About Us
James Heimler, Architect, Inc. (JHAI) is one of the leading architecture firms in California for environmentally sustainable design practices and spatial architectural planning. Our general practice firm has developed many successful commercial, industrial, institutional and residential projects.
We can coordinate your project from its initial inception through design, community, governmental approvals, bidding, and construction. In the process of integrating different design solutions, we incorporate sustainable design architectural principles through passive solar, energy-efficient systems, and earth-friendly building materials.
Meet Jim
LICENSING & ACCREDITATIONS
- 1985-present California State License #C15525
- 2005-present USGBC-AP-LEED Accredited Professional
- 1996-present Washington State License #6983
- 2007-present Nevada State License #5929
- 1996-present National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB) #46757
- 1996-2016 Certified Volunteer - Post Earthquake Safety Evaluation of Buildings through the Governor's office of Emergency Services (O.E.S.) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
AWARDS
- 2014 - Los Angeles Certified Green Business Award - City of Los Angeles
- 2012 - 30 Year Award for Community Service - American Institute of Architects San Fernando Valley Chapter
- 2003 - Merit Award for Design Excellence - American Institute of Architects San Fernando Valley Chapter, for the “ACF Property Management Building” in Sherman Oaks, CA
- 1998 - Citation Award for Design Excellence - American Institute of Architects San Fernando Valley Chapter, for the “Scotty Building” in Sherman Oaks, CA
- 1995 - Certificate of Achievement for Community Service - American Institute of Architects San Fernando Valley Chapter
- Mission Statement
- Vision
- Industrial
- Commercial
- Institutional
- Medical
- Single Family Residential
- Multi-Family Residential
- Parking
- Property Insurance
Mission Statement:
Your Dreams our Vision
JHAI, as Team Leaders, provide innovative design solutions meeting the client's goals turning them into integrated design solutions which stand in harmony with the community and environment. With our experience we uplift the Art of Architecture by combining various concepts into one breathing organism of Spirit, Light, and Place.
Vision:
Our commitment to the health, safety, and welfare of the occupants of any project is at the forefront of our thoughts. We study building product environmental effects and work toward specifying less toxic building materials.
At James Heimler, Architect, Inc., we consider the materials' origin, production, and installation prior to their selection, and in relation to the budget and building program. James Heimler is a LEED Certified Professional and a member of the Los Angeles Eco-City Council, an extremely active group of people who work toward and disseminate information on urban sustainable design concepts and social behaviors. His contacts for earth-friendly developments are with Local, State, and Federal Agencies and Utility Companies.
The entire project, large or small, will receive the kind of planning and attention to detail you expect and one we are proud to share with you.
James Heimler's experience as a general partner in both development and property management companies assists in providing a wider eye toward achieving a very realistic approach to our project planning and design decisions. All our energies work toward providing true value-added professional services to each and every friend we have.
Stores, Factories, Offices, & More:
We have assisted our clients regarding a variety of programming, change of use, accessibility, and parking issues on many industrial projects. The function, aesthetics, and budgets of our industrial projects have varied by project. Some of our clients include Bruce’s Gourmet Catering, Stover Seed Company, Second Generation, Smokehouse Pet Products, Mountain View Tire, , Los Angeles Flower Mart (3), Wellman, Smooke, Stafford, GP Color Imaging, Dalsa Digital, Globe Stainless, Filesafe, BMI, Control Telecom, Unified Precious Metals, Ambitech, Critical Path Technologies, Conduit Technologies, Keebler, Dot Graphics, Siskin, Fed-X, Oakstone, Steven’s Air Transport, Critical Path Technologies, Secura Key, Family Products (4), First American Home Buyers, Smurfit, Arecont Vision, Steeldeck, Mountain View Tire, Venus Development Inc, AMH Recycling, Penrose LLC, XCOR, Easton Bell Sports (6), Intertex Companies, Vassar Mark, Versa Table, and Bernard Brothers Construction.
