About US

TNI Architects Inc. (TNI) is a leading architecture firm in California specializing in environmentally sustainable design practices and spatial architectural planning. Our firm has successfully completed numerous restaurant, hotel, commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential projects.

We oversee projects from concept to completion, handling design, community and governmental approvals, bidding, and construction coordination. Throughout the design process, we prioritize sustainable design principles, incorporating passive solar techniques, energy-efficient systems, and eco-friendly building materials.

At TNI, we believe the creative process is integral to developing well-designed and innovative buildings, communities, and spaces. We value the input of our clients and utilize 3D renderings to effectively communicate our design concepts. Our process begins by gathering information about the site from the client, analyzing site parameters, and creating design alternatives that eventually lead to realistic 3D renders. We engage in discussions with our clients to refine the design until a satisfactory solution is reached.

TNI remains involved in projects throughout the construction phase, providing detailed construction documents and administration. Collaboration between architects, engineers, construction managers, and contractors ensures cost-effective and timely project execution.

Arnie-LeVine

ARNOLD LEVINE

Senior Architect (California License No. C-19816)

Mr. LeVine has thirty-eight (38) years of experience in the management and preparations of design, construction documents and specifications for institutional, commercial, governmental, industrial, and residential buildings. Institutional projects have included school modernizations, K-12 school remodels, university remodels, public and private charter schools, and churches and synagogues. Commercial projects have included office buildings, office, medical and retail tenant improvements, corporate headquarters, custom and fast-food restaurants, hotels, shopping centers, historic buildings, pre-fabricated membrane structures, automated parking structures, and parking facilities. Government projects have included remodels at: post office, Animal Shelter, police facility, jail kitchen and Naval Bases. Industrial projects have included new tilt up industrial complexes, and office and manufacturing tenant improvements. Residential projects have included new, additions and remodels to single family residences, apartment complexes, mixed-use buildings, and condominiums.

Robert Ancill

ROBERT ANCILL

CEO The Next Idea Group

Mr Robert Ancill is the founder, Chief Creative Officer, and CEO of The Next Idea Group, which consists of: TNI Design, TNI Architects and The Next Idea Consulting.

Robert founded The Next Idea in 2002. Since then he initiated new store design for important new comers, including Plant Power, Reverse Café, and Caliburger. He was part of lead design team for Royal Caribbean’s new smart ship program, Safeway, Sizzler USA, and Seven 11’s Win Coffee Program. 2022 Client list includes: Capcom, Department of Defense, Held Properties, Malibu Wines, Amino Farmacy, Hyatt Hotel Group, Paysafe, CBRE, Hyatt House LA, ZEFR, Hilton, Marriot, and Staybridge Hotels.

Robert’s design experience includes luxury homes, commercial office, hospitality, family entertainment centers, restaurants, cafes, eco homes, outside event venues and landscape.

Robert has initiated and or / managed over 800 new store openings or remodels (includes around 50 international), and launched over 87 new branded concepts.

Matthew Oda

MATTHEW ODA

Senior Project Manager

Matthew Oda has a total of 41 years of design and planning experience on projects nationwide, including office, retail, schools, churches, industrial, and museums. Matthew has over 20 years of healthcare architectural experience in California as a Senior Design Architect. Responsibilities for the projects included: Being responsible for project designs, conceptual design, master planning, client meetings, working with architectural and landscape architectural construction documentation and consulting engineers.

Licenses

1972-Present - Wisconsin Architect License No. A-5871 (Dormant)

AWARDS
  • 1986 AIA Design Award: St. Francis Replacement Acute Care Hospital
  • 1994 AIA Design Citation: Alliance Bible Church Addition & Master Plan
  • 2011 AIA Design Citation: Hoag Memorial Medical-Cancer Center Addition & Master Plan
  • 2012 AIA Design Award: Merced Replacement Hospital
  • 2013 AIA Design Citation: Little Company of Mary Hospital Expansion Tower Master Plan
  • 2015 Design Award: NEVHC Medical Clinic
  • 2016 AIA Design Award: Cathedral Design-Gateway Project
JAMES HEIMLER

JAMES HEIMLER

Senior Consultant
EXPERIENCE

l985-Present James Heimler, Architect, Inc. (transitioned to TNI Architects Inc 2023)

James Heimler’s experience spans 35 years as an architect in California. His experience includes: government coordination; documenting existing conditions; master planning; programming and feasibility studies; all stages of design, including: site analysis, master planning, building design and space planning from schematic design thru construction documents (plans and technical specification); cost estimates; value engineering; builders or bid set of construction documentation; permit expediting including special use permit and zone variance expediting, coordination, and approvals and/or agreements with: building departments, regional planning, city planning, scenic corridor, community and homeowner groups, disabled access, public works, Department of Transportation, Slum Housing Task Force, utility company coordination, Community Redevelopment Agency, city and state fire marshal’s, health department, Coastal Commission, DSA, historic & cultural affair approvals, client design review boards; bid coordination; shop drawing review; construction administration and post-occupancy management; and insurance claim coordination.

