Preserving Trees After LA FIRES

Preserving Trees After LA FIRES.

Dear Neighbors, Friends and Community Members, 

We have good news! LA County and the Army Corps finally issued tree waivers. 

It is IMPORTANT to COMMUNICATE as the homeowner's right and decision, through “the RIGHT of ENTRY PROCESS” that you would like to preserve your home’s trees. When the contractors calls, usually within the 72 hours grace period, before they begin the process and when they call you again, at 24 hours before they start the removal of trees, as the homeowner, you will need to give the form and the waiver, along with the diagrams and lists of trees to preserve to the Army Corp contractors. Ideally, complete all of your forms and waivers before they even call - since you might need the approval of an arborist to determine which trees still have life left in them. Upon completion of the form, email a copy and nail the diagrams onto the body of the tree. 

Below is a PDF for a set of instructions to the waiver form for tree preservation for your residence, along with names of arborist we recommend and an example of how to draw the diagram for the contractor. We are here if you have any questions; and we have also outlined how to submit the diagram/sketch if you choose to do it yourselves. If you would like more guidance or if you need assistance to clearly communicate your drawings more thoroughly with the Army Corp, please contact us and we will assist you through the process.

We are always here, if you have any questions; and as we untangle and resolve more of these complex issues regarding our environment, climate change, restoration and preservation for the places we live, our communities, and our home, we will keep you all updated.

TREE WAIVER FORM + INSTRUCTION
LA COUNTY WEBSITE

With gratitude, 
Maryam + MIIM Team 
Designing Communities + Creating Culture

LA Fire Note: MIIM EMERGENCY CLOSURE NOTICE

Dear Clients, Colleagues, and Friends:
We wanted to update you regarding where MIIM’s operation stands during the ongoing fires that are taking place across Los Angeles and Southern California. 

First, your companies’ health and welfare, as well as that of our community and staff, is a top priority for us. Prior to the pandemic, MIIM has had a robust technology platform that allowed us to provide seamless service to all clients anywhere, anytime. The MIIM Team met this morning and will continue to meet online to go through project goals, deadlines, and priorities. We continue to meet with all teams to ensure the proper flow of operation and information in order to meet deadlines. Our priority is to ensure as little disruption to your projects, as we can accommodate the safety from these fires that are spreading because of the Santa Ana winds.

Employee safety and wellness is a top priority, and we have implemented a firm-wide response plan. We have protocols and safety measures for tragedies like these. Every employee has the support platform- BIM/communication - to resume work from home, until the state of emergency has been lifted.

We intend to attend meetings via video, or phone calls; should an in-person meeting be required please let us know - but for the safety of your own health, the welfare of our first responders and clearance to access roads, we ask you to also stay indoors.  That said, we respect that each employee has their own comfort level and we will allow them to act accordingly. 

In addition, we are so grateful to everyone. Thank you for your messages and calls to our office. The air is thick and the smoke from the fires is damaging to everyone's eyes, nose and throat. Climate change is real and we are living through it.  We are sensitive to the uncertainty that everyone may be feeling and we are committed to getting through this period together. 

With respect, safety and health! 
Maryam + MIIM Team

Maryam to Lecture Thursday at Casablanca School of Architecture and Landscape

Maryam Eskandari will lecture on Thursday afternoon as part of the “Les Premières Journées des Jeunes Chercheurs en Architecture et Paysage”. The lecture will take place at 12:15pm local time at the Casablanca School of Architecture and Landscape. For more information, or to register to attend virtually, go HERE.

Maryam Eskandari Discusses on Designing Beyond an Autonomous Architecture

Maryam | MIIM Designs Take Part Experimental Landings Exhibit

Maryam takes part in the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) and the Pratt Institute, School of Architecture Teachers Summit dedicated to Summit for Climate Agency: Teaching the Design Experiment in Brooklyn, New York Summer '22 for the TNC Dangermond Capstone Studio that she lead. The Curriculum for Climate Agency, saw calls for Architectural Education to step-away from pre-conceptions about climate and re-engage in active learning and science. The consistent takeaway voiced throughout the conference was that if architectural design wishes to establish an environmental agency within the 21st century it must depart from known narratives and operating conventions in favor of experimental approaches.

