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Architect Art Danielian’s vision made a mark on Orange County
You might not know Art Danielian’s name off the top of your head, but you know his work.
The founder of Danielian Associates is a veritable titan in Orange County’s architectural scene. Over the past five decades, he has amassed more than 640 awards and completed 5,272 projects around the world. His Irvine-based firm has designed custom homes, residential communities and dynamic large-scale creations throughout OC and worldwide.
The first architect to be inducted into the California Building Industry Hall of Fame, Danielian recently was nominated Person of the Year by the Council on Shaping Advancements in Generational Environments (SAGE) for 50 years of service to the community.
What’s behind such an august career? We sat down with the man himself to find out:
WHAT IGNITED YOUR PASSION FOR ARCHITECTURE?
I grew up in Pasadena, and my uncle worked as an architect nearby. He gave me a job sweeping floors. I came to realize architecture was a fascinating process, witnessing two-dimensional drawings transform into three-dimensional buildings. I took an architecture class at Pasadena City College, and our first assignment was a home-design competition, which I won. That sealed the deal for me on my career path. I later graduated with a degree in architecture from USC and worked for Ed Fickett, FAIA, one of the nation’s pioneers in master-planned residential communities. I started Danielian Associates in 1968.
HOW HAS YOUR FIRM PLAYED A ROLE IN SHAPING THE OC LANDSCAPE THESE PAST FIVE DECADES?
I truly feel that innovation in housing starts in Orange County. While no one individual OC firm can take credit, I believe Danielian Associates played a part in the collective advancements over the past 50 years. Architectural design is an evolutionary process, not a revolutionary occurrence. Our innovations throughout the decades with wide and shallow lots, “combo/condo” projects (a mix of townhomes and flats in one configuration) – and, more recently, designs that allow for higher density housing while maintaining livability, homeowner privacy, and usable outdoor space – have provided OC residents with higher-quality design options and created affordable housing choices in an area known for its very high land costs.
NAME A PROJECT IN ORANGE COUNTY YOU ARE PARTICULARLY PROUD OF.
One of my favorite projects of all time was The Terraces in Corona del Mar. The site was very challenging. We used the natural steep grade to build direct-access stacked duplexes, ultimately creating a dynamic senior housing project.
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HOME DESIGN IN FULLERTON?
Sustainability has always been at the core of our architecture and design philosophy. The Habitat for Humanity home in Fullerton was a partnership with Peninsula Publishing, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, our firm and several others. The city of Fullerton required that the design honor the mid-century Eichler-style architecture woven throughout its downtown. The resulting two-story home was unique in that it
was a net-zero energy home (meaning it produces more energy than it consumes). It won national awards for its green design. The keys were eventually turned over to a former U.S. military veteran and his family – that was the best part.
DESCRIBE YOUR RECENT INVOLVEMENT IN THE MARCH VETERANS VILLAGE PROJECT IN RIVERSIDE, WHICH SUPPORTS VETERANS AS THEY REINTEGRATE INTO CIVILIAN LIFE.
To be able to provide housing and supportive services to those who served our country is truly a special honor. We are very proud of our work with the United States Veterans Initiative, and residents are already taking advantage of the resources now available to them.
ANY INSIGHTS ON CURRENT HOUSING TRENDS IN OC?
With high land costs in Orange County and a huge appetite for entry-level and attainable housing, we need to get creative to achieve density levels with home prices that young professionals and growing families can manage. If we continue to ignore this population, there won’t be any new housing in Orange County that our children will be able to afford.
YOU ONCE COMPARED YOUR WORK TO “GETTING TO GO TO A CANDY FACTORY EVERY DAY.” DO YOU STILL FEEL THAT ANTICIPATION AND EXCITEMENT?
