Seth A Leeb Architect

Hiring an architect is a new experience for many clients and having a rewarding relationship means gaining an understanding of their fees and the services they provide. Here’s some insight into what it means to be a full-service architect. The Role of an Architect  Before we start, there are a few misconceptions about architectural services that should be cleared up. Firstly, most houses are not designed by an architect and are either built by developers or building contractors (although these designs and plans usually have to be submitted to an architect or engineer before they are approved). Secondly, many people think that an architect draws up the plans, hands them over to the client and their builder, and then moves on to a new project. The reality is that architect services cover far more than that. Full-Service Architects are There from the Very Beginning  Full-service architects  offer a very wide range of client services that you can pick and cho...

One of the most stressful parts of building a home isn’t the time it takes or the countless decisions that have to be made – it’s the budget. Keeping costs down without compromising on quality is key to a successful home build, and these tips from a  leading NJ residential architect  will help you stay on track. Think double-story:  In construction, a home’s foundation and roof are generally the two most expensive elements. By going up a story, you double the space in your home while keeping the roof and foundation the same size. Simple rooflines:  The more complex the roof, the more engineering and materials that have to go into it, so a simpler roofline can help significantly lower your costs. Overly complex designs add no additional practical space to your home, and just cost money. Structure first:  Similarly, very complex floorplans can add significant expenses to your budget. Lining up important internal components between the first and second fl...

Building a home is an exciting and often once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people to realise their ideal living space – and having the right design input and architectural insight is critical to the success of your project. Here are some helpful tips to ensure that you find the perfect residential architect for your project. The  American Institute of Architects  website:  This is a great database for finding qualified architects in your area. They have strict ethics standards that all members must adhere to, which is important for protecting your interests as a client and ensuring that you receive reliable services. Online research:  Once you have a selection of names, online research can provide you with much more insight into the kind of services they offer, the types of projects they work on, and help form that initial connection with your vision. For example, if an architect focusses on building offices, they likely won’t be the right fit for your home...

Herzog & de Meuron, Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg – Germany:  Although it was completed at the very end of 2016, this building makes our list because it only opened in January 2017 – and because it is simply one of the most extraordinary pieces of architecture in our time. A concert hall like no other, this 789 million Euro building features an astonishing undulating wall of 600 glass panes floating over a refurbished cocoa warehouse that features the striking Brick Expressionism that is part of Hamburg’s history. Designed by Fritz Hoger, this sculptural building is all about the details – from hand-blown glass lamps to the individual and changing views built into the flow of the building. Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, Cape Town –  South Africa:  Designed by Tomas Heatherwick, this building houses a massive collection of African art in almost 65 thousand square feet, spread over 7 stories – all inside former 1920s grain silos in the country’s iconic waterfr...