Architecture Inspiration

Love wide open spaces. Allows for flexibility and functionality when placing furniture.

Using too many materials can be overwhelming, but this design works.

Awesome illusion of the platform floating on the water. I appreciate bringing the elements indoors

Love the rustic steel and big windows. Fits into the natural setting.

In tight urban areas, design concepts like this are crucial and awesome.

Shifting simple shapes can help create designs such as this one.

I like the intimate relationship between the wood and concrete.

I enjoy staircases like this. Brilliant design detail with the shelf acting as a step.

I love the play between exterior and interior in this design.

Mexican food in NYC: Myth or Real?

This is a Public Service Announcement: Where can I find real Mexican food in NYC?? With 4 days left in the city (which is something I am still having a hard time believing) I am still on a mission to find authentic Mexican food. It is hard for me to believe that that most diverse city in the United States does not have respectable Mexican food. At the same time, I understand that no place out here can compare to the Mexican places back home (LA, more specifically my moms kitchen), but I am not giving up hope. I also understand that NYC's hispanic population is heavily dominated by Puerto Ricans and Dominicans, so the lack of mexican food is due to the small Mexican community in the city. Over the 4 years I have been here I have eaten at a few spots; some bad, some good. Lets just get this out of the way: If you think Chipotle is reasonable Mexican food than we probably can't be friends. That is different then saying that Chipotle is not good, because I even think its pretty tasty. But I do not classify Chipotle as Mexican food. Anyway, the few places I have been too are Taqueria y Fonda (located on 108th and Amsterdam), Mama Mexico which I think changed its name to Mama Maria (102nd and Broadway) Mexican Radio (Cleveland Place and Kenmare St.) and Mad Dog and Beans (Pearl St. in the Financial District). 

My favorite place was Mad Dog and Beans. The guacamole was fresh and zesty, really good drinks and quality of the meat was exceptionable. It is a little bit pricey, but that is due to the location of the restaurant, but other than that the portions were fair and I had no complaints. I would definitely recommend it to people visiting the city. My least favorite places are Taqueria y Fonda and Mama Mexico. Taqueria is a little hole in the wall place which reminds me of the places back home. I appreciated the open kitchen and grill, and when I stepped into the restaurant I finally thought I found my spot until I ate the food. The meat was dry and bland. My burrito was more rice and beans, which I hate. It was just a disappointing burrito, thus I have only eaten there twice. The horchato drink tasted like water, rather than milk and cinnamon. Mama Mexico had some high points and low points. The rice and guacamole was really good, but my fajita was over cooked and dry. Mexican Radio had the best carne asada out of all these locations. It was very tender and you can taste the different spices rubbed on the meat. The drinks were also good and the rest of side dishes were prepared really well.

I will not claim Mexican food doesn't exist at all in the city but it is hard to come by. I will admit, I have  not been exactly searching far and wide to discover an authentic spot, but what I hear from New Yorker's are that it really doesn't exist. According to some people, Queens and Brooklyn have some authentic spots. So I might have to make it a mission to explore these neighborhoods. But with 4 days left I do not have much time. So if my blog readers can be so kind and help me out I will really appreciate it! 

p.s.- Can't wait to go home and eat some real mexican food! aka I miss my moms home cooking!!

Here are some links to recommended locations across the city:

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/05/04/best-mexican-food-in-new-york-city-the-daily-beast-takes-a-tour.html

http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/all-areas/all-neighborhoods/mexican/

My friend Greg Lamb recommended me this restaurant in the Bronx called Mexicosina. Unfortunately I already moved to LA, but if you are in the New York area, Greg highly recommends this place. If any of you guys check it out, let me know!!

http://mexicosina.com/

Architecture Portfolio Samples

It has been a couple months since I graduated college and I am still on the hunt to enter Corporate America. I was fortunate to have a summer internship, so I am happy I have been busy. But the anxiety is definitely starting to hit as I wait to hear back from a couple opportunities. That being said, I have had time to work on my portfolio, which if you do not know is just as an important or more important than a resume for architects. It shows possible employers our design process and skill sets we have obtained. A lot of people ask about my work, so I decided to upload some sample work from my studio classes at Columbia. As you scroll through below you can see a lot of my work is done by hand, which is not as common anymore in the architecture realm. Architecture has fully adopted computer software to produce plans and renderings for projects. There is a lot more you can do with software so it makes sense, but it is sad that work done by hand has become a lost art. I am still learning and playing around with various softwares to improve my portfolio and enhance my skill sets, but for now I hope you guys enjoy the samples below. (the models are made out of chip board and bass wood, and some of the plans are produced by hand on vellum paper)