Our projects range from small TI's to 800,000+ S.F. buildings with complete site and building upgrades. The use of these projects have included manufacturing, warehouse, education, production, call centers, and corporate offices. We have programmed multiple divisions within a company from different cities, met with department managers, and created one corporate facility that works for everyone with up to 250 pieces of equipment. We have worked to divide up existing properties with multiple attached buildings into multi site sellable properties. All types of loading zones, accessibilities issues, second story and mezzanines, raised floors, computer rooms, green sustainability, and other programming issues have all been incorporated into our designs. The scope of work has included coordination with our clients, consultants, and governmental agencies; design and construction documents, bidding, and construction administration. We have demonstrated a thorough experience with Industrial type projects from start to finish.
Jim is co-founder of a company that deals in space tourism called Red Planet Ventures and is a member of the LA Astronomical Society. Projects we have assisted on include XCOR at the Mohave Air Base and Critical Path Technologies in Chatsworth.
Offices, Markets, Restaurants, and More:
We have extensive and varied experience with Tenant Improvements including new, additions, and remodels. From our work on large corporations, mid-size to small offices, we have demonstrated a broad spectrum of our versatility and vast experience with tenant improvements, new, additions, and remodel projects of all sizes. We are flexible and accomplish what we say we can do.
Corporate Headquarter projects: Sherman Group Office Building, Mexico Express/Sigue (6), and ACF Property Management, Easton Bell Sports (6), Hollywood Camera (3), First American Home Buyers, Mexico Express/Sigue (4),Telecont, Mt. Sinai, Optima (4), Rovner G.C., Family Products (4), Perillo Industries, Ambitech/Critical Path Technology, Asian Ranch Market, Phillips Graduate Institute, Roosevelt Hotel (4), Sunkist Growers, Secura Key, Lantana Center (8), Interviewing Services of America, Triniti Partners, Inc., Bruce’s Gourmet Catering, Stover Seed Company, Second Generation, and Trader Joe’s (110).
Owner-Clients projects: X-core, California State University Northridge (7), The Kor Group (6), The Moss Group (8), NBCUniversal/Comcast (8), , F&S Builders, Telecontrol, PMI (12), Photo Center Imaging, Express Construction, American Media, Mariah Country Inn & Suites, GP Color Imaging, Crossley Flowers, Legacy Mitchell, and West Lake Village Inn (9), Samko, VIP Emergent Care, Obagi Medical Center/Spa, and the YMCA (8).
Tenant-Clients projects: Dalsa Digital Camera, T Mobile (4), City National Bank, California Employment Development Department, Underwriters Reinsurance, Market Facts, Massage Masters, Parichats Thai Massage, Ritz Carlton Perfumes, Lockheed Aeronautical Systems, Lantana Center (8), Stanley Folb, Korn/Ferry, Optima (4), American Media, Tiffany Group (4), Santa Paula DMV, The Star, PMI (12), and Color Me Mine (12).
Owner-Client Design-Build Team projects: Legacy Construction and Development, Inc., Martec Construction, Inc. Tarzana Medical Center, and Tiffany Group.
Markets: We have extensive and varied experience with retail markets including new, additions, remodels, and tenant improvements. Some of our projects include Tapo Canyon Shopping Center, Eastgate Shopping Center, Alpha Beta, Lucky’s Supermarket, Valencia Wine Co., Coffee Source, Trader Joe’s (*110), Manila Supermarket (DB), and the Asian Ranch Market (DB). We have demonstrated a broad spectrum of versatility and vast experience with retail Market type projects of all sizes. We are flexible and accomplish what we say we can do.
Food Service / Restaurant Experience: We have extensive and varied experience with food service establishments including new, additions, remodels, and tenant improvements. Some of our clients include Los Angeles Unified School District Kitchens (30*), Bruce’s Gourmet Catering, Coffee Source, Café Bizou, Paleta Kitchen, Akashic Bookstore & Café, McDonald’s (*3), Valencia Wine Company, Los Toros Restaurant, West Lake Village Inn Mediterraneo Restaurant, Le Dome Café, Tropicana Bar/Teddy’s Bar and Remodel at Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel (4*), Fwu Luh Pavilion Restaurant (DB), Domino’s, Braemar Country Club Kitchen (DB), Seafood Express, Katsuya Hollywood, Javier’s Cantina and Grill (DB), West Lake Village Inn restaurant remodels and tenant improvements, Z- Pasta Bar, and Coffee Source. From our work on high-end fast-food restaurants, bars, and lounges, we have demonstrated a broad spectrum of our versatility and vast experience with food service projects of all sizes.
