Larez's Posts

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Christianity Etc › Re: The Truth About Christ Embassy Healing School by larez(m): 10:49am On Jul 07, 2009

If Nigerians are such authorities on the word of God, why then is the society so decadent, and the leaders/rulers are criminals sharing the country's wealth? Why are the Police also the armed robbers, and why is Nigeria the biggest exporters of Prostitutes to Europe? Reading through some of these posts shows the level of brainwashing and the uncanny capability of man in self delusion. In Nigeria, we have a way of making ourselves feel better, no matter how horrid our situation is. Anything else is acceptable, but the truth. Jesus lived in truth transparently. Nobody ever needed to interpret/misinterpret his Life and lifestyle. He clearly said "Give unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and give unto the Lord what is the Lord's.

We should be wary of these 'strange doctrines' by these miraculously transformed former criminals and use diligence as our cloak of Armour. Do not be fooled by the Foxes, and request the Holy Ghost in truth and in faith to enlighten you and protect you from deceit and lies. Even if the preacher is fake, the faith and prayers of the followers will make him fall. Now, if after GOD has revealed this fake preacher, and the flock return to him, then they are just as guilty. Some people go to Church to seek entertainment, and alas, there are many preachers who will entertain them and expect their recompense for the entertainment. GOD requires us to worship in truth and in faith, and not turn his Temple into entertainment centers. It is our hearts that he desires and not our fancy clothes and upstaging by singing fancifully at the alters. We are no-longer aware of the difference between sacred and profane worship. We should all meditate on the meaning of 'in truth and in faith'. Here is a link that may be helpful:

"III - Sacred or Profane Worship?" by Dr. Peter Masters http://www.the-highway.com/worship4_Masters.html

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 1:17am On Jul 07, 2009

@Pinky, I can feel your excitement, which is very good. Look through my website and click on the top link "view homes". There are a lot of smaller floorplans shown there that you can see. These are not in 3D though. Just front elevations and the floorplans.

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 12:56am On Jul 07, 2009

Wow!! I am impressed with you 2. This is what Team Building is really about. If I could only peek into the future. Let's make this work ladies. I will suggest we focus on Diaspora who seem to understand the cost of quality. We'll come up with ingenious ways of controlling costs too. Already have some ideas which we'll discuss privately. We can do this!!! Goodnight Ladies, and God bless.

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 12:51am On Jul 07, 2009

pinkequity:
Finally found the pic. What do you think? Goodnight all. Let's talk more on this.

https://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr68/pinkeque/Securitygate-entrance.jpg

Nice pictures. Exactly how I'd do it with the addition of security posts as well. The fence will have to surround the whole subdivision which will be expensive. But the houses will be appreciated as the residents drive thru, without feeling like locked up folks as typical in Nigeria. Many people have died in fires in their homes because of security bars which prevented escape.

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 12:43am On Jul 07, 2009

zenatta:
Larez you are home. I struck gold then. I hope you have your portofolio. Told you I will own Citiline, No I am not logged off yet but may have to call it a day.Besides I need to eat but it late now. Both of you got me so fired up. I think we can do this.

@pinkequity. We can do this. There will be so much to deter us but I am hanging unto the skill on one hand and contributions
that we are so passionately going to bring into this, I have to attend to other things now. My email is zenattarowlandbenij@yahoo.com .

Both of you remain blessed It was beautiful meeting you.

ok I am waiting

Aww Zenatta, very sorry to keep you up so late. Unlike you, I usually get most of my work done during the night. In the future, you may want to use"(at) instead of "@" when you post your email addresses. This helps reduce spam. I'll add you to my yahoo messenger. You also have my email addresses, so just email me to tell me what time to log into yahoo, and we'll hookup. I'll send my telephone numbers via email as well. Cheers, and goodnight.