Experimental Landings is an exhibition that interrogates how designers assert agency through the representation, organization, and formation of land. Understood as an elastic and open-ended framework of consideration this collective exhibition of work will showcase how architecture and landscape experiments across “land” address new definitions of formal practice across several thematics : Artificial Earths, Seeding Resilience, Mapping Maintenance and Imaging Grounds. Maryam’s TNC Dangermond Capston Studio showcased half a dozen mappings and illustrations of the formation of land.

Exhibition curated by Jonathan A. Scelsa and David Erdman.

Read More Here.

ACSA CLIMATE SUMMIT.

Earth Day 2024

Image of Point Conception © MIIM Designs

MIIM Designs has always been about ideas, and creating culture and community through those creative ideas. Each one of the built spaces and landscapes that we are trusted with, we use our creative tools to design and build a community to forge connections. This is always started by understanding the history of the land and the people who have fostered it. 

Since the inception of MIIM Designs we’ve had the opportunity and the joy of collaborating with many partners - each one of our creative projects and collaborations have focused on inspiring people to create culture, design communities and bring everyone together through the notion of these creative spaces. 

Most recently, MIIM Designs partnered with Material and Application (a Los Angeles based non-profit project space for critical and experimental architecture) and with Look Out FM (southern California’s home for radio art on a creative reading), under the theme of SONIC DUST, on one of Maryam’s reflections while working on a project in collaboration the Nature’s Conservancy in California. In honor of Earth’s Day, you can listen to Maryam read her reflection, “The Celestial Dust of the Chumash at Point Conception”, HERE.  

California Senate Bill 4 and 423 To Proceed

MIIM Designs has been collaborating with many policymakers, lawmakers and senators on the issue of lack of affordable housing, which has long been a problem for middle and low-income households. The primary goal over the last 7 years has been that California can, and should, look to innovative programs across the country for models to inform future policy efforts to address the state’s housing challenges. Using examples and case studies from religious institutions of the Middle East, Asia, and parts of Europe, the SB 4 and SB423 will allow for religious institutions and nonprofit colleges in California to turn their parking lots and other properties into low-income housing. Churches and colleges often face big hurdles trying to convert their surplus land and underutilized parking lots into housing because their land is not zoned for residential use. Proponents said the new law will serve as another tool to help build much-needed housing in the state. A recent study by the University of California, Berkeley, Terner Center for Housing Innovation estimated California religious and higher education campuses have more than 170,000 acres (68,797 hectares) of land that would be eligible under the bill.

The law, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom rezones land owned by nonprofit colleges and religious institutions, such as churches, mosques, and synagogues, to allow for affordable housing. Starting in 2024, they can bypass most local permitting and environmental review rules that can be costly and lengthy. The law is set to sunset in 2036.

More Information HERE
Office of Governor Gavin Newsom

WE'RE HIRING!

MIIM Designs llc is currently seeking talented designers with strong research and design skills to join our studio. If you would like to be considered for the current or future positions, please send a cover letter, resume, a portfolio, and a list of 3 references with contact information as one pdf file (max. 20mb) to Studio [at] miimdesigns [dot] com. Any collaborative or professional works should clearly note the role of the applicant, and the cover letter should clearly indicate your eligibility to work in the U.S. and the ideal start time of work.

Applicants must have the following qualifications to be considered for the position:
• Computer expertise in Revit, AutoCAD, and Rhino3d
• Strong design and graphic skills
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks, collaborate on teams and work well under deadlines
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills

We are currently looking to fill following openings:

1/ Part to Full Time Short Term Position (Must be available to start immediately to work until May 30, 2023 or longer, exhibition installation design and coordination) - Please indicate in subject line of the application “23ST Application [Your Name]”.

2/ Full Time Entry Level Designer - Please indicate “23S application_Your Name” in the subject line of the application.   
Part Time Entry Level Designer - Please indicate “23S-part application_Your Name” in the subject line of the application. Please describe any restrictions in the cover letter.

3/ Intern (paid) - Please indicate “23S-intern application_Your Name” in the subject line of the application.