We are approved for Tier One Projects by the National Facilities Services for the Kaiser Permanente Foundation. We have experience working with OSHPD Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, DSA Division of the State Architect, State Fire Marshall, and the State Health Department. We have worked on tenant improvements for doctor’s offices, dental offices, and optometrist offices. Clients include Sullivan Sheen, RGS Medical Group, Obaji Skin Health Institute, The Druggist Pharmacy, VIP Emergent Care, Massage Masters, Parichats Thai Spa, Mt. Sinai Corporate Offices, and Martin S. Lasky, D.D.S. We have extensive and varied experience with mixed-use and retail projects including new, additions, remodels, and owner/client office tenant improvements. We have demonstrated a broad spectrum of our versatility with retail type projects of all sizes.
Schools, Churches, & More:
Our projects include new campus designs, new buildings, modernization, structural and MEP upgrades to old buildings, P.O.T., and upgrades to, congregational halls, auditoriums, recreational centers, gyms, pools, youth centers, book stores, offices, kitchen and dining facilities, educational centers, office spaces, emergency response rooms, all support type spaces, shade and lunch shelters, and other site development issues.
Clients include:
Private Schools - Whittier College, Columbia College Hollywood, Phillips Graduate Institute, Los Encinos Private School, and Woodcrest Private School.
Charter Schools - SCVi Charter School (3), Urban Village Middle School, Academia Avance Charter School (2), New Millennium Secondary School Center for Advanced Learning, LA Alliance Ready Schools, Teach Tech Public Schools (3). Other institutional projects include Philips Graduate Institute and Mantea Beauty School. We are a member and on the Preferred Vendor list of the California Charter School Association (CCSA). We have worked with Celerity Contracting Services, Red Hook Capital Partners, LLC (2). and Insite Charter School Services.
Community Based Projects - We have worked on Religious Institutions for new construction, additions, and their master plans. Some of the projects we have worked on include Our Redeemer Lutheran Church (4), Shepherd of the Hills (3), Temple Beth Haverim, North Coast Presbyterian, Calvary Chapel, Artesian Wells Faith Center, Temple Judea, Calvary Church, Real Life Ministries, Corner Store Community Church, Solid Rock Christian Center, Cathedral of Praise, Work/Life Benefits, Family Chapel, St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, St. Vincent De Paul Village, Gospel Truth Church, Church of God, First Apostolic Faith Church, Encanto Southern Baptist Church, Ministerios Rhema, Inc., Mount Zion Baptist Church, Center for Advanced Learning, Knollwood UMC, Randhawa Community Center, and Mok Yang Church (3). Our projects include congregational halls, all support spaces, youth centers, book stores, offices, kitchen and dining facilities, educational centers, and other site development issues.
Hospitals, Medical Offices, Stores, and Urgent Care:
We are approved for Tier One Projects by the National Facilities Services for the Kaiser Permanente Foundation. We have experience working with OSHPD Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, DSA Division of the State Architect, State Fire Marshall, and the State Health Department. We have worked on tenant improvements for doctor’s offices, dental offices, and optometrist offices. Clients include Sullivan Sheen, RGS Medical Group, Obaji Skin Health Institute, The Druggist Pharmacy, VIP Emergent Care, Massage Masters, Parichats Thai Spa, Mt. Sinai Corporate Offices, and Martin S. Lasky, D.D.S. We have extensive and varied experience with mixed-use and retail projects including new, additions, remodels, and owner/client office tenant improvements. We have demonstrated a broad spectrum of our versatility with retail type projects of all sizes.
Single Family Residential:
Our wide range of project experience includes Single Family Residences. We have experience with all styles of homes designed for custom, tract, and sub-division type projects. These are located on flat and hillside properties. We tailor each design to each specific client according to their specific needs and budget. We work closely with governing agencies to utilize as many options within the codes to your maximum benefit. We assist cities with adjusting their codes, which keeps us in the business of knowing the codes and the plan checkers. Typical projects start with an on site consultation meeting for about 2 hours, in which we can assess your needs and wishes, come up with good design ideas, provide initial cost estimation, and schedule the entire project.