Yes. To see a project go from a napkin sketch to a finished home where people live and thrive – that is a very rewarding process. An architect is always learning and honing his craft
Delivering Design at Lumiere
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Danielian Associates teams up with Lennar in Altair Irvine to create luxury homes with innovative interior spaces
When the Danielian Associates team was asked by Lennar to design the largest product at Altair in Irvine, the firm knew it had to create an extraordinary interior living experience for future residents. At one point during the visioning process one of the firm’s architectural designers said, “Guys and Gals, this may be just the right opportunity to introduce a courtyard basement feature into a production home environment.” Boom. With 60’ x 105’ lot sizes already predetermined and a targeted move-up / luxury buyer demographic for the product, this basement feature was just the solution for delivering homes with very large open floor plans and private outdoor space within relatively small lot configurations. From that visioning team meeting, the Undertainment™ Floor was born. While courtyard basements are not necessarily new to the Danielian team or to custom home builders for that matter, bringing this element into a production home neighborhood in Irvine certainly is new.
Featuring contemporary architectural styling throughout, Lumiere delivers luxury living at its finest with thoughtful details and seamless indoor / outdoor living elements within its six floor plan offerings. The old adage form follows function certainly applies, and each of the six floor plans were meticulously crafted with the homeowner experience in mind. The crown jewel of the Lumiere neighborhood is the Plan 3X and the Plan 4X residences which offer walk out, courtyard basements and ample amounts of natural daylight throughout the center of each home.
The Undertainment™ Floor Defined
These courtyard basements are not the stuffy basements that you might be familiar with, they truly go above and beyond which is why the firm coined the term Undertainment™ to describe these spaces. From the get-go, the design focus was on the interior architecture and the functionality of the spaces. Ranging in size from 1866 – 1985 SF, the Undertainment™ Floor features an outdoor courtyard with fireplace, game room and lounge, built-in wet bar, flex room, additional bedroom and bathroom. This space is just as ideally suited for entertaining as it is for everyday living with a heightened sense of distinction. The 3X and 4X Plans Undertainment™ Floors are modeled with numerous options – a home theater, wine room, exercise studio, home office, and entertainment lounge – to give future buyers a glimpse into the endless customizable living experiences that are possible within this space. The first and second floors wrap around this private courtyard space, creating a perfect opportunity to leverage a central corridor of natural sunlight and celebrate it throughout the home. To create a truly seamless architectural experience, the elevation style and theming must be carried throughout the home and into the interior spaces. With so much indoor / outdoor living opportunities in these floor plans, the contemporary styling details have been integrated into both the interior and exterior architecture. The architecture and interior design teams worked together to create an environment that brings the story and design intent of these homes to life, while allowing the future buyers to live their own story and personalize their living experience.
It’s All About The Experience
Lumiere features six different luxury floor plans, each designed with a diverse user experience in mind. The architecture team and builder worked together to identify buyer demographics and craft homes that matched a wide-range of user experience preferences.
The Plan 1 at 3,471 SF offers single story living with indoor / outdoor living elements woven into the floor plan throughout, ideal for a luxury move-up or for downsizing. The second story is perfect for entertaining guests or relaxing with an over-sized loft that opens out to a second floor California Terrace.
Plan 2 offers the flexibility of a master suite on the first floor harmonious an additional master suite on the second floor. The over-sized game room and adjacent California Terrace allows for everyday living and entertaining with large families.
The Plan 3 and 3X range in size from 4,824 – 6,613 SF (the Undertainment™ Floor is featured in Plan 3X) and include Lennar’s popular NextGen® Suite. These homes allow for multi-generational living with an attached private suite with separate entrance, living room, bedroom, bathroom, laundry area and kitchenette. The suite is connected to the main home in a way that allows for as much privacy or connection to the heart of the home as desired. A grand foyer opens up to the large great room, generously over-sized kitchen island, and a large outdoor living space making this plan the perfect mix of private spaces and large gathering places.
Plan 4 and 4X range in size from 4,605 – 6590 SF (the Undertainment™ Floor is featured in Plan 4X). Featuring five bedrooms, a very large open floor plan, and entertaining areas with adjacent covered outdoor spaces upstairs and down, this home is designed to bring elegance and sophistication to everyday living and entertaining.
