Project Approach:

We realize that a successful building project must be tailored to each client's needs and goals which results in unique challenges and opportunities. We begin by analyzing and translating program requirements into clear diagrammatic studies. Parallel to this activity we analyze governmental codes and regulations as they apply to the project. This information gathering process enables the client and the design team to grasp the unique parameters of the project and provides the information needed to establish a project budget and schedule. Next, we develop spaces and forms arising from these studies. We then organize our work into appropriate phases according to progressive levels of development and documentation. During this time we meet regularly with the client to ensure that project goals and needs are being met. Relevant governmental agencies are included in these reviews as well as consultants involved in specialized areas such as structural analysis, heating and air conditioning systems, electrical systems, kitchen equipment and landscape design. A more exacting project budget and schedule can be established during this stage. Next, precise and complete construction and bid documents are prepared and assistance is provided to the client in the bidding or negotiation phase. We are also experienced in construction management and design-build approaches to project realization. Comprehensive information regarding architectural services may be accessed at the official American Institute of Architects website at www.aia.org.

Firm Profile:

Armantrout Architects was founded by Leon Armantrout in 1964 in Redlands. He received his B. Arch. degree from Kansas State University in 1957, completed graduate studies in Seismic Structural Engineering from UCLA, and was granted his Architects License in California in 1962. The firm has designed numerous projects of a wide variety which are characterized by their contextual sensitivity and their ability to re-interpret and transcend the commonplace. A number of them have been recognized through publication and receipt of design awards.

Publicity and Awards:

Four of the firms residential projects have been published in Sunset Magazine and Sunset Handbooks, and commercial and institutional projects have been published in A Guide to Architecture in Los Angeles and Southern California, Excerpts, by Terry Silo, Gallery Productions in Pasadena and Adding On Published by McGraw-Hill. One Project, The First United Methodist Church in Redlands received the Masonry Institute Design Award and the Vintage Award from the Inland Empire Design Institute. It has recently been nominated for the Twenty Five Year Award by the American Institute of Architects. The firm's work over a period of years for Environmental Systems Research Institute in Redlands has been instrumental in the spectacular success of ESRI as recognized world leader in Geographic Information Systems Software and Applications.

Community Involvement:

Leon‘s involvement in the civic life of the community is evidenced by his service on the boards of directors of The Friends of Prospect Park, Kimberly Crest Association, Salvation Army, Community Chest, Boys and Girls Club, Inland Chapter, A.I.A. and Redlands Conservancy. He has also served on the City Parks Commission, and is a member of Redlands Rotary. His sensitivity toward historic preservation is evidenced by his present involvement as one of the owners of The Mitten Building, and as a past owner of The Santa Fe Depot, and historic commercial buildings at 440 Oriental Street and 409 Orange Street. This has also resulted in his grasp of the owner's point of view and goals in facilities design and construction.