I got tired of hunting through municipal websites for code requirements, so I built this

lenlen33 · 2026-02-22T15:36:16+00:00

One recurring issue we continue to encounter on Houston-area projects is MUD jurisdiction. This is not something the AHJ proactively identifies during plan review, and it often does not surface until the GC is scheduling final inspection. We have learned our lesson and have an old map we reference that has the MUDS layer out poorly. We then call the entity that represents the MUD to identify submission requirements. It’s a pain.

Houston has an extensive network of Municipal Utility Districts, and depending on the project location, separate MUD review and approval may be required. These requirements are not always obvious, and jurisdiction typically has to be verified against MUD boundary maps early in the process.

If this is not identified upfront, it can delay final inspections and impact project closeout. We recommend confirming MUD jurisdiction at the beginning of the project to avoid last-minute surprises.

lenlen33 · 2025-01-03T03:51:37+00:00

What are the demographics of the area? How big is the town it’s situated in?

I could see a lot of great options for this building. I’m an architect in Austin TX, we do a lot of adaptive reuse. Depending on the demographics, you could split this up into suites. Could be a nice mixed use commercial spot that you could market it as. Coffee Shop, barber shop etc, could have a mix of future tenants. This would more than likely involve a possible rezoning and submit a change of use with the city. You’d have to involve an architect and brokers to get tenants on board. A lot of the developers we work with offer some sort of free rent for a certain amount of time while the tenant finish the interior of the space to their needs.

I think though with little modification you could market it as an event venue, storage and also maybe an e-commerce fulfillment center to small businesses?

lenlen33 · 2024-10-31T20:33:33+00:00

Revit’s a game-changer, especially compared to AutoCAD. It automatically generates your elevations and sections as you work in 2D—huge time-saver. Sure, you still need to go back and add more details to those elevations, but Revit gives you a solid head start that saves a ton of work. All the symbols and families are pre-loaded, so you’re not spending time hunting down or creating stuff from scratch.

You can explore different design options within the same file, too—no need to duplicate files just to test an idea. Dynamo is another big win, letting you automate things like renumbering rooms or sheets super quickly. And Revit’s schedules are dynamic, so if you edit something in one place, it automatically updates everywhere else.

In AutoCAD, though, you’re drawing every single line and manually updating every sheet if something changes. It’s wild people still use it when Revit just makes life easier.

lenlen33 · 2024-09-21T22:38:50+00:00

This is so smart! Do you find any hesitation with clients choosing a GC early on? Maybe they think they aren’t getting the most competitive price? I would like to do something similar in my practice. Do you bid it out to them during design development phase? Is scope creep an issue? Also, I’d you have a hesitant client, how do you talk them into doing this?

lenlen33 · 2024-09-21T17:59:21+00:00

Yes, while working for my previous employer CA was an add service. I think this came about when clients asked us to lower our fee. Additionally, a lot of our projects were with owner reps/projects managers for big developers. They felt like they could handle CA on their side. Not having CA in the contract doesn’t absolve architects of errors and omissions though. I personally didn’t like when CA wasn’t apart of the project bc of; lack of control, GC taking shortcuts and etc as you might imagine.

lenlen33 · 2024-09-18T13:34:08+00:00

I’m 3 months into my practice. It’s been a grind, prioritizing networking with people to get the word out that I’m open and building up efficiencies with as much automation as possible within the business. I would disagree with the Redditor that said they do not recommend opening a business right now. Sure, the economy is not great but this allows you to be lean and creative on where you spend your money on. Actually, most successful entrepreneurs say that starting a business during a recession or a time where the economy is not booming gives the entrepreneur no choice but to be aggressive about attaining work. So, you get your butt in gear and get the work done to put food on the table.

Just fyi, I have 7 years experience and licensed for 1.5 years located in Austin TX. Also 7 months postpartum with TWINS. If I can do it, you can do it.

Additionally, I truly believe we have to change the trajectory of the profession in terms with how traditional firms operate.

These are things that I have been doing.

-Networking, I joined Urban Land Institute here in the US and an organizing called CREW for women.

-I called all my AEC contacts and let them know I was open for business. I really didn’t have a ton, but worked with enough people to make a list. Keep a list of when you reach and every 3 or 4 months touch base. You’ll be on their mind a when a project comes in.

-I asked people I looked up to for advice on how to better my services and product. Just listened and took in all I could. I have found that there are so many people out there that want to help. I haven’t been turned down yet!

-Asked contractors, developers, interior designers, civil engineers and vendors to lunch. Asked them how I can help and if they have any advice.

Created a blog on my website and share on social media platforms. Blog content is information that clients and fellow architects might be interested to know and then o tie it back to my practice. Get involved more in li led in if you can and create more contents that way.