Typically we complete over 20 new, additions, and remodels for single-family projects per year. We must be doing something right! These projects range from small to very large new homes, to whole house additions and remodels to small additions. Our projects are one to eight stories and range in sizes from 600 to 16,000 square feet. Senior and Universal design concepts can be integrated into your home. We use every opportunity to incorporate sustainable principles into every choice made in the entire project. Small House design is beautiful and very sustainable. We integrate the entire site and adjacent structures with the building interior into the design concepts. Every inch of your home needs to be thought out turning each space into a creative and dynamic personal experience. The value of a well designed completed project has instilled our clients to keep referring us to new projects.
Multi-Family and Senior Housing:
We have been heavily involved with multi-family housing for over 35 years doing new, mixed-use projects, and remodels. Projects have ranged from a few units to 250 units. Within that time, Jim Heimler was a partner in GALAXY, LLC and STRATUS ENTERPRISES both development companies for multi and single-family housing projects providing private and syndication developments, STRATUS MANAGEMENT a property management company, was a Manufactured Housing Dealer, worked as a developer and property manager for single and multi-family projects, and served 14 years as a board member and was past Chairman of the Board for LINC Housing (non-profit housing developer). This allows Jim to see the whole picture and have a clear and focused view to make your dreams a reality.
We have been involved with senior and affordable housing, working on new, mixed-use projects, and remodels. Projects have ranged from a few units to 250 units with ambulatory clientele. One project in North Hollywood was an apartment complex for seniors and was considered a congregate-care type facility. We have worked on transitional housing in the Korea Town area, a prototype intergenerational child care facility with the Elvirita Lewis Foundation in Palm Springs, and work on a retirement / medical community in Whittier and Santa Clarita. We have also worked on many senior single-family residence projects, upgrading client’s homes for universal / accessibility compliance and Granny Flats.
Within that time, Jim Heimler was a partner in GALAXY, LLC and STRATUS ENTERPRISES both development companies for multi and single-family housing projects providing private and syndication developments, STRATUS MANAGEMENT a property management company, was a Manufactured Housing Dealer, worked as a developer and property manager for single and multi-family projects, and served 14 years as a board member and was past Chairman of the Board for LINC Housing (non-profit housing developer). This allows Jim to see the whole picture and to have a clear and focused view to make your dreams a reality.
Multi-Family Clients include Radden (*4), Glen Oaks HOA, Pacific Club/Stonemark, Moorpark Village, D&S Homes (*5), BG Villas, LLC, Park Regency Club, Prime Point/ASIG, Hills of Corona, Stratus Real Estate (*4), Loro Villas, Riverdale Apartments, Sea Ridge Howe Owners, La Paloma/Apartments, Center Court/Apartments, Metropole Avalon, RK Properties, Garden Communities, Moorpark Home Owners, Granda Gardens, Indian Hills/Pomona, Track Mortgage (*8), FHLM Real Corp (*12), KOR Group (*4), Parkview Villas, Olive Tree Villas, Ahead Inc., McAdam Park, HSC, Monderer/Studio City, 4D Development, Legacy, Frederick Alanis, Austin Fowler, Mendez McColl Family, and Pollack/Palmdale (Senior Housing). We have also worked on transitional housing in the Korea Town area.
Parking:
We have completed over 1000 parking lots and/or structures ranging from two levels below-grade to 5 levels above-grade accommodating 10 to 1,500 parking stalls. These have included structures above, on-grade, and below-grade. We have experience dealing with small sites and maximizing the number of parking spaces on sites and in structures to maximizing the number of units/s.f. of a building. Building materials include: pre-cast concrete, poured in place concrete, concrete block, and steel structure. We have been working with multiple automated parking systems and simplifying the automated parking permitting processes. We have achieved planning and fire department approvals on two automated parking structures in Los Angeles that went through building department case planning with no outstanding issues to resolve. We have designed these systems with 100 to 2000 parking stalls.
Property Insurance:
We have in-depth experience with property insurance claims. We have been brought in by insurance companies, attorneys, and property owners for fire, ground motion, earthquakes, building damage, and other related issues.
Property Insurance Company Clients include Farmers, 21st Century, Travelers, State Farm, First American Home Buyers, Liberty Mutual, and Underwriters Reinsurance.