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Hybrid Office Design: A Guide for Architects and Employers

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Hybrid office design is now standard practice across the board. Some companies still require employees to be in the office full-time, while many others offer a permanent hybrid work alternative.  Gallup  states that hybrid workers are, on average, coming into the office three days per week, which requires a rethink of modern office architecture. We need innovative office spaces to accommodate the diverse needs of hybrid work. That being said, our team of architects in NJ have put together a guide to hybrid office design based on the most recent commercial office additions to our portfolio. What Are Hybrid Work Models?    What are flexible and hybrid work models at their core? They link remote workers with on-site employees and include spaces such as home, the office, and a third space that could be a local coffee shop or a more ambitious spot like the beach. Employees have the flexibility to choose when they will be in the office, unless there are team-specific requirements.  The inten

Adaptive Reuse: A New Vision for Historic Preservation

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  Every historic building tells a story. With adaptive reuse, you add another chapter to its story by turning the building into an asset for the community. Or at the very least, repurpose the building for another use rather than have it be a liability and an eyesore. According to the American Institute of Architects (AIA), adaptive reuse is the “redesign and alteration of a building to support a new function it was not originally intended to serve.” Examples of adaptive reuse include turning an old factory into housing or a historic house into a restaurant. In this article, our NJ architects will take a closer look at the value of the adaptive reuse concept. Preserving Heritage through Adaptive Reuse There are benefits to preserving our heritage through the adaptive reuse of historic buildings. Adaptive reuse is different to historic preservation. You don’t return the building to its original condition and purpose, but adapt it to embrace a new purpose, while preserving its unique char

How Residential Architecture is Responding to Climate Change

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Climate change is something every industry, including architecture, has started  adapting to. Building residential architecture that is made for the ever-changing weather challenges like extreme hot temperatures, flooding, and storms has become an integral part of the future.  Climate adaptation in architecture has changed to increase sustainability and the safety of the people who reside in homes that experience extreme weather patterns. Our team of  residential architects in NJ  takes a closer look below:  Evolution of Climate-Responsive Residential Architecture Climate architecture considers the environment and the structural adaptations of a building to thrive in its abode. Here are some ways in which the building industry has transformed residential architecture for climate change: Using eco-friendly resources Incorporating natural building materials Maximizing the building structure Focusing on the environment to reduce carbon emissions has become vital. The building industry is

How Commercial Architecture Shapes Corporate Identity

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  Branding and commercial architecture haven’t always been seen as one entity, but as we’ve progressed, the two facets are best associated together. For instance, when you consider marketing your business, it’s easy to picture only digital and traditional marke ting strategies. However, your building can speak for your business, and you can emanate your brand’s voice through its architectural design.  If you’re considering  redesigning your commercial building in NJ ,  our team will discuss how you can use architecture to speak to the brand’s voice, while also benefiting your company’s corporate identity. The Role of Architectural Design in Shaping Brand Identity Brand identity refers to the elements that tie it to the business services or goals and can be in the form of colors, designs, logos, slogans,  marketing materials, and more. For architectural design to tie into your business’s identity, the building could incorporate colors associated with your company. Depending on the indus

Putting the Arch in Architecture

  The use of arches in architecture has existed for centuries, and can be dated all the way back to the 2nd millennium B.C.! It started with the Romans who incorporated arches into their buildings both for aesthetic purposes and as an engineering element. Since then, many different cultures have used arches in their building designs. It’s more than safe to say the arch has taken on a somewhat iconic status in the world of architecture over the years.  Today, many homes and businesses incorporate arches into their design, as it’s certainly a classic, timeless look that commands attention. If you’d like to know how you can incorporate arches in your home, or design arches for your business, our  architects in NJ  can help. Working with an architect helps you understand the art of the possible, and architects have experience with many different design styles and can recommend what will look and work best in your space.  How to Incorporate Arches in Your Home  Front doorways:  An arched fr

How Can I Let More Light In?

  No, we’re not talking about leaving all the lights on and running up your energy bill! We’re discussing good ol’ natural light. Increasing the natural lighting in your home can be transformative for your space. A lack of natural light can quickly begin to affect your mental and physical well-being, and if you’ve ever been inside a room with no windows then you know how strange and off-putting it can feel. On the other hand, rooms with a lot of natural light feel bright, positive, and uplifting.  So if there are any rooms in your home you wish had more natural light, there are several ways you can let more light in: Paint your walls and ceilings white.  While darker colors can be interesting and feel cozy, they also make your space feel more cramped. White is a fantastic color because it reflects light and it makes your space feel bright and open. Plus, you can always add pops of color when you decorate.  Hang mirrors on walls that are opposite of your windows.  You can use reflective

What is the Best Way to Restore a Historic Home?

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Renovating a historic home can be a very exciting process. Especially, since there are decades, sometimes centuries, of history within the house! However, to properly honor the home’s heritage, there are certain architectural and design principles you need to follow. Here’s what our  team of residential architects in NJ  recommends you do when restoring a historic home: First, consult with an architect who has experience restoring old homes. Your architect will survey the home and help you understand what’s possible. They’ll also let you know what’s not possible in order to preserve the architectural heritage, for example, if you can’t add any additional rooms or bathrooms.  Have the roof, plumbing, and HVAC systems inspected and upgraded if necessary. Old homes often come with old insides that are screaming for maintenance! After putting a plan together, the first step in restoring the home is to ensure the plumbing and other electrical systems work, and that the roof is sound and lea