Seth A Leeb Architect

Home remodeling is one of the best ways to add value and lifestyle benefits to a property in an affordable way. These projects are usually undertaken on a strict budget, so it’s no surprise that people look for ways where they can cut unnecessary costs – but is an architect one of them? Here’s some information to help you decide. The Size and Complexity of your Home Remodel  One of the first things to consider is how complex or large-scale your remodel is going to be. Projects like  renovating a bathroom or kitchen  or creating a media room in your unfinished basement can usually be completed with the help of an experienced and reputable contractor. However, if you are considering adding a story onto your home or knocking half of it down to change the flow and use of your home completely, having an architect on board is very likely a good idea. This is because these larger, more complex remodels have a lot of potential – but they can easily end up being an e...

With so many different contractors and companies involved in the creation of a commercial building, there is often confusion over who is responsible for what role. Here’s some insight into the role of a  commercial architect on a project . Limited or Full-Service Commercial Architect?  A full-service architect  is responsible for the widest range of services during the design, conception, planning and construction of a commercial project. The client can decide to choose the full package of services or a limited amount of services based on what they require, and this determines the architect’s involvement in the project. For example, these services include: Site analysis Egress studies Contractor bid process management Town building code plan approvals and management Roof analysis Masonry analysis Elevator design ADA and/or barrier free design and compliance Cost estimating Schematic design and Building investigation This is in addition to general...

People are becoming more and more aware of their impact on the environment, from the transport they use and the food they eat to lifestyle choices that they make – and building a home is no different. For many people, building a home that has a minimal impact on the environment is a dream come true – but it can cost a whole lot more to achieve. Here are some tips from a  leading residential architect  on how to keep your Green home on budget. Look at your landscape:  The land you buy is more than simply a place to put your home. Its individual features can be used to help make your home more affordable and reduce the need for less environmentally friendly materials. For example, laying your foundation on a level is cheaper than a slope. Building a second story is also cheaper than building on a single level, as you need less foundation and a smaller roof. Orientate your home:  Positioning your home correctly ensures that you maximize your use of the environm...

While all commercial buildings have their special requirements, medical office suites require additional care in the design process because of their particular function. Here are some insights from a  commercial NJ architect  with experience in medical office design. Form Meets Function, Meets Health  While there are hundreds of aspects of design, many of them creative and innovative, architects follow the adage that “form follows function” – that is, the physical structure should be determined by its purpose. In  medical office design , this means creating a space that allows you to treat and manage patients efficiently and with a high standard of care. Some features of this design philosophy include: Creating single direction traffic flow:  Flow through a medical office should take the shape of a loop, so patients don’t retrace their steps or double-back, starting and ending in the reception area. This ensures that patients don’t get lost or conf...