Portfolio Samples

Camp 101: the Good & the Bad

As my final days in New York and at Columbia wind down I have been thinking a lot about football. Not because of all the pre-season NFL games going on (even though that is reason), but because my former teammates are in the middle of football camp. It really is surreal to think I will never catch the team bus to go to practice or wake up everyday at 6:30 am (which I don't miss) after 6 hours of sleep (if I was lucky enough) for 2 weeks straight. They say nothing is harder than football camp freshman year, and the fact that my freshman camp is a blurred memory is enough for me to agree to that statement. Don't get me wrong, I love football and would do anything to put shoulder pads on (even though my body is screaming "NO!!") but truth of the matter is, camp is not glamorous and not for the weak hearted. The feeling of soreness and pain as if you just got hit by a truck is not a feeling I truly miss. You know camp is long and a struggle when Powerade doesn't taste like fruit punch anymore or when the highlight of the day were the desserts at lunch and dinner. But I do miss being on the field, and all the pain was worth it knowing I had 100+ teammate/brothers going through the same thing. Suffering created an instantaneous bond amongst the team. You didn't always get along with everybody, but there was a mutual respect for each other because everybody is working for the same goals. 

For the first time in 15/16 years I will not be making my way to a football practice. It is kinda weird and something I am still getting use to, but my time has come and gone. All I can do is think about the good, and yes, the bad times. Because they served as learning lessons and fun memories. Not many people know, but my nickname "Chi Chi" or "Cheech" was created during my freshman camp. You can ask me later how that came about, but from the moment I was called "Chi Chi" it stuck. At first I hated it, I mean lets be honest, it is an embarrassing name. Especially if you know what that name refers to in Spanish. But I accepted it and saw it as an opportunity for my teammates to strike conversation with me. But aside from all aches and pain camp was fun (to a certain extent). When you play, think and breathe football for 2 weeks straight non-stop, you have to be creative to keep spirits high and numb the physical pain. Luckily my team was filled of characters and fun guys. Lets start with Mike Waller. He is currently a Senior on the team and one of the funniest guys I have met. From his Jersey Shore impersonations (which he claims are only impersonations. I am calling BS on that one. The guy is all about his GTL) to his award winning singles "D. Chao on the dance floor" and "Lopees Ri-der" (yes, it is a Hispanic parody about me), Waller always can be counted on for a good laugh. When I was a freshman I always counted on David Brekke informing me of the dress code for practice (inside team joke). Augie Williams and Dan Meyers always reminded the team that we are "Living the Dream" (well at least their tattoos told us). Nick Mistretta "Mozz" made sure David Guetta was on the play list in the locker room, and it was always a good time tuning into Marc Holloway's radio show over the speaker system on the bus going to and from practice everyday. There are other individuals and actions I would like to share more, but I am trying to keep this blog PG-13. Just kidding (Well not about the sharing. There is a saying "What happens in the locker room, stays in the locker room")

The list and good times go on and on, but the bus rides up to Baker and "Ultimate Sit-Up" competition will be missed moments. Blessed and thankful I was able to play college football, because not everyone has the opportunity to play. But I wish my former teammates the best of luck this season. Wear that "Columbia" name across your chest with pride and bring that trophy home! 

All the seniors after our win versus Brown on Senior Day. Also the last time, minus Jeff Adams (far left. He is with the Cowboys) that me and the rest of the guys will ever wear pads.

The Columbia Lions begin their season next week versus Marist. Wishing them the best! Start the season off right. You can follow my Alma Mater (WOW, that was weird to say) all year long by clicking on the link below. It is the football website with the schedule and updated news!

http://www.gocolumbialions.com/SportSelect.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=9600&SPID=3885&SPSID=43660

Welcome to Arysamerica!

Let me introduce you to Ary Nunez: I first met her a couple years ago on video set and my first impression was that she packed a punch! She is expressive, humble and full of energy; you can feel the positive vibes and enthusiasm when talking to her. And this is the type of attitude she brings to the table at everything she does. Whether it is working out, leading one of her "Ninja" training sessions, posing for Nike or the NFL, or training one of her celebrity clients, she does not give less than 100%. She is currently located in New York, so I have been able to hangout with her while I have been in the city. She even came to my Graduation (even though it was pouring), which exemplifies her support and appreciation for people she believes in. So I decided to introduce her as a person and her healthy and fitness movement: Arysamerica! She is the founder of Gotham Global Fitness and runs an assortment of training classes throughout the city. She has a strong martial-arts background which includes 3 black belts and has practice/knowledge of 7 others. Her long impressive resume includes being a professional dancer and being a lifestyle coach. She is a great motivator and teaches a healthy balance lifestyle through training and dietary tips. She currently also works at Venia East studio where she promotes "Where modern day Ninjas are born." She is in the midst of a Ninja Fit Club, which is a 6-week program that consist of workouts inspired by traditional conditioning, martial arts and dance.

Below is the link with information about the classes and how to attend:

Ary Nunez'S Ninja Fit Club

She has been a lead spokeswomen for Nike and has done various video shoots, modeling ads like the image above and promoting the latest Nike technology.

