Seth A Leeb Architect

In terms of sustainable  residential architectural design , the use of concrete is one of the biggest debates – is it or isn’t it a Green building material? There are strong arguments on each side, and it’s up to every homeowner to decide for themselves on the role of concrete in the building of their sustainable home. Here are some insights to help you make an informed decision. Concrete manufacturing:  The way in which the majority of our concrete is manufactured is far from Earth-friendly. Worldwide, concrete production accounts for a massive 7% of global CO2 emissions. At the same time, the production of concrete uses up waste products that would otherwise be left to landfills, such as blast furnace slag and fly ash, and old concrete can be broken down and recycled for certain uses in construction. Building lifespan:  Concrete is incredibly durable, unlike many other building materials. It won’t rot, burn or wear the way wood or metal would, so buildings made...

Whether you’re remodeling a building to fit your brand or starting from scratch with a new building, one of the first steps to realizing your project is to decide on your overall design concept. This sounds simple, but it’s pretty overwhelming in reality – there are so many options out there that it can be difficult to settle on a particular concept. Here’s some advice from a  commercial building design specialist  on how to find your inspiration. Look Online at Commercial Building Design Concepts  The Internet is a helpful resource for anyone looking for inspiring commercial architecture. It’s easy to browse websites, architectural magazines and more to see what the latest trends are all about, right from the comfort of your chair. It’s also a good resource for exploring different architectural concepts, reading up on what makes certain buildings so iconic, and for gathering a digital inspiration board of everything that catches your eye. Think About What You ...

Commercial architectural design  is a fascinating industry, always pushing the boundaries where business goals and functionality meet creativity and innovation. Office spaces continue to play a pivotal role in the success of a business, from attracting and retaining top talent, optimizing work flows and supporting technological advancement to supporting your brand and the wellness of your employees. Here are some of the leading trends impacting on this industry this New Year. Prioritizing the employee experience:  A spill over from the hotel and hospitality industry, experience-driven spaces are increasingly being incorporated into company workspaces. This means incorporating diverse elements that prioritize wellness, enjoyment of the workplace, and are part of the unique voice of your brand. These elements can include anything that speaks to your company culture – yoga studios, massage therapy, rock climbing walls, game rooms, active spaces – adding real wow-factor as...

During the rainy season, New Jersey homeowners are faced with the risk of their home flooding, causing structural damage and the loss of their belongings. According to National Flood Insurance program statistics for 2016, New Jersey homeowners accounted for over 232,000 policies worth $56 billion in flood insurance and received over $6.1 billion in claims payments between 1978 and 2015. With this in mind, it makes sense to incorporate strategies for flood prevention into your home’s architecture. Here are some tips from a  leading architect in NJ . Know if you’re in a high-risk zone:  A great source for information about flooding in your area are the FEMA Flood Zone Maps, which you can access online. These maps use aqua markers to indicate if an area is below the flood marker. Ask your architect to determine your BFE (base flood elevation) and DFE (design flood elevation) to ensure that your house is set at the correct height and according to building codes. Ask f...

A well-designed office space offers companies great returns on their investment in terms of efficiency, productivity and brand representation. Here are some tips from our  commercial architecture team in NJ  for creating an optimal commercial building design. Always maximize natural light:  In the USA, a typical office worker spends around 90% of their waking hours indoors – usually at a workstation in front of a computer screen. This limited exposure to natural light is known to have negative effects on an individual, impacting on their mood, productivity and health. Simply by focusing your design on bringing sunshine and natural light into your space, your employees will be healthier, happier and more productive. Insulate your space:  Good quality insulation is one of the most economical and eco-friendly means to reducing your building’s energy costs. There are several highly-effective insulation options available on the market that are very affordable and...

Green and sustainable construction and design trends are increasing their impact on commercial architecture through 2018, and all indicators show that a more environmentally-friendly approach to designing, building and running commercial properties is here to stay. Here are some insights into sustainable commercial architecture, from a leading  commercial architect in NJ. What is Sustainable Commercial Architecture All About?  This is about taking an environmentally-conscious approach to every aspect of your building’s design, not simply placing solar panels on a roof and calling it a green building. It’s about long-term benefits –  In contrast to a culture of immediate gratification, this approach is about long-term benefits – significant ones. From reducing operational costs to ensuring buildings stand and operate efficiently for decades to come, to creating an environment and community that supports a highly productive and low-carbon culture. Making the en...

There are a few key elements that stand out as the foundation of any great building. Here’s a quick guide to the stand-out elements of  architectural design in NJ. Sustainability:  This refers to the inclusion of technology and design elements that help create buildings that have a lower carbon footprint, are more affordable to maintain, and are energy-efficient to keep running costs down. Making this a priority in the design stage is a great way for businesses to keep long-term costs down and improve their environmental image. Aesthetics:  Building designs are constantly changing to include new innovations and trends, but a well-designed structure will always be able to include the elegance and attractiveness of the period in a way that is timeless. Functionality:  Above all else, a building should be practical to use whether it is residential, commercial or industrial. It should fit its purpose completely, from foundation to finishing touches to not only ...

Building a home is usually a project that our clients have thought about and planned for over many years – even their entire lives – and your initial meeting with your architect is the first step towards bringing that dream to life. Here’s how to prepare for it to ensure you have all the information you need to go forward. Create a project brief:  This might sound intimidating, but it’s a very useful way of ensuring you are expressing your vision accurately to your architect and making sure you don’t miss anything out. Ask yourself what you want your home to be – think about the size of rooms, how many bedrooms or living areas, how many bathrooms, etc. Also include anything of particular importance, for example, if your site has any challenges, if you have a view you want to get the most of, or if you want your home to be single or double story. Know your style:  It is important to be ready to express what style of home appeals to you, whether it’s a steel-and-glass m...

The workspace has transformed over the last ten years from a classic – often unimaginative – and rigid structure to something far more dynamic, creative and aware of its place in the wider community. This change shows no sign of slowing down in 2018, bringing with it exciting trends that will have a lasting impact on commercial building design and  commercial architecture in NJ  and around the world. The Unconventional Workspace  One of the biggest commercial building design trends for 2018 is the drive to differentiate your workspace by going against all the conventions of what a traditional office stands for. Think open spaces inspired by living rooms, coffee bars and spas. Think activity-based spaces that embrace color, personality and inspiration. Think of bold design, ways of using materials in an unexpected way, and creating multi-use spaces that embody casual creativity. The Biophillic Workspace  This is a philosophy about the connections betw...