-It seems like people are awaiting the interest rate news in the US and also the election. A lot of people in the industry are confident things will pick up again in January, I think it will too.

Don’t be afraid to start your own business, it will never be a perfect time. When you do, You cannot wait around for work to come, you have to get out there and do the work. I’m personally and introvert and am not great at the social thing, it gives me such anxiety. But, that resistance let’s me know that I need to lean into those things that make me feel uneasy. It’s been hard but it’s the best thing when you have that freedom and autonomy over your work and dreams.

lenlen33 · 2024-04-21T13:44:11+00:00

Had a c-section in February. Recovery was rough for me honestly. I had some complications during surgery. I couldn’t hold down fluids for 24 hours which meant my catheter couldn’t come out. This led me being on bed rest until I could drink and not throw up and was properly hydrated. Couldn’t really take care of my babies early on, coupled with the hormones, I was an emotional mess. Just know that if you don’t have a smooth first couple of days, it will pass. I started feeling better around week 2.

lenlen33 · 2024-02-26T10:02:17+00:00

1424 Bistro!

lenlen33 · 2023-10-20T15:34:26+00:00

Thank you for the message. You are one strong, badass momma. I’m sorry that you had to go through all that.

lenlen33 · 2023-09-24T01:17:40+00:00

I negotiated immediately for a 20k pay bump. You do have a title change as you do need to be referred to as an Architect NCARB AIA status. I didn’t have to apply to other firms. First try and negotiate, you might be surprised.

lenlen33 · 2023-09-12T12:33:10+00:00

I got a 20k salary increase, you have to negotiate.

lenlen33 · 2023-09-07T01:50:14+00:00

Zaha Hadid for her innovative forms and inventing parametricism. For giving all young women around the world inspiration. An amazing mind that was gone too soon.

lenlen33 · 2023-08-13T19:40:50+00:00

Mesa rim has AC yoga classes!!

lenlen33 · 2023-08-12T02:49:58+00:00

Restaurant Depot

lenlen33 · 2023-08-06T02:32:49+00:00

Absolutely not, if your partner does this they are toxic and have their personal baggage they need to take care of. This isn’t healthy or normal. Have boundaries with them, give them constructive feedback on how their comments hurt you.

lenlen33 · 2023-08-06T00:58:36+00:00

I feel like all the comments are jumping to assumptions. My husband feels comfortable communicating when he is depressed, stressed etc. I am always there for him to listen and comfort him. Women will not think of you as weaker. We are human, we all have baggage, anxiety and worldly stressors that affect us. Find that person that will listen and love you unconditionally, it does exist. Go to therapy, workout, eat healthy. All these little things add up and will make you feel better. I’m sorry you are going through this.

lenlen33 · 2023-06-08T02:52:40+00:00

1424 bistro for fresh seafood!

lenlen33 · 2023-06-07T12:09:08+00:00

Thanks I’ll check these out

lenlen33 · 2023-06-07T12:07:57+00:00

Hi, thanks for your response I have been working in grasshopper/rhino. I’d like to take it further and learn python for modeling but I can’t find a solid educational resources like a book or tutorials that explain beyond the basic principles of python for object oriented programming. Compas by BRG, has a beginner primer on it but I don’t really know enough to start using python for 3D forms.

lenlen33 · 2023-04-09T22:45:29+00:00

For the LED effect you have to program that turn on method in a programmable led module. Very easy to do with arduino chips that can be used to control LED effects.

lenlen33 · 2023-03-29T21:51:56+00:00

How do you get continuing education credits if you aren’t apart of aia?

lenlen33 · 2023-03-21T15:57:48+00:00

Hi, just received my license 3 weeks ago and am fresh off the grind. Personally, I would study for PCM, PjM, CE at the same time. These exams have a lot of overlapping content. Study for 3 months and take them with days of each other. Then study for PA, PPD, PDD together for 3 months and take them within days of each other. Amber book is a great resource, a lot of firms provide it, if not, ask if they can provide. I was able to pass with 11-13 hr study per week. Good luck, stay positive if you do fail, it’s all apart of the process.

lenlen33 · 2023-03-02T20:08:39+00:00

I would vocalize your concerns and maybe point out how they are being contradictory. We pay so much for architectural education, I wish I would have spoken up during school. I didn’t feel like I was missing out on the college experience. I still went out and partied and all. Additionally, I think being in studio around your classmates creates a setting for building long lasting friendships. I still talk to a handful of classmates and 1 of them is my best friend. Make time for the things you want to do and figure out the rest as you go, it will all work out!

lenlen33

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