About
Philosophy
The built environment that we shape by our buildings has profound effect on people, ones who use these buildings daily and ones who never enter them. While creativity and great design go hand in hand, there is another very critical component to the whole, and that is “sensitivity”, which manifests itself in different ways. Sensitivity to clients’ program, budget, and schedule, which means LISTENING and working within those parameter’s and Sensitivity to the context in which the building is located, which means appropriate response and respect for the existing architectural vocabulary. The most rewarding experience is taking on the challenge presented by these limitations and guidelines and developing a result that enhances the lives of people affected by that design, reflects and respects the mission and vision of the client, while practicing our civic duty in informing our clients about issues involved in the process of design, construction and the built environment.
AFHJ does not have a “stylistic” philosophy. That is to say, all of its designs do not look alike. Each building is influenced by its context. Thus, a new building located on a large, undeveloped tract of land would have an entirely different character than one solving the same set of problems located in a historic, residential neighborhood or one that is an addition to an existing building.
The objective of AFHJ is to assemble the right team for each project and provide competent professional services to our clients. The firm strives to achieve design excellence, to produce high quality projects within budgetary limitations, and to conduct itself in an efficient, ethical, and businesslike manner. The firm strives to achieve a high level of trust and mutual respect between clients, consultants, contractors and our team members.
Best Designed Home Award- Architecture
At Home in Arkansas Magazine
"Spirit of Collaboration" - Featured Article
North American Design Magazine
Design Award Finalist - Waterford Club House
American Institute of Architects Arkansas Chapter
"Design Merit Award" - Garland Center
American Institute of Architects, Arkansas Chapter
University of Arkansas Book Store - Featured Cover Photo
College Planning & Management Magazine
Building Block Award - Garland Center
Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Living Award- 5 West Mountain
Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce
"U of A Bookstore - Facility Focus" -Featured Article
College Planning & Management Magazine
"Design Merit Award" -Garland Center
American Institute of Architects, Arkansas Chapter
"A Clear View" - Featured Article
At Home in Arkansas Magazine
"High Design -A modern makeover for an outdated design" - Featured Article
At Home in Arkansas
"Excellence in Construction Award" - FUMC Springdale
Associated Builders and Contractors
"Design Merit Award" - Garland Center
International Parking Institue
Laleh Amirmoez
Throughout the years Laleh has maintained her goal of nurturing her client’s vision and providing architectural solutions that bring their vision to life, creating context sensitive designs, and respecting the practical aspects of the project such as schedule and budget constraints.
Laleh Amirmoez, president and owner of the firm, graduated from the University of Arkansas and joined Hailey.Powers.Froning, the oldest active firm in Fayetteville,(est. 1973) in 1983. She was elevated to partnership as President and CEO of Hailey / Amirmoez Architects in 1992. Over the years the firm evolved into AFHJ. She has been the only constant throughout the changes in the firm. She has worked with all her team members, local or national, in a collaborative process. Much good comes out of a brainstorming session and a give and take process. She is a good listener, and makes strong connections with her clients by understanding and respecting their point of view and making her presentations in a context that is important to the client, while achieving the goal of improving the built environment and providing a responsible design.
She has been principal architect, project architect, or designer for a variety of projects. These project types include Mixed Use Developments, Churches, High End Residential, Public Schools, Higher Education, Commercial Developments, Retail, Food service, Childcare, as well as other Civic and Governmental projects.