“Altair is such a distinctive and unique new master planned community, it is unlike anything that is currently available in Irvine,” said John Danielian, AIA, President of Danielian Associates. “As an ever-evolving architecture and planning practice, we are always looking to create innovative housing products and leverage opportunities to bring custom home design details into a production home environment. This gives our builder clients an edge in the market. The simple elegance, location, stunning views, and its proximity to world class restaurants and entertainment make Altair a true destination for authentic, resort style living. Lumiere at Altair tells that story and reflects a living experience that is unparalleled.”
Project Information:
Project: Lumiere at Altair
Location: Irvine, CA
Builder: Lennar
Interior Designer: Ambrosia Interior Design
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THE DANIELIAN-DESIGNED ‘UNDERTAINMENT™ FLOOR’ TO MAKE ITS DEBUT AT LUMIERE GRAND OPENING
Lumiere, the sixth and final Lennar neighborhood will open at Altair Irvine on Saturday, June 23. Two floor plans will feature spacious courtyard basements, creating an ultra-luxurious entertaining and living experience.
With a constant goal of creating innovation in residential architecture, the Danielian Associates team have designed the Undertainment™ floor, which will be featured in two of the six plans at Lumiere within the exclusive gated community of Altair Irvine. The Undertainment™ courtyard basement floors will range in size from 1866 – 1985 SF and include features such as a spacious lounge area, media room, game room, oversized wet bar / kitchenette, wine cellar, bedrooms with en suite bath, office, and powder room.
“It’s always a challenge to push design innovation while simultaneously being cognizant of the cost pressures our builder clients face, especially with rising land costs,” said John Danielian, AIA, Principal at Danielian Associates. “The Undertainment™ basement floor option can be a great solution for increasing square footage in a luxury product targeted to specific market segments where land costs are very high. We took the concept of a basement level, designed it with a sophisticated living experience in mind, incorporated an indoor / outdoor living element, and successfully incorporated it into a production housing environment in Orange County.”
Although presales are currently underway, Lennar will officially unveil this collection of contemporary-styled luxury homes at the grand opening of Lumiere on Saturday, June 23rd. Four models will be available to tour.
Lumiere offers six different floor plan options ranging in size from 3,471 – 6,817 SF, including a single story living plan with second floor loft and deck. These modern open floor plans feature up to 6 bedrooms / 6 baths with a blend of stunning features, grand living spaces, gourmet-inspired kitchens, dual master / multigenerational living options, two and three-car garages, outdoor balconies and interior courtyards with seamless indoor / outdoor transitions, and an unrivaled experience for everyday living and entertaining.
Grand Opening of March Veteran’s Village
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Thursday, March 29th the U.S. Vets Initiative, Coachella Valley Housing Authority, and local government officials celebrated the March Veteran’s Village grand opening in Riverside, California. This supportive housing facility designed by Danielian Associates Architecture + Planning and built by Brown Construction features bold, iconic architecture and a service-rich environment to house and care for our military veterans.
“The entire Danielian Team is extremely proud of this project, both from a design standpoint and that we are helping to solve the housing crisis for our US military veterans,” said Mike Boyd, AIA, Principal at Danielian Associates. “To be able to design a comprehensive housing and service facility for people who serve our country is beyond gratifying.”
The complex was planned and designed to create a walkable, campus-like setting that will provide a nurturing, rehabilitative environment. By providing housing, meals, and career training counseling for veterans, the goal for this project is to help the transition back into civilian life as smooth as possible. The housing component is comprised of three different programs: the Veterans in Progress program provides short-term dorm style housing with on-site counseling for high-risk veterans; the efficiency program provides single room occupancy units for veterans who are being re-trained for the job market or for those who have found work but need low cost housing; and the third component accommodates the families of veterans who are also in need of low cost housing. The community has been designed to be LEED Certified.
