Seth A Leeb Architect

One of the services offered by commercial and  residential architects  is a feasibility assessment or feasibility study. This is a full evaluation that takes place in the early stages of a project that looks at every aspect of the build and is ideal for larger or more complex projects, or where the site itself may be more challenging. What is the Purpose of a Feasibility Study?  Firstly, this evaluation will determine if the project is viable. It will also lay out different options for the build to manage any challenges the project presents, and develop project documentation (if needed) including: Planning permission Determining the need for an Environmental Impact Study Assessment of the budget Site appraisals including geotechnical studies, water egress, easements, services on the land, restrictions, etc. Examination of existing buildings for use in the project, access to the site, and operational/maintenance challenges Development of different strate...

Businesses want a lot from their buildings, from aesthetics that support their brand to designs that help them meet goals for growth and expansion.  Commercial architecture in NJ  and around the world is increasing its engagement with the goals of clients by including these great trends that actively enhance productivity. Eliminating clutter:  With forward-thinking architectural design, much of the distracting wiring and clutter of an office workplace can be hidden away to achieve a clean, seamless and calming aesthetic. This is especially important in open-plan and flexible office spaces, as clutter can quickly accumulate and pollute an entire department. These features are also great for future-proofing a workplace, by providing the space and structural openings needed to accommodate expansion and technological advances. Nature:  Bringing the natural world indoors and especially into the office environment is a big trend that is showing significant results...

One of the first questions many people ask their  architect in NJ  is when to start building their new home or addition. Here are some insights to help you make the best start on your new project. What Factors Should I Consider Before I Start Building?  Your contractors:  The reality is that contractors are available year-round depending on their schedule and are often more easily available in their “off-season” months. If you want a specific contractor, this might be the most important factor in your decision. Frozen ground:  When the ground is frozen, it’s harder to work and many contractors prefer to have the basic foundations and structure in place before winter hits. This will vary according to your geographic location, with the North-Western areas of NJ having cooler temperatures on average and Atlantic Ocean regions having fewer days below freezing. The rainy season:  This is considered to be the worst time of the year to start a build, a...

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 ...

It’s no secret that building a home takes money, the right attitude and plenty of preparation – but it also takes an experienced residential architect! It’s a huge project and it’s not something that many people have experience in doing, and not having the right New Jersey architects at your side can mean running into some of these common home-building problems. You go over budget in a big way:  The budget is one of the most important and most stressful parts of the build, and saving money is often one of the reasons people don’t hire an architect. Unfortunately, this can easily have the opposite result, leaving you with a half-finished home and no money to keep building. An architect will help cost out your project (usually with a 15% contingency spend for unforeseen extras), give you an expectation of spending, and help you stay on track. They also help you design within your budget to get you the most value, features and extras for your money. Incorrect room measurement...

Green or sustainable building designs are an interesting challenge for a  commercial architect , and thanks to a drive for large-scale eco-friendly solutions, there are some wonderful opportunities out there that can be included in commercial office building design plans in NJ and around the USA. Not only do these solutions earn your company sustainability points, they’re also responsibly for significantly lower energy costs, access to tax credits, and ideal for building loyalty with an increasingly environmentally conscious consumer base. Passive heating and cooling:  Essentially, these are design techniques that help your building regulate its temperature effectively without relying on energy-driven HVAC systems. Not only is this an upfront saving for your building, it also removes the need for the expensive running, maintenance and repairs that commercial HVAC systems require. This does require very specific design specifications for your entire building, however,...

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...