MIIM Designs + CDM of San Jose Awarded Grant from IMLS

The New Day Initiative (NDI) is a planning grant proposal to lay the groundwork for the “Nowruz Around the World” exhibition for children and families about the ancient Persian festival of Nowruz. This exhibition holds potential to build connections among the many nationalities and cultures that trace their heritage to Persian roots, while also educating others about Persian culture. CDM has partnered with a nationally-known designer of cultural exhibitions, MIIM Designs llc, to engage our region’s diverse communities in design/development of an authentic, experiential 2,500 sf traveling exhibition highlighting what it means to be Persian through the festival of Nowrooz.

“At this moment in history, the hope of building greater understanding with respect to immigrants and refugees may seem like a distant dream. Leveraging core competence in exhibit design/development, Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose (CDM) is to set the stage for creation of a transformational traveling exhibition that addresses demographic trends and national challenges. Exhibition Design Partner Maryam Eskandari, principal of the architectural firm MIIM Designs, brings highly relevant expertise, having worked with Children’s Museum of Manhattan to create America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far.”

~ Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose

“The Nowruz festival offers a uniquely cross-cultural contribution to rebuilding a more trusting landscape in our nation. This exhibit will lay the ground work for children to learn more about inclusivity, celebration of various cultures under one theme – Nowruz (the first day of Spring), global citizenship and the nuances of various steps to in mitigating climate change and healing Nature.”

~ Maryam Eskandari  

 READ MORE

MIIM's Tribute to the Great Poet Khalil Gibran

Every 30 years, these three Abrahamic holidays, Ramadan, Passover and Easter, coincide to create a moment of universal humanity. When the client came to us with a specific vision – creating a center designed for the WHOLE community. The building, originally, an old abandoned and neglected shell was to become an arena of triumph. A place where the athlete can began a their journey towards physical, mental and spiritual wellness. Our design was to capture the personal growth through three goals:

1. A design that would be inviting towards health, and healing of the body, mind and spirit.

2. A place of diverse learning – where every community member, regardless of gender, race, religion and age are welcome.

3. Community Learning Spaces – where intellectual engagement and discourse are at the heart of knowledge.

The result was HUB925. “Hub” – the effective center and “925” the area code of Pleasanton, California. We took the 35,000 sq. ft. factory and turned into a community and wellness center. And, on this day, we celebrate the WHOLE community through the remembrance of Khalil Gibran’s poem:

“I love you when you bow in your mosque,

kneel in your temple, pray in your church.

For you and I are sons of one religion, and it is the spirit.”

Maryam to Discuss the New Design of the Shams-i-Tabrizi Mausoleum in Khoy, Iran

This Saturday, April 9th, Maryam will be joined by Tammy Gaber, Gary Coates, and Bruce Lawrence in discussion with Nader Ardalan, to explore how Ardalan’s design for Shams will use the material medium of architecture facilitates transcendent experiences.

Each event features a virtual talk and visual presentation by a distinguished working architect, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Thomas Fischer. Sponsored by the Architecture, Culture and Spirituality Forum, the Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University, the Institute for Public Knowledge at New York University, and COMIT.

Register HERE

Maryam Named Hunker Magazine "Architect of Impact"

Read the interview HERE.

Maryam will lecture on April 21st at NYU

This Wednesday, April 21st, Maryam will be joined by Finbar Barry Flood, Nebahat Avcıoğlu, and Azra Akšamija, to discuss the “"ARCHITECTURES OF CO-EXISTENCE: BUILDING PLURALISM".

While the politics of building typology is not new, Muslim communities are often challenged by many political issues when it comes to establishing the basic building typologies within the fabric of American cities. Such issues include gerrymandering, redlining and socio-economic pressures. The architectural programming of these building typologies can resolve many of these issues through the building of architecture and urbanism. The agency of the architect in this process and their impact within social processes that are inherently political, especially in designing and building the public domain. — Maryam Eskandari

Register HERE.

[the other] PPE: Practice, Pedagogy and Ecology

This Wednesday, March 17 at 8pm EST, Maryam will be joined by Deans Judy and Sean Palfrey for a “fireside chat” at the Gold Coast of Adam House at Harvard. Register for the online conversation HERE.

Maryam will lecture Thursday at SOA UNCC

Maryam will give her The Path Forward: Designing Beyond an Autonomous Architecture lecture on Friday, November 6th at 2pm via zoom. Register HERE.