About U.S. Vets
U.S. Vets is the nation’s largest nonprofit provider of housing and supportive services. They are dedicated to assisting in the transition of veterans and their families by providing housing, counseling, career development and comprehensive support. For more information, please visit https://www.usvetsinc.org/
2018 International Code Updates
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It was nearly this time last year that architects with California projects were scrambling to complete construction documents in order to submit building permit applications by December’s end. This effort was based on the expectation, or perhaps the fear of the unknown, by builders of the anticipated adoption by local jurisdictions of the 2016 Title 24 California Building Standards Code and the potential negative impacts that may occur if projects were submitted under the new code.
In many cases this concern was not founded on a projected cost analysis or potential schedule impacts relative to the proposed new code changes, but rather a general reaction to the onslaught of news and rumors of new stringent requirements leading to the “net zero” energy mandate for residential construction by the year 2020. Architects could have simply advised their clients to ignore the pending code change; based on the fact that the new code was enabling builders to construct homes with increased energy efficiency and greater sustainability. At the end of the day, we have an obligation to our builder and developer clients to realize their project vision, goals, and successfully achieve them within the previously agreed upon framework. It is certainly not a prudent business practice to assume or advise for a future risk without definitively knowing what impacts the new code may have on a project, including lost schedule time and additional costs for redesign.
It is beneficial to know the relationship between the two codes, since builders using either code can learn from previous issues of the other code. The International Codes serve as the “Model Code” that is adopted or amended by governing jurisdictions at the state and/or local levels. The “Title 24 California Code of Regulations”, which regulates the construction industry in California, uses this model code to derive and publish the California Building Standards Code (CBSC). As an aside, the term “Title 24” is often misused in the industry to refer strictly to the energy calculations, but that is an error.
Both the International Code and the CBSC cycles currently run every three years and are updated quarterly. The CBSC is issued in the year prior to the International issue. As it may appear that the CBSC is one year behind, it can also be perceived as being two years ahead. Thus, as the cycles continue to leap frog each other, some code changes pioneered in a Title 24 code cycle will find their way into the next International Code cycle, and vice versa.
We now find ourselves here in November and the 2018 International Codes are scheduled for official release by the International Code Council (ICC) with pending adoption by local jurisdictions starting January 1, 2018. I suspect some home builders are currently scrambling to complete and submit construction documents for same reasons I mentioned above. However, before you press the panic button and while waiting for the ICC to officially release their “Significant Changes” publications, here is a brief overview of some of the architecturally significant code changes you will find in the 2018 International Residential Code.
• Common walls between townhouse units shall be constructed as two separate 1-hour rated walls, or a 1-hour rated wall (sprinklered); or 2-hour rated wall (non-sprinklered). No vents or plumbing stacks are allowed if it is constructed as a single wall.
• Exceptions for membrane penetration firestopping expanded to include listed light fixtures in ceilings.
• The minimum fire separation distance for a non-sprinklered, 1-hour rated exterior wall has been reduced from less than 5 feet to 0 feet.
• Detailed design parameters replace generic ones for glass baluster guards.
• New exceptions are provided to eliminate emergency egress from sprinklered basements.
• Mezzanine design expanded to “1/2 of room below” from 1/3 ratio when sprinklered.
• Exterior wood decks shall be constructed of preservative treated or naturally decay resistive lumber.
• Expanded structural design requirements for deck posts and foundations.
• Seismic structural design provisions added to allow for application of two-story stone veneer.
• Expanded requirements added for roof ventilation, vapor barriers and vapor diffusion.
• New criteria added for provision of underlayment requirements for photovoltaic shingle roofing and for provision of building-integrated photovoltaic roof panels.
• New section to add provision of insulated shields in factory built chimneys when passing through insulated assemblies.
• Log homes now added to exception for compliance with prescriptive thermal envelope design requirements.
• New criteria added for installation of R-30 roof/ceiling batt installation to eliminate compression of insulation.
• R-5 insulation to be expanded to cover entire heated slab area instead of slab edge only.
• Maximum allowable fenestration U-factors are decreased in Climate zones 3 through 8.
• Ductwork in attics are required to be insulated or buried within insulation or entire attic shall be insulated.