LICENSING & ACCREDITATIONS
  • 2013 LACCD DSA seminar at West LA College
  • 2007-present Nevada State License #5929
  • 2005-present USGBC-AP-LEED Accredited Professional
  • 1996-2017 Certified Volunteer - Post Earthquake Safety Evaluation of Buildings through the Governor’s office of Emergency Services (O.E.S.) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  • 1996-present National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB) #46757
  • 1996-present Washington State License #6983
  • 1985-present California State License #C15525
AWARDS
  • 2012 San Fernando Valley American Institute of Architects - 30 year award for community service
  • 2003 Merit Award for Design Excellence - American Institute of Architects San Fernando Valley Chapter, for the “ACF Property Management Building” in Sherman Oaks, CA
  • 1998 Citation Award for Design Excellence - American Institute of Architects San Fernando Valley Chapter, for the “Scotty Building” in Sherman Oaks, CA
  • 1995 Certificate of Achievement for Community Service - American Institute of Architects San Fernando Valley Chapter
Thelma Weaver

THELMA WEAVER

Project Director

Thelma graduated from City University of New York-Hunter College with a degree in Media Studies and Psychology.

Her background includes 14 years of diversified experience in project management, marketing, and promotional programming in mobile communications, tradeshows and hospitality.

Thelma began her career as brand manager (freelance) for a range of well known US and international brands, including Stella Artois, DKNY, Lufthansa, Boars Head, Jet Magazine, Snapple, Time Warner Cable, Estee Lauder and T-Mobile. She then became Project and Marketing Manager with Ring Plus, a dynamic start up telecommunications company based in Beverly Hills, California.

In 2016, Thelma joined The Next Idea Group as Account Director, and has worked on multiple accounts including Sizzler, Reverse Café, Staybridge Eastvale, Maria’s Italian Kitchen, Direct TV, and Steak N Shake.

ELBERT JAYSON PAYRA

ELBERT JAYSON PAYRA

Senior Designer

Mr. Payra has worked on a wide variety of architectural projects since his start in 2013. He has seen the position of job captain senior drafts on commercial, single family residential, multifamily residential, and educational projects. Projects have included but not limited to: YMCA, LAUSD and a range of residential and commercial projects.

Mr. Payra is obtaining his architectural license and expects to graduate in 2023.

JORGE ESQUIVEL

JORGE ESQUIVEL

Senior Designer

2013- Present TNI Architects Inc (was James Heimler, Architect, Inc.) – Senior Designer

Mr. Jorge Esquivel has over 40 years experience in the development and production of construction documents for a variety of project types. These projects include custom residential projects, commercial, industrial, theme parks, tenant improvement, institutional and government buildings as well as specialty projects such as motion simulation and wide screen theatre design.

Jorge works closely with project architect in the development of schematic design and development of construction documents, project schedules and time estimation of the duration of projects. He assists in the product research and selection based on the client and project specifications. Assist the project architect with field verifications and production of “as Built” documents needed for the development of projects. Document all correspondence and coordinate with involved consultants in the project. Manage, coordinate and supervise project documents with in house staff as well as produce construction documents.

Clients include YMCA, LA Alliance Charter Schools, LAUSD amongst a broad range of commercial and residential clients.

Maerav Chiprut

MAERAV CHIPRUT

Training Director – The Next Idea Group

Maerav Chiprut’s career spans over 20 years in the Restaurant, Retail & Leisure Industries, with a focus in restaurant/cafe operations and training.

Maerav has managed over 60 restaurant/café openings in the UK & the US.

Maerav is responsible for all The Next Idea Group’s operations and training activities and has consulted with a range of food service operators; including Virgin Trains, Bennigan’s, Starbucks, Phood Farmacy, Royal Caribbean, Panera Bread, Viva Vegan, and Albert Roux Cafes. She was head of Training and Opening for the Britney Spears experience in Los Angeles.

MARK NG

MARK NG

Senior Designer

Mark Ng has 18 years of experience in the development and production of construction documents for a variety of project types. These projects include custom residential projects, commercial, business, retail, and food service tenant improvements throughout cities in Los Angeles County. He has also been serving as Adjunct Faculty in the Department of Architecture at Pasadena City College since 2013.

Mark’s project experience includes: LAUSD, YMCA, City Charter Schools, Sizzler, Sweet Flower, and a broad range of commercial and residential projects.

Ryan Magee

Ryan Magee

Office Manager

Ryan Magee is a multitalented office manager at TNI Architects, where he takes charge of all coordination and administration tasks. He is highly organized and loves to get into the details in order to ensure maximum efficiency and safety for his colleagues. Ryan is a creative problem-solver, capable of thinking outside the box to come up with innovative solutions that go beyond the expected. Not only does he bring enthusiasm and dedication to his work but also a contagious positive energy that creates a thriving environment for all those involved.