M|O Perspectives
Check back here for our thoughts on the latest developments in our industry.
You've Taken Over a Building—Now What? (Guidelines from an AEC Consultant’s Perspective)
Jun 02, 2025
Whether you’re acquiring, leasing, or inheriting a building, you’re taking on a big and exciting, yet often-daunting responsibility. It can be an overwhelming experience to be critically observing and staying on top of its condition, compliance, and ongoing operations. As a firm of architecture,...
Energize Denver Ordinance: What You Should Know in 2025
May 09, 2025
Blog is updated from its original August 2023 and subsequent April 2024 publishing to provide expanded and revised details. The direct relationship between increasing levels of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere and the increase in frequency and severity of weather-related stressors is well...
From Risk to Resilience and Safeguarding Cultural Treasures: The New ASTM Property Resilience Assessment (PRA) Standard Guide Explained
Apr 21, 2025
Nestled away in Altadena, California, was the Guinness World Record holder for the largest bunny collection in the world called the Bunny Museum. The 7,000-square-foot museum housed over 45,000 bunny-themed artifacts; was an embodiment of the creativity and passion of its two founders, Candace...
City of San Jose, California to Require Seismic Retrofit of Wood-framed, Soft-story Structures
Oct 17, 2024
Thirty-five years ago today, on October 17, 1989, at 5:04 p.m. local time, the Loma Prieta earthquake occurred at the Central Coast of California/San Francisco Bay area. Caused by a slip along the San Andreas Fault, the quake lasted 10–15 seconds and measured 6.9 on the Richter Scale. The quake...
What to Know When Considering Solar Energy Solutions
Aug 20, 2024
As we move towards a zero-carbon future, on-site photovoltaic energy production will play an increasingly important role in achieving this goal. You may be considering installing photovoltaic panels (or “solar”) on your property for a myriad of reasons. Municipalities in several cities and states,...
Understanding the State of Colorado’s “Energy Performance for Buildings” Statute
Jun 03, 2024
Recently we have written about Energize Denver—the city’s bold steps to address global climate change with regulations and programs that prioritize equity while enhancing energy in commercial buildings. It’s not just Denver—the state of Colorado also has a program designed to optimize energy...
Energize Denver Ordinance: What You Should Know Now
Apr 22, 2024
Blog is updated from its original August 2023 publishing to provide expanded details on penalties for non-compliance. The direct relationship between increasing levels of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere and the increase in frequency and severity of weather-related stressors is well documented. Over...
What property owners & managers should know about SB 721 balcony inspections as deadline nears
Apr 02, 2024
These days, there is a mounting urgency for real estate owners and property managers to consider and comply with new levels of safety for balconies. And in California specifically, if they haven’t gotten the ball rolling on evaluation, then now is the time. In Marx|Okubo’s experience with condition...
Updated ASTM Standard for Property Condition Assessments: What property owners, investors, and lenders need to know
Mar 21, 2024
Our charge at Marx|Okubo is always to stay on top of current technical expertise, trends, and requirements. We’d like to share the following with our clients to raise awareness and keep them up to date on the latest developments in the industry. There is a new edition of the ASTM standard for PCAs...
The Vital Role of ASHRAE Energy Audits in Sustainable Building Management
Oct 10, 2023
In an era where carbon emissions reduction and energy efficiency are paramount concerns for building owners, operators, and occupants, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) energy audits have emerged as a vital tool in achieving sustainability goals....