• Maximum energy rating index values reduced for all climate zones.
With a look back to the 2016 CBSC release and a little bit of due diligence, we can (hopefully) prevent any panic associated with the impending International Codes updates and make more informed decisions on whether there are any advantages associated with rushing to obtain building permits.
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As a designer and as a part of the larger architectural team here at Danielian Associates, we are guided by a design philosophy that believes buildings should speak to people and engage their emotions. We continually strive to create spaces where memories and stories are created with respect to sustainability and the authenticity of the community.
One exciting example of this altruistic design philosophy is the March Vets Village in Riverside, California. This project is a joint venture between the US Vets Initiative and the Coachella Valley Housing Authority that had started back in 2010. After years of funding challenges, the project finally achieved its ground breaking last year and truly exemplifies the definition of teamwork. Now well into construction, the facility will ultimately provide housing to homeless and/or at risk veterans as part of a transitional program that will including counseling, support services, and training for individuals as well as families.
The design ideology was derived from its contextual relationship to the historic March Air Force Base – in recognition of service and patriotism alongside a symbolic nod to rebirth and flight. An iconic wing element in the central building serves as a focal point to the campus and highlights the entrance, as most of the programs and services will be located within that space. In conjunction with the architectural authenticity, the project is adhering to sustainable building practices under the guidance of Green Dinosaur, Inc. who is providing the sustainable consulting services, program administration, energy modeling, verification, rating, and building commissioning. March Veterans Village is targeting LEED for Homes Silver Certification, thanks to advanced framing techniques, exceeding T-24, high performance fenestration, ample daylighting, high efficacy lighting, low flow water usage fixtures, and an effective waste management and recycling plan that will reduce construction waste by a minimum of 50%. The landscape architecture was designed to significantly reduce water usage for the entire site while enhancing the design elements of the building themselves. California native and drought tolerant plant palettes were selected to compliment the colors and materials of the buildings. Additional plantings next to the buildings provide shade and help shield the building from heat during the hot afternoon sun.
Danielian Associates recently wrapped up another sustainable housing project for a US Vet, the ABC 3.0 Green Home in Fullerton. This is just scratching the surface and represents only a small percentage of what we can potentially do. There is still so much to be done to help our US Veterans, the opportunity to provide quality housing is just a very small piece of the puzzle. Reflecting on the well-deserved families and individuals that will have their needs met by the March Veterans Village, I am concerned with the countless others that are still very far from that realm of housing opportunities. I look forward to the day with this story will perhaps come full circle, when the support these deserving families receive ultimately enables them to qualify for their own home. Until that day we will continue collaborating on veterans housing projects and designing sustainable, affordable housing opportunities.
March Veterans Village Project Team
US Veterans Initiative – Owner
Coachella Valley Housing Coalition – Developer
Danielian Associates – Architect
Brown Construction, Inc. – General Contractor
Primus Building Solutions – Construction Management
Urban Resource – Civil Engineer
Urban Arena – Landscape Architect
Gouvis Engineering – Structural + MEP
Green Dinosaur – Energy / LEED Consultant
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Truly, all things in life come full circle.
Nothing could be more accurately said, especially when it comes to Danielian Associates. DA has a rich history among California’s architectural elite. The firm’s founder, Art Danielian, FAIA, began his career working for Ed Fickett who pioneered many of the design concepts collectively known as Mid-Century Modern.
Today the firm is being led by a new generation of architects and planners. Staying true to their roots, the Danielian Team is leveraging their extensive history with this increasingly popular design style and crafting its own “modern” spin on modern design. “Everyone loves contemporary design right now and we often talk about transitional styles, so it is probably very fitting that our firm itself is in a transition phase” said John Danielian, Principal of Danielian Associates. “We have a great team of very experienced designers and lots of young talent in our office. In collaboration with our wonderful clients, Danielian Associates will have a great showing at this year’s PCBC Gold Nugget Awards – but it is truly just the tip of the iceberg. We have lots of very exciting projects in the works,” John said with a big smile.
