Robert Aho

Experience

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  Prior to 1995

  Jan 1977 - Jan 1995

  Various Positions

  I worked in construction, as a graphic designer, in maintenance for a municipality, commercial art, as a residential drafter and various retail positions, including some management.

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  Crane Johnson Lumber Co.

  Jan 1995 - Jan 1997

  Employed

  Managed people and projects by being part of a team devoted to providing construction materials to contractors and retail customers. Provided construction estimates, ordered materials, drafted residential plans, and made sure schedules were kept by maintaining communication with several regular contractors. Responsible for meeting or exceeding profit margin goals and growing the business through developing new contacts and opportunities. Essentially worked on every aspect of business within a small full service retail lumber yard. While in this role, this particular store, which is part of a chain of lumber yards, exceeded all previous sales records. Show less

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  Triebwasser Helenske and Assoc.

  Jan 1997 - Jan 1999

  Employed

  Architectural work on a wide variety of project types, including medical, assisted living, large public facilities such as a sports dome and conference center, institutional and parking ramps.

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  SJA Architects

  Jun 1999 - Jul 2004

  Employed

  Various architectural roles on projects ranging from $40 million institutional projects to small commercial projects and public housing.

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  Builder's Commonwealth

  Aug 2004 - Nov 2005

  Principal Architect

  Architectural Design, Construction Administration, Project Management, Estimating, Contract Documents, Contract Review, Client Relations, Construction Administration, Construction Inspections, Coordination of Consultants, Documentation of LEED for construction projects, Research, CAD and computer modelling, Contacting New Clients, Marketing.

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  RA Architect Studios, LLC

  Sept 2005 - Jun 2016

  President

  Principal architect, project manager, designer, office manager for a small independent firm. I am licensed to practice architecture in Minnesota and Wisconsin. I am also a certified building official in the State of Minnesota. The focus of this firm is primarily sustainable architecture, with an extremely attentive professional service for the client. Experience includes projects of all types, including institutional, commercial and residential. Projects have ranged in size from multi-million dollar public buildings to the very small and interesting residential. Show less

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  City of Duluth

  Apr 2009 - May 2016

  Plans Examiner

  Review building plans for building code compliance. Answer questions about the building code and technical issues from various individuals, including architects, builders, designers, engineers, developers and owners, as well as from other code officials.

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  Bodhicitta Sangha/ Heart of Enlightenment Institute

  May 2012 - Feb 2015

  Group Coordinator/ Teaching Assistant to Khenpo Sherab Sangpo

  Founded Duluth meditation center, and later established an affiliation with a non-profit organization in Minneapolis, the Bodhicitta Sangha. This was a non-paid volunteer position with specific responsibilities, including leading group meditation and Tibetan Buddhist study in Duluth and other communities, coordinating the needs of groups and volunteers with meditation practices, along with organizing of various events and meditation retreats, as well as writing a weekly newsletter.

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  KIRKAUS, LLC

  Jun 2016 - now

  President/ Principal Architect

  KIRKAUS was developed originally as an architecture firm, focusing on sustainability, with the notion of clarity in mind. KIRKAUS means clarity or brightness. Although the primary intent and focus was sustainable architecture, other interests soon became integral, such as public speaking, photography, writing, publishing, and teaching. It soon became obvious that this company revolved around widely varying creative interests of the firm's president, Robert Aho.

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  Gnesen Township

  Jul 2017 - Nov 2018

  Zoning Officer

  Determine that all zoning permits comply with the terms of the zoning ordinance. Conduct inspections of buildings and use of land to determine compliance with the terms of the zoning ordinance. Receive, file and forward all applications for appeals, variances, conditional uses and other matters to the designated official bodies. Initiate, in the name of the Town of Gnesen, any appropriate actions or proceedings against a violator of this ordinance as provided by law. Interpret and administrate this ordinance subject to appeals to the Board of Adjustment. Work with the Planning Commission to amend the zoning ordinance, when necessary. Show less

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  TimelessLuminosity.com

  Dec 2021 - now

  Author/ Speaker/ Teacher

  Funded by KIRKAUS, LLC, timelessluminosity.substack.com is where you can find this free newsletter/ blog/ podcast by Robert Aho. The idea of providing frequently published essays about awakening, as well as an ongoing teaching about our ineffable condition began when people wanted to know more about Robert's Near Death Experience, but who couldn't afford to purchase his books. This website provides free access.