Saturday, February 26, 2011

cultural


story unfolds…

Our team believes in an open, participatory approach to planning and design – where sitting down early enables a strong foundation towards the planning process – as though ‘planting the seeds’;

We listen to stakeholders, elders & core user groups at each step ensuring community involvement. In doing so, our team is guided towards the vision. We embrace the spiritual connection to landscape, colors, the animals, stories – and to shape a work plan or ‘story telling device ‘on how to implement cultural goals towards the overall vision. The open approach will help discover what should be considered in Incorporating Culture into Design & help prioritize the project’s needs accordingly. This process will systematically translate as the foundation towards meaningful concepts, ideas, and plans.‘Storytelling' with 'story-keepers' are focus sessions aimed at initiating dialogue on where and how to begin the learning process; communicating through language is important as it embraces the special nature of how history, traditions, and spiritual connection are passed down from elder to child –an essential relationship to community learning;

The process progresses logically from general objectives to a specific study using community participation for information and guidance. This collaboration encourages involvement and creativity by all participants during the process. The dialogue will ensure incorporation of values pertinent to community members; such as history, traditions and language – cultural values which are vital and honored.

As community planners, we value input, guidance, and share ideas ensuring comprehensive understanding towards the success of building culturally sensitive and community driven projects.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

march 21...

eyes close my faith
you love my fear away
cannot shy this say
smiling thoughts emerge
love so meant
eyes close my faith
you love my fear away

Saturday, February 12, 2011

transition

one week up; it has been quite the momentum breaker - quite the words for this transition, huh? i do not see myself doing this for years as they say...one thing good is i don't have to worry about being laid off from this full time position...i have health insurance and benefits for myself and my children; making more money than before since graduating from architecture school, have an office with a 4th level view; was provided with a full express bus/light rail monthly pass, and will be given a business credit card - SO WHY AM I UNHAPPY IN SPIRIT AND EMOTION!! well, perhaps i grew up in a for profit structure..and that's all i know...i was at the road of readying for creative future...yet that is on a pause - i have to say i do have time to prepare and continue with my ARE Exams! almost there! that is my highest priority and continue to prepare for what i envision a wonderful practice which will become real in 2012....just as i noted in my business plan...i do miss my friends and colleauges -they have been quite supportive...the family has as well -though my emotional connection marriage to my life partner my wife is very much a deep connection..if not the deeper of my beings... we are two yet one yet really we are two minds with different lines...i feel so bad it has come to a point where understanding and communications (and mis-commmunication) are grounds for friction..say i am not good enough...my honesty is not enough...is there really a god; perhaps...yet my faith and belief has not change...i believe in something....and its that slightest belief that keeps me going and gives me the joy things (not everything) will be quite okay....you know what i mean...simplicity is real to me...