Before anything is sketched or designed at the Danielian office, every project begins with a story and authenticity is key. “Design is a special process fueled by personal experiences and the emotional connection we have to spaces and surroundings,” said Dale Patton, Director of Residential Design at Danielian Associates. “The story behind each project guides the design and the special experiences we strive to create within each building.”
The ABC Green House 3.0
Built by Habitat for Humanity, designed by Danielian, and developed by Peninsula Publishing, this project took on a special meaning from the start with its future owner slated to be a military veteran. The City of Fullerton required that the home pay homage to local Eichler-styled homes and Mid-Century Modern roots. Skillfully led by Senior Designer and Associate Louis Bretana, the Danielian team jumped at the challenge.
A nod to mid-century modern vernacular paired with new building technology, the home has a small footprint yet it still achieves California style outdoor living with the deck off the upstairs family room designed as a roof garden. The multi-generational component acknowledges the challenges of affordable housing for an increasing number of families. The accessible adaptable unit was designed to allow for separation and privacy. The high ceilings, strategic window placement, and roof lines serve to collect rain water in the rainy winters and facilitate passive cooling in the warm summer months.
Designed with sustainability in mind, much of the building materials were locally sourced, repurposed, and/or donated. In addition, the home was staged using “healthy” and sustainable materials and furnishings, much of which was donated or reused. Incorporating mid-century modern architecture with new building technology, this affordably built NZE ready home is targeting LEED Platinum, Energy Star, Indoor Air Plus, Water Sense, and will be the first home certified under the Wellness Within Your Walls in California.
Clark Commons
Jamboree Housing had an incredible corner location in Buena Park for their Clark Commons project. The challenge presented to the design team was that it would be located within a surrounding, market rate master planning community also being developed. This amenities-rich, 70-unit apartment complex now provides safe, affordable housing for local families with seamless integration into the master planned community. Edging a major urban revitalization district, this project’s creative design balances vibrant, pedestrian-friendly streetscapes with a contemporary design flair and commercial aesthetics, like double volume storefront windows.
The client’s primary goal was to encourage advancements in academic achievement, career development, and an increased quality of living for this community. Leading the Danielian design team was Principal Mike Boyd, AIA and Senior Project Manager and Associate Mojgan Momenan. A large, collaborative team effort produced inviting open floor plans with private outdoor decks and flexible living spaces. These energy efficient, LEED GOLD, affordable housing units introduce market-rate quality apartments for the surrounding hospitality, retail, restaurants, and auto repair shop workforce. A new public park borders first floor apartments allotting direct access via front stoops so mothers can supervise their children during playtime. Private amenities include a podium level tot lot, outdoor seating, barbecues, fire pits, and picnic tables that will encourage family and community interaction. A job skills center is located within the ground floor retail component along with a culinary arts program, student café, after-school tutoring, and community assistance for both resident and non-resident use.
The District
GHA Companies selected Danielian Associates to design a modern take on the quintessential Desert Contemporary home. The challenged presented to the design team focused around strong architectural theming, as that was going to be a primary sales driver since these homes were being marketed to snowbirds and buyers seeking desert living lifestyle. In addition to the modern design, the plans had to feature a diverse and appealing street scene, open floor plans to allow for ample entertaining spaces, and flexibility to plot certain plans on both interior and corner lots – all within small lot footprints. Extensive client collaboration led by the Danielian design team led to these award-winning designs, headed up by Associate and Senior Designer Tom Wong and Senior Associate and Senior Designer Joe Digrado, AIA.
This desert modern architecture compliments the site context and the open floor plan with indoor/outdoor living elements allow ample room for entertaining. By bringing the outside in within this small footprint, the home lives larger and make the interior spaces feel extra special. A first floor private bedroom is perfect for guests or multi-generational living. The master suite has a private deck with an extra-large closet and luxurious appointed bath while a secondary master suite is strategically positioned for scenic mountain views. The interior and exterior stylings flow seamlessly, bringing a cohesive contemporary design element and feel throughout.