Seth A Leeb Architect

Recycling and reclaiming is a significant part of modern design and architecture, and it even applies to reusing commercial or industrial buildings by transforming them into modern residential spaces. However, this process of adaptive reuse comes with plenty of challenges – here are some insights from a leading commercial and  residential architect in NJ . Zoning:  This is the first issue to overcome, as it restricts the use of the building and limits what can be done with it. Rezoning is a common practice, but it does take time and the building’s current zoning will have to be reviewed and allowed by your local municipality or county. If this isn’t granted initially, you may have to file for a zoning variance which can be a costly, time-consuming and ultimately unsuccessful process. Keeping the character:  One of the reasons that this type of conversion is so popular is because buyers love the character, space and interesting features of old industrial or commer...

When you’re building a home, you often have to make dozens of decisions in a single week – or even a day – on your home’s features, fixtures and fittings, including your home’s lighting. Here are three principals to use while considering how to light your home, from a leading  residential architect in NJ. When it Comes to Natural Light, Balance is Best Making the most of natural light is a great trend in residential architecture, bringing beauty and warmth into your space as well as reducing energy bills. Creating a balance with natural light means designing a home and rooms to have just the right amount of sunlight – ensuring they are warm and light in cool months, and gently shaded in the summer heat. To achieve this, architects position a home to face with its yard to the west and street side to the east. Landscaping, skylights, eaves, dormers and porticos all help to filter and control the flow of light into your home. Colors and Surfaces  The effect of ligh...

Building a new home is a complex, expensive and long-term project where the main focus is on ensuring that the result is a home that clients will love and enjoy for many years to come. Here are some tips from a top  architect in NJ  on a few things to consider when you first take on this project. Rooms:  Decide what rooms you want in your home, from the number of bedrooms and bathrooms to whether you want an open plan living space, ensuite bathrooms and garages. Don’t forget specialty rooms like a workshop, office, laundry room, movie room or anything similar. Similarly, decide what outside spaces you want, including balconies, patio spaces or outdoor kitchen. Size:  Deciding your square footage is one part of the equation, but don’t forget to think vertically too. Do you want any double-height spaces? To help visualize spaces, try mock them out with tape and stakes – and remember that it always looks smaller than the end result. Budget:  The budget fo...

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...