I had just been hired to review the plans for a new, sizable property in the West Los Angeles area. It is an interesting situation because I am faces with two challenges:
The first is: the design has been done by one of the most famous Los Angeles authority in the field of architecture – very high profile AIA senior member and a gentleman I have known and respected, as architect, for a very long time.
I am at an advantage in this case since I have also received an architectural training, hence I have more sensitivity toward the details of his design than a regular consultant would. In addition I have been teaching Feng Shui at the Department of Architecture and Interior Design of UCLA Ex. for 15 years, so I know how to give concise and sound instructions that are effective from both the Architecture and the Feng Shui perspective without interfering with the original creative thinking. With experience, I have learned what is a priority, what is less of a priority, and where there is room for compromise. I know how to respect the integrity of Feng Shui and the integrity of the design equally.
My other professional challenge is that I am not the first or second Feng Shui opinion requested, but rather the third or fourth. It is not a real challenge thou, since most of the previous consultants did not specialize like I do in architectural projects, so I am pretty sure the solutions they provided are not as effective.
In fact, after reviewing the recommendations provided by previous consultants, I had to conclude that they are simply “inappropriate” for an architectural project. Obviously any of the previous consultant didn’t have an architectural training, and possibly a rather dubious Feng Shui training too (given some of the recommendations), and the kind of suggestions they had made were rather unsuitable for the lot, the architectural design and the lifestyle of the client.
Someone has recommended to rearrange a few piece of furniture – which really doesn’t achieve much in a several thousand square feet home. Another has recommended to “flip” the floor plan on the lot (completely disregarding the zoning and building department requirement, BTW) and frankly not getting much of an improvement on a Feng Shui level. Yes, I know what you are thinking, but that is what you get when a consultant lacks proper Feng Shui training. I see this all the time.
So, after meeting with the owner and the design team, and after reviewing the entire property, I came up with six alternatives that still fit the city requirement and maintain the architect’s vision. Admittedly, some are probably more sensible then others, but they are all valid from a Feng Shui Architecture perspective.
After brainstorming with the architects and the property owner, we have narrow down our choices to one, which is under redesign right now. And all of this was accomplished in only two meetings. THIS is what you get when you hire a truly experienced and qualified consultant like myself or one of my FSA Training Center graduates.
What about the previous consultations, you may ask? Well, my client is not going to get any benefit and no reimbursement either from any of them. So I guess they were a waste of time and money. That is why choosing a really qualified consultant is important (and make sure they credentials are verifiable too).
Whether you are designing a new building, renovating one or planning to purchase one to live or work in, you can most certainly benefit from having a Feng Shui consultant working along the side with you to make sure your project is successful. Because since building effects occupants, the Feng Shui of your building is going to have an effect on you too.
But when you deal with an architectural project, the skills and knowledge of the consultant you choose will make all the difference, as they have made for my client.
If you’re planning on hiring a consultant and are not sure about their qualification, drop me a line and I will be happy to give you some “pro” suggestions. Call 310-860-8989 or e-mail dr.simona@fengshuiarch.com
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