smells like team spirit

branka knezevic August 24, 2020

As architects we collaborate across vast project teams of experts, consultants, clients, city officials, contractors and other stakeholders. With that we are constantly reminded of the joys as well as the challenges of working with others. We might enjoy the different ideas and the expertise coming out of these large and varied teams, the personalities and friendships that come out of them but also and more often we need to cope with difficult personalities, varying work ethics, generational, social and cultural gaps. How do we make the best of it? How do we manage and navigate the vast realm of personalities, interests and styles that we all bring to the table?

How do you work with others? What are your experiences regarding team work? Do you have any advice to share? Read more and connect below.

team effort

fantastic fun furniture

branka knezevic August 3, 2020

an all encompassing experience

Architecture does not stop at the exterior walls of a building or even with the interior design and finishes. It goes further beyond the brick and mortar materiality of a building and extends to everything that you can see and feel within a space. This is why furniture plays such an important role in the design and the ultimate experience of space.

creative elements

At Plana we take special care of the type of furniture we select for any given space so that it will support the function and the aesthetic of any given space very early on in the design process. We work closely with the end user and incorporate furniture plans and selections so that the actual spatial and architectural requirements support their activities and goals for each project.

We love working across scales and fusing all these different elements into a cohesive whole. Because of this extensive expertise, Plana has been engaged by various clients to provide everything from furniture procurement, budgeting and other consultative services as they relate to furniture.

Would you like to learn more? Let us know if you have any comments or questions for us!

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pluralists. problem solvers. people people.

Plāna is a Los Angeles based architecture studio rooted in design, ecological and social sustainability and effective project management. We want our end product to be a catalyst for positive personal, social and environmental change and be a source of inspiration and joy. Our aesthetic is timeless and streamlined. We develop solutions come from a deep understanding of our clients needs. And we stay around until they are implemented. We enjoy and celebrate the diversity of our clients that include schools, landowners and developers, private individuals and public institutions.

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why the world needs more architects

branka knezevic June 19, 2020

#agreatercause

Architects solve complex technical issues on a daily basis, reach consensus amongst diverse teams and stakeholder groups over long periods of time a project might take to complete, envision, create and deliver buildings and edifices that have never existed before and that remain useful and relevant for generations to come. With aging buildings and infrastructure, the housing crisis and other social and economic issues, there needs to be more of the kind of thinking that architects employ for these issues to be resolved.

Our work on the Martin Luther King Community Medical Campus and the Family Wellness Center gave us the opportunity to make a difference. We worked on developing interior spaces for the Family Justice Center, Foster Care Clinic and the Special Needs Network all of which focus their efforts on providing care and resources to some of the most disadvantaged and at risk youth and children. The MLK Family Wellness Center is currently under construction and is about to open in early 2021.

wAtch

More than ever we need people who want the world to be a better place and have the capacity to envision and then realize it. What are your thoughts? Drop us a line…

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pluralists. problem solvers. people people.

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constantly learning

branka knezevic May 22, 2020

growing-evolving

“Don’t just be who you are and what you are. Move, evolve, change and become better each day.” When it comes to personal and professional development, we must constantly evolve. We must grow and share what we learn along the way.

knowledge is power

At Plāna Architects we are constantly learning through our work. Not just about architecture but about the world at large. Sharing our knowledge and experience is very important to us, both within our team and our clients and collaborators. Through our practice we look to connect with people by both asking and answering the right questions on various topics. Hearing diverse opinions and points of view helps us add depth and quality to the level of design and service we provide.

Since it’s original publication on LinkedIn Learning, Branka’s course ‘Understanding the Architectural Design Process’ received accolades from both architects and those looking to enter the field. Through this course, Branka discusses and shares her own experience on various topics including the changing role of architects, the value and skills architects bring to the table, the various design phases and project delivery methods, and much more.

VIEW COURSE

Branka is currently in the process of developing two more courses on LinkedIn Learning, so stay tuned! In the meantime’ let’s keep the conversation going. We would love to hear from you. Drop us a line with any topics, themes or areas of interest that are important for you, that you might find to be challenging or would like to learn more about.

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