works. They are now optimizing processes beyond what humans can deliver, and at previously unfathomable scales. This means all warehouse duties will be completed more efficiently, freeing time and resources for more specialized tasks.

Leveraging AI is so beneficial because it optimizes capacity planning, improves productivity, and boosts efficiency by helping with higher quality output at a lower cost.

Some of the main benefits of the latest technology used in warehouses, including AI technology, include:

On-Demand Warehousing
An on-demand warehousing platform enables sellers to store inventory in warehouses offering their extra space. These warehouses of the future are different from traditional warehouse storage and enable new activities in distribution centers.
Sellers can opt for on-demand warehousing to increase their stocks during a specific season where the demand is higher than usual. AI facilitates these processes and makes it possible for modern warehouse management to improve profits and turnover rates.
On-demand warehousing is beneficial to warehouse owners and renters alike. Renters are free to access warehouse space without the need to sign long-term leases, and they can boost their inventory and inventory management on an as-needed basis. Warehouse operators simultaneously can tap into a previously untouched clientele and will not have to worry about empty spaces in their facilities.

Inventory Management
AI provides accurate numbers regarding inventory levels, and all its related variables in an instant. It also can calculate demand forecasting and planning with the basis of calculating data from previous stock inflow and outflow. Real-time stock updates are available, along with storage optimization recommendations with the help of AI integration.

Improved efficiency
AI and machine learning help improve efficiency by reducing the costs and resources required in processing orders and running a functional warehouse facility. This is achieved by reducing the amount of time and effort spent to manually input, update, and check data while providing a smooth and seamless experience. In the span of minutes, AI and ML can gather data from multiple sources and offer indispensable recommendations.

Prompt and punctual processing
AI is extremely prompt and seamlessly smooth from accepting orders and processing payments to updating packing and dispatching information, which ensures faster and punctual deliveries to customers and retailers.

Smoother, cheaper operations
AI warehouse operations can function day and night, ensuring that all warehousing processes are taken care of, such as customer service and order tracking. This reduces the amount of work required of employees, thus improving productivity while lowering costs. Minimal chances of errors also are achievable because AI systems perform quality checks at every stage of the process. The quality of work is elevated, thus enhancing accuracy and precision in managing all the important details.

Closing Thought
The warehouse of the future is already here. The future of warehousing is bright, and momentous changes are happening in the industry. Technology continues to improve supply chain and logistics. Retailers and sellers can boost their competitive advantage by future-proofing warehouses with the help of modern technology and the latest innovations.

“Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable.” William Pollard, American physicist and Episcopal priest.

-Glenn Ebersole, Director of Business Development