MIIM Designs Selected to Reimagine the El Segundo Gateway for the LA 2028 Olympics

MIIM Designs is thrilled to announce our collaboration with the City of El Segundo in an exploration of the city’s main entrance on Imperial Highway. The 100 acres land is located in parallel with LAX runway just south of the city and is the gateway to the City of El Segundo. The original sign served as a landmark for the city.

The El Segundo Gateway, builds on the historical circular walls. The walls, the arms of the city, embrace you when you first arrive. Creating an inclusive in motion, representing the cycles of life, that emulates growth. The path directs you towards the west – as the sunsets, reflecting on the future of El Segundo and the future changes and shifting towards the emergence and weaving of a sustainability and technology through the celebration of the Blue Butterflies. 

“Land locked at one of the prominent spaces of Southern California, El Segundo is one of the main cities that one witnesses upon their arrival. Filled with a rich historical context of a land that was previously owned by corn farmers, later turned into a refinery town, through Chevron. We ask ‘How do we want the future gateway, for the city of El Segundo, to be representative of the community? And, how do we create: Wayfinding, Community, and Ownership?’ We strongly believe that the combination of strategic planning, creative programming and thoughtful transformation of the site will bring a renewed sense of relevance to this gateway.” – Maryam Eskandari

#BLACKLIVESMATTER

In lieu of a “normal Monday”, and in response to the events currently unfolding across the United State, MIIM Designs has recognized that business cannot continue as usual and we have made the decision to pause and stand in solidarity with all those demanding justices. The murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis was the latest in a long line of brutal acts. The betrayal of promises of our aspirations and the broken principal values of our society a has underscored a culture of systemic racism, hate and disenfranchisement.

While MIIM Design’s founding mission, Design Communities and Create Culture, emphasized civic dialogue and activism in architecture and design, we know that there is inherent privilege embedded in whose voices are heard.  We ask you, if it is possible to join us, so that we can stand humbly in solidarity, sadness, anger and hope with our fellow black communities, and to recommit to elevating the crucial narratives of those who are hurting the most, in both our words and actions.

With Justice, Equality, Health and Safety,
The MIIM Team

MIIM Designs is a proud sponsor of the "NOW WHAT!?" Exhibit

Over the last couple of weeks, the architecture community has been celebrating incredible and talented architects. New York Times and Architecture Digest recently ran two articles on “Architecture is No Longer Just a ‘Gentleman’s Profession’” and “LA-Mas Blending Design and Public Policy Solution”; and the Future of Women theme for the month of September was “Architecture”. Many of these architects have been setting the stepping stones and paving the way for the future of the architecture community. There is no better way to celebrate them than through this incredible exhibit - Now What?! The first exhibition to examine the little-known history of architects and designers working to further the causes of the civil rights, women’s, and LGBTQ movements of the past fifty years.

It is such an honor to celebrate these architects who have paved the way. Please join us as we show our appreciation and gratitude for the amazing contribution they have made in the field of architecture.  

JOIN US - RSVP

MARYAM TO SPEAK AT THE FUTURE OF WOMEN

The Future of Women has announced this Fall’s line up for the event. You are invited to an intimate breakfast with Maryam and four other incredible architects who are blazing trails, shaping societies, and inspiring communities. This event will be a candid conversation so that we can hear real stories, connect across cultures, and explore how these stories can be used for social change.

Get your tickets here and use PROMO CODE MARYAM to get your DISCOUNT!

Let's support women-led business while we're at it. Your ticket goes towards the delicious breakfast, giving our incredible chefs a nice Monday morning boost! See you there!

Maryam talks about the future of Schools of Architecture in Re.Design School

Recently, the Architecture School at The Design School at ASU launched a new initiative – Re.Designing The Design School - to ensure that architecture schools across the United States are providing students with the best design education.

In the interview, Maryam was asked the following questions: 
1.     Where is design going?
2.     How can design education be more relevant?  
3.     What are the future skillsets designers need to learn now?
4.     Designers work in transdisciplinary. What should a design school do to prepare students for that?
5.     What should a design school do to forward equity and inclusion?

Read Maryam’s Interview HERE.