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 12:38am On Jul 07, 2009

@Pinky, nice pic. A subdivision takes a whole lot more than the simplification that you mentioned. But, since I have a lot of experience at doing this, you won;t have to worry. There are a lot of issues that will have to be addressed such as security first. As you can see from the pictures that I posted, there are no security bars on the windows and no tall fences around the houses. But yet they are secure. If someone breaks a glass on the house, an alarm goes off, the security company calls the house to verify that there is no problem. You will have to give them a code to confirm, or else the Police will be at the door within 3-5 minutes.

In Nigeria, to avoid having to do the security bars and individual fencing, the whole subdivision will have to be securely fenced, as well as private security for the development (armed security). Many Oil conglomerate developments have these, but it remains uncommon for regular Naijas. This will be my preferred approach along with loud alarms that detect glass break and door and window contacts.

The issue of water and power will have to be addressed to. The option being a Private power source for the subdivision with monthly or yearly fees for upkeep. Extra power can be sold into the National grid. This goes as well for water, sewers, cable tv, internet and probably a local PBX for free calls among residents. these have to be done before roadways and curbs. Also, recreational areas and Pool house etc, will have to be accounted for as well. These are just a few of the issues to deal with. As I mentioned before, I have consulted with many clients and assisted in the planning and construction of these in a very restrictive environment (Atlanta). The regulations may be more lax here in naija, but we are trying to set standards that will make our products a lot more marketable. There are some new technologies that will be coming up soon that will have stuff like roof tiles acting as solar panels.

We're talking cutting edge, while we still make it attractive financially. Doing one successfully will create a following for future developments, and I believe we will get to doing the marine subdivision including jetties sooner than we think wink

Dreamers Sha!!

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 12:18am On Jul 07, 2009

Standing by,

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 12:14am On Jul 07, 2009

Still here. Thought you were gone. what's up?

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 12:03am On Jul 07, 2009

@Pink, it's around 7:00pm at your end, it's 12:00am at this end. I think Zenatta might be on a 12:00-12:00 net connection, hence missing in action. Are you a telecommuter who is supposed to be working while chilling on Nairaland? Me sef go soon go crash oh.

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 12:00am On Jul 07, 2009

pinkequity:
Please don't run back here o!

Stay to save people like me so we can keep on believing in the Nigerian Dream. As we believed in the American Dream. Gosh! I am very excited I may get to meet both of you when I come in a couple of months, def b/4 Dec.

I won't run back if you promise to stay when you come in December. lol ehh ehh

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 11:45pm On Jul 06, 2009

Surprise Zenatta!!! I have lived in naija now for 3 years, and about ready to run back from being fraustrated. I still design for clients in the U>S and just send the drawings via online.

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 11:43pm On Jul 06, 2009

Y'all have MSN chat or yahoo Chat? My MSN is lareza(at)hotmail.com, yahoo name is architect4stars. Should be better chatting there together at once. Seun should add chat to the threads. lol. Next we'll be asking him for the kitchen sink too.

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 11:37pm On Jul 06, 2009

@PinkEquity, I just saw that you're in Philly!! I went to Temple at the Main Campus Broadstreet. Lived on Lindbergh Blvd (Cobblestone Apartments). B4 moving to da A-T-L. I still call Philly home until today. Does South Street still jump? And are the hookers still hanging out at 13th and Spruce, lol

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 11:31pm On Jul 06, 2009

pinkequity:
The lord is my shepherd, I shall not want, (I really need this)

@Sir Larez, why? why? why?

This interior can do serious damages you know.

@ comment above about finance
Do we have a product though? I will never handle the finance lol, The Bank will. But I can SELL, I can make them see why they need the product. I can convince them to see that this is what they need. What product are we talking about here? It will have to be something that is

1. Attainable
2. Desirable
3. Affordable
4. Practical and serve the needs of average Nigerians, not just the rich.

Most importantly, it will have to be something that will guarantee the returns invested within the shortest time possible. If we have that folks, let's meet at the drawing board.

Sistergirl, these designs that I have posted don't fall under affordability to most Nigerians, however, we can spin out any type of project as a stepping stone. The key is low interest rate or Equity investment for a defined market. Better still, if we can also get some incentives from the government, then it will be sweeter. As far as packaging, this won't be a problem but will have some costs. I already did a nice Hostel design that is classy and brings dignity to University housing. However, it won't be cheap. We should brainstorm and decide on what we want to pursue and the terms of working together. The spirit is there and hopefully greed won't wreck it as typical in naija.