Her current big project is working with the NFL and promoting the sport and fitness to its female audience. Above is an image from her recent photo shoot that advertises other women from their respective industries such as Serena Williams and Condoleezza Rice. (Ary is at the top right corner promoting her New York Giants) You can read more about this project below:

"It's My Team"

I am happy I have crossed paths with Ary and I am proud of what she has accomplished and what she will accomplish in the near future. She is an incredible role model for women, the latino community and for a healthy life style. Below are links to her various media profile such as Facebook, Twitter and her Blog which includes weekly updates by her boyfriend Jon Paul Allyn. Make sure to check out his blog posts as well; some pretty witty and knowledgable insight on things going on in the sports world!

Facebook: Arysamerica
Follow her on Twitter
Ary's Blog

I have met with Ary and Jon Paul Allyn a couple times before I left, and there is some exciting news in the works. Stay tuned for updates. I am really excited about what the futures holds for both sides. I am also working on an interview with Jon Paul and I will post that up once it is edited and completed!

Battle of the Burgers

Lets settle this once & for all! Which burger is better?? A) In-N-Out B) Shake Shack or C) Five Guys. So moving to New York from California I have received (and still do) a lot of hate from the East Coast. The "haters" do not want to admit it, but they are jealous that they do not live in California. There are a million comparisons made between the East & West Coast, but I want to focus on one particular debate; The debate between the three burger chains mentioned above. Obviously being from California I am bias in this debate, but I have tried & given the other chains a chance. I was originally closed minded about trying the other two but a Five Guys opened up by Columbia, so I tried it. First off, the pricing on the menu is ridiculous! A simple cheeseburger is $5 & an additional $1 for bacon. But you cannot have a burger without fries & a drink so you will need to spend an additional $5 for both. The burger was pretty good & I liked the different free toppings you can put on such as A-1 Sauce & grilled onions. The fries were okay, but all in all I would rank it #2. A couple weeks ago I tried Shake Shack for the first time. I heard a lot about it so I was expecting big things, but the only big thing was the price of my meal! A regular cheeseburger costs $4.55 & a double runs at a low price of $7.10. & just like Five Guys, the burger does not come with fries or a drink. It will also cost you $5+ for regular size fries & a drink. Their burgers are way too small; well at least the buns are. I do like their fries better though. They have crinkle cut fries which is one of my favorites, but it is not enough to put them at #1 or #2. And for my #1 choice: In-N-Out! One thing that strikes people that are unfamiliar with In-N-Out is the simple menu (or is it??). There are only three options available: A hamburger, Cheeseburger and a Double-Double. For $5.95 you get a double cheeseburger, fries and a drink! Just the double-double alone is $2.85. I think this is the best burger, mostly because of the quality of the ingredients. None of the ingredients such as the fries & meat are frozen & all the vegetables are cut and washed right in the kitchen. If you are not an In-N-Out regular you might not know about the "secret menu," which allows you to make your burger bigger and/or fries tastier. Animal-Style fires = grilled onions & melted cheese on your fires. People usually ask for special sauce, which is the same sauce put onto the burgers. And you can add extra meat patties with a number system: 3 by 3= Triple Cheeseburger, 4 by 4= Quadruple Cheeseburger etc etc. 

Here is a link breaking the burgers down to each individual ingredient, including a taste test analysis!

http://aht.seriouseats.com/archives/2011/05/in-n-out-vs-five-guys-vs-shake-shack-the-first-bi-coastal-side-by-side-taste-test.html

Shake Shack

In-N-Out

So which one do you prefer??
For my International audience, have you had any of the 3? If not, what are your favorite burger spots??

Meet Bobby Hill

A couple weeks ago I went to Brooklyn in search of a birthday present. My friend mentioned that she wanted something artsy and original, so I headed to the Brooklyn Flea Market in Williamsburg. The week before I met up with a friend who lives in the area, and while we were walking on Bedford Ave I saw a lot of artists lined up displaying their work. This gave me the idea to head back and find a cool gift in Brooklyn. As I was walking around the flea market I met a cool artist named Bobby Hill. He must have had over 200 pieces of art on display. The work he had available consisted of screen print art of various artists such as Bob Marley, The Notorious B.I.G. and also imagery of the New York skyline. I spoke to him for a few minutes as I was searching for my gift, and he mentioned he has been doing art since 2000, and that his new "Bhillboards Collection" such as the piece above has been getting great reviews. He just came back from an art tour in Europe and now you can find him every Sunday in Williamsburg. I purchased a Johnny Cash and Louis Armstrong piece from him, and I recently submitted 2 requests which you can do online by sending him an email. I love meeting artists trying to hustle and get their art work out to the world. Even artists like Jay-Z has bought art from him, and his urban art style is definitely something I will be collecting and purchasing. 

Here is his link to his website that gives more detail of his background and art work. Definitely check it out and he told me that you can order and have your piece mailed if you are not in the New York area.

http://www.resetuniverse.com/websiteFINAL12A/shop.html

His artwork being displayed at the Flea Market