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 11:24pm On Jul 06, 2009

pinkequity:
They let me log on as coolfaced but I can't post! Partial banning? Who knows? What I did? I don't even know sef!

@question about finance you raised above.
Money doesn't always come first. It is having a product that people "need" that come first. Finance will be sought for, and it will honor our call when time comes. But do we have a product? How solid and needed is it? That is, from the standpoint of Nigerians?

Over to Sir Larez to answer those questions.

Ladies, there are over 200 designs in my portfolio. There will be some work to do though getting them Nigerianized. As you know we use wood to build houses in the non-tropical parts of the U.S, so these are wood framed houses. We'll have to adjust to concrete. As far as presentation drawings, no problem, as you can see, I do everything in 3D which means the walk-throughs will also be available. Most of my designs are considered at the high-end in the U.S. and I have designed for many stars. The problem with Nigeria is that Architects don't get respect unless they own their own projects and don't have to bow to the whims of our rich primma-donnas.

For these reasons, I have personally decided to go after mining and starting a granite plant. This will enable infrastructural stuff to come easier. But if y'all believe that we can get some things done, I am game. My software will also automatically do a material list for each design which we can export to excel for our quantity take-offs. The direction that i will recommend is a sub-division, which means we put all the infrastructure and everything in. Probably even a septic field, if the land percolates. We'll have a lot to discuss, so here is my email addy, *****(at)architecturaldefinitions.com. We should get a group together and plan to meet. Once I receive email from you, I'd introduce you to some investment groups that I subscribe to online. These are international groups targeting investments in Africa. Nigeria is a hard sell though, and Angola may be more feasible. I'll give you details later. meanwhile, what do you think so far?

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 11:10pm On Jul 06, 2009

I've been trying to post some more interior pictures but each time I click, it tells me you guys have added posts, then i have to do it all over again. However, I like the spirit that y'all putting out. With this kind of excitement, maybe we can get something done. It will take a lot of hard work, and sweat raising the funds, but better 3 or more people that one Johnny just drop.

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 11:05pm On Jul 06, 2009

Hello Pinkequity/Coolface:

Sorry I am currently posting pictures. But you know what?, Bring it on. I will handle the design and build with Zenatta of course, you handle the finance. Oops, it just occurred to me that the lady in the pictures is really a Senior VP of probably the biggest Bank in America. But then, we're talking Naija now. I accept the challenge. More interiors,

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 10:51pm On Jul 06, 2009

Cityline is a 4 bedroom house with 3 1/2 Baths. 2 Bedrooms share a bathroom, each with a separate Vanity/Dressing area. The Master Bath is very beautiful with columns mounted on the edges of the Jacuzzi tub, and a full 6 jet steam shower. You can put 2 more full bedroom with baths in the basement, if there is one. Basically, you have all the space on the first floor (ground in Nigeria) in the basement as well. Many of these features will not be practical in Nigeria, such as fireplaces (4 in the house). But then, I could choose a much simpler design for you and you can have fun with the interior decor. Here are some pics of interiors.

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 10:24pm On Jul 06, 2009

Sistergirl, are you sure you want Cityline? Who will roof it for you in naija? Even in Yankee when i built the house, the framer ran off when it got to the roof. I had to hire my own carpenters and roof it myself. I am talking wood, nail-gun and all. Here are some 3D views of it. Just count how many valleys, hips, and ridges on that house. I will give you the plans, but you are on your own roof it. grin

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 10:04pm On Jul 06, 2009

Zanetta, don't get me started now, I may begin to post pictures of more of my designs now!! wink

Hmm, Since you are streetwise in Nigerian construction, how about we find financing and do a development full of my designs. This will be perfect if we can make it a marine subdivision such as out at the Lekki lagoon complete with Jetties. This is my dream!! Here are a couple more of my designs.

Properties › Re: Forclosure House In America Can I Buy From Nigeria? by larez(m): 9:44pm On Jul 06, 2009

With Google Earth, you can see the status of the exterior of the building at the very least, and you can request photographs of the interior as well. All you really need to do is give someone the power of attorney to do the closing for you. But you will be required to provide the verification of the source of funds. I must warn you that there are laws in the United States that require you to pay your property taxes on time. Failure to do so will cause seizure and auctioning of the property. Whatever is left from the auction proceeds after the delinquent taxes have been deducted will then be refunded to you.

Talking about the United States is tantamount to talking about the continent of Africa size-wise. If you had been specific about the city and state, then maybe there could be someone I can recommend. But then, with your proof of funds, it is very likely that you would not have a problem getting a visa to do the closing yourself. I will suggest that you to seek an American real estate attorney for further advice.

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 9:32pm On Jul 06, 2009

Here are a couple of houses that I designed/built.

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 9:28pm On Jul 06, 2009

zenatta:
will keep you posted as to the names of the NHM. Must confess I most only watch if beautiful homes are involved.But I remember one vividly The Mayors, it starred RMD and Dede. Plot was also great. This house had columns to die for and it had a basement that was wow.
The movie Hush starring Gwyneth Paltrow is a study in columns.
Do you watch Indian movies. Homes are palatial and almost surreal.

I love larez' creations, I call them creations cos their aesthetic value is ever-lasting. Emerald is more me, rolling arces and hallowed solitude. I am a castle kinna gal. yards and yards of un-ending space. Chrysanthemum is my next choice cos of the elevation. Glad to learn the word.
would rather the driveway of the first house you posted, be a side one like the second. here I go with those advices

Thanks Zenatta. Here is a link to some other houses that may fit your profile. http://www.architecturaldefinitions.com/gallery.htm There are many others on the site and I can post some photographs here as well if you will like. Feel free to browse through and take your pick. I may even give you the working drawings for free, so your local Architect can adjust from wood frame to Concrete Masonary Units (CMUs)

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 9:10pm On Jul 06, 2009

ajileko:
@larez Let's be real, do you expect us to believe you actually owned those designs ? give me a break.

Ajileko, usually, I ignore the rude and ignorant. But I really think you need to be educated. But then, I see your name which translates to a person who steals to build houses. So I will simply respond to your rude allegation; Go through each and every design you see on that website, and I will tell you the name of the client, the year I did the design and try to find it on googlemaps for you so you can see it yourself. In the future, you should never assume that because I am a Nigerian, my predisposition is 419. But then, your assumption may be based on a personal reflection

Properties › Re: Private Hostel Investors Club.(lands For Sale 4 Private Hostel Investment) by larez(m): 11:45am On Jul 06, 2009

smlafolabi:
so far we have raised N3m from 3 investors, we are getting there gradually

You can add more to that. I have designed the Hostel for you already.

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 10:44am On Jul 06, 2009

coolfaced8:
Bless your soul Sir for sharing that! Had a feast with all those designs. It seems they are big buildings and am kind of intimidated by all them big big and posh layout. I zoomed in, looked, feasted my eyes on the designs and am back to Nairaland to report, Sir, that my humble pocket is "humbled" Have a pleasant weekend.

You're quite welcome. The link pointed to my smaller designs. They may not be as large as you think. If I remember correctly, the smallest is about 1420 SQFT, and the largest on that page is about 2400 SQFT. Choose the one you like, and let me know.

Nairaland General › Re: Fight to Finish: Sienna V Coolface89 by larez(m): 11:37pm On Jul 04, 2009

coolfaced8:
From counting coins, kobo and cents, it may be possible I may have found something I can finally afford. Please can anyone give me an idea of how much will fly this in Naija? Like if one wants to build? Any ideas how much one should set aside?

Btw, found the pic on the internet. I have no idea how many bedrooms or any interior designs. But I'll appreciate an estimate of a one huge bedroom with and two small bedrooms and a huge kitchen (Duplex). Spiral staircase is a must! Powder room downstairs and full bathroom upstairs. Ok, that's it. Please anyone with rough estimates of how much this will gulp?

This picture is taken from englehomes.
https://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr68/pinkeque/208_EngleHomes_top100.jpg

Noting your excitement about Architecture, here is a link to a collection that I did for a client in the Atlanta, Georgia area. The exterior fenestration that you posted is more of a Mediterranean style, while mine are more retro Craftsman style. However, the floorplans can easily be adjusted to look similar. You will also find a lot of 3D objects within this gallery link.

I hope you enjoy and find more inspiration. Honestly, I am somewhat burnt-out from doing this since 1986. But, it is somewhat gratifying to know that some of my designs may inspire others even a 100 years after my death. Here is the link: http://www.architecturaldefinitions.com/Gallery/jlw/default.htm

Properties › Re: Advanced Rents Banned In Lagos: by larez(m): 9:12pm On Jun 22, 2009

lastpage:
, in that order! (lol)
Appreciate & thanks for the vote of confidence.

lastpage
BTW: Do you use a "touch-screen"? If 'yes' please go ahead and touch me
I'll feel you over here!

Been trying to touch but I bet your skin is softer than this dang screen

Properties › Re: Advanced Rents Banned In Lagos: by larez(m): 7:21pm On Jun 22, 2009

lastpage:
Ndipe,
I know try? How many Nigerians can speak a "foreign language" of where they served, after all these years.
All the same, you are right, l muddled it up a bit
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BTW: am also a landlord and that lump-sum Deposit is easy money , BUT what is wrong is wrong. IT IS WRONG!

@ Lastpage;

I am so very proud of you that I want to reach through my screen and hug you. The truth will set us all free. We can't take this money with us when we die. Halleluyah!! grin

Business › Re: Starting A Trucking Business In Nigeria? by larez(m): 11:19am On Jun 22, 2009

odejayi200:
i have been in oil and gas for 10yrs and i can tell u there is no biz without its ups and down cos i have read most of d replies posted to u,i work in nnpc,suleja.call me on 08055051674 and i will put u through if u are interested in going into haulage of oil and gas

So, How many trucks do you need? And what routes do you need them for?

Properties › Re: Advanced Rents Banned In Lagos: by larez(m): 1:11pm On Jun 20, 2009

onyx20:
Oga architect l do not side with u on this point at all in as much as i respect u on this blog. The 10% by 2 collected by Est. Agent is not & cannot be fruad because the money was paid to E.A for service that was rendered. l can understand that the 10% is on the high side but it is absolutely legal(atleast 4 now) in my own opinion . Ur suggestion that they should set up a commission or Ombudsman as it is called in the UK is no bad ideal, here is an additional contribution 2 that. Let an indepedent body set an Ombudsman & let all Estate Agent sign up with them if they must trade & the Government then regulates them (E.A) through the Ombudsman.

Onyx20, the amount of 10% is what I find to be fraudulent especially in terms of basic housing. Affordable housing stops being affordable with high 'fees', interests, closings and all the other bunch of charges. There should actually be more avenues of rental adverts to avert such charges. I can remember a free magazine in the US called creative loafing. You could pick one up in any convenience store or gas station for free. The owners pay to advertise, and the consumers know whom to call.

These are the solutions that we need to work on to try to reduce costs which ends up being interpreted in terms of high costs of living. There are many practical solutions available which we need to explore rather than utilizing the most expensive ones that lead to the poor being poorer.

Properties › Re: Advanced Rents Banned In Lagos: by larez(m): 10:33am On Jun 20, 2009

hailolive:
I think the first step towards this ugly trend is to stop the commisions here and there, the 10% times 2 been collected is a fraud/
when people buy car, does the car dealer charge them commission on the buyer? its the seller that settles the dealer.

The 10% agreement is a big scam. and why should an agent collect 10% commision?
Its not as if i am buying a commodity or they are working for me on a commision basis,

I fully agree with you. It is a rip-off

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