Seth A Leeb Architect

As commercial architects , we can see the commitment and impact of businesses who value sustainability in their building’s architecture, taking an active role in reducing operational costs and their burden on the environment. This is a concept that is still evolving as new technology and new thinking helps us continually improve the way we approach building design, and resilient design is one concept that’s making a big impact. What is Resilient Building Design? If you think back on some of the big news stories of the last few years, you’ll be reminded of the devastation of natural disasters in cities around the country and the world. From hurricanes, wildfires and superstorms to earthquakes and blackouts, we were reminded at just how vulnerable our office buildings, homes and infrastructure really is. Resilient design is all about designing and building in a way that can withstand natural and manmade disasters more effectively to ensure better protection for human life and a...

An energy-efficient  commercial office building  reduces maintenance and utility costs, while also reducing noise and creating a more healthy, comfortable and durable workplace. Whether brands want to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, reduce operational costs, improve productivity or even gain loyalty from consumers and clients, an energy-efficient building is high on the list of business must-haves. Here’s why making this a priority in your building design plans is the best way to reap the benefits. Site selection and placement:  Putting energy-efficiency first starts as soon as you begin looking at lots. By positioning your building with this goal in mind, your architect can optimize natural resources like sunlight in your design. The whole-building approach: Installing a high-efficiency HVAC system or solar panels is never a bad idea, but if you want to get the best results you need to take a whole-building approach to energy-efficiency. This treats the entir...

Building a home is a dream for many people, but it can seem like a daunting process for anyone new to the experience. Your building site will seem chaotic at times with all the noise and bustle of the various teams of people hard at work. Here’s a quick guide to who’s who and what they do, from an  architect in NJ . Architect:  Your architect should be registered and licensed to practice in the state where your project is taking place. Their primary job is to design your home, but they can offer you a wide range of services, from helping to select the right piece of land and evaluating the site to recommending contractors and project managing your build. Builder: Your builder is the person who will co-ordinate and manage the work of different contractors on your project, making sure each team is on site when they are needed. They will work carefully with the project manager, discussing issues and solving challenges that arise. Engineer: The structural engineer’s job ...

The RCA Victor Building, Camden:  Known as the “Nipper Building” as it is crowned with the image of Nipper the dog looking into the horn of a phonograph player, it’s an iconic part of New Jersey’s industrial past. Designed in 1909 by Ballinger and Perrot, it’s a six-story industrial loft structure with a rusticated brick base and brick piers along its length. With massive metal windows that open between the piers headed by cast stone lintels, and walls capped with decorative cornices, it combines beautiful classical elements with industrial design. Rutgers Business School, Piscataway:  Part of the master plan of redesigning Rutgers University, the business school forms the gateway to the Livingston Campus. An L-shaped building, it rises 60 feet to become a massive entranceway for traffic, forming the border between the campus and the local nature preserve. The recipient of the AIA Honor Award from AIA NJ, it is a design that focusses on non-programmable space and the tra...

Creating a functional and successful medical office space requires more consideration and attention to detail than ever before. These spaces need to be comfortable and convenient for patients, accommodating to new technology and equipment, have functional and efficient flow for patients and staff, and be cost effective yet attractive. Here are some insights from an experienced  commercial architect . Ask These Questions to Ensure an Optimal Medical Office Design  The most essential element to planning a medical office – other than partnering with an experienced  medical office architect  – is to ask these questions during the planning process. What type of medical practice is this office being designed for? Every medical office is different, so the design needs to change to accommodate the specific needs of a cosmetic surgery practice, pediatric practice or any other specialty practice. What are the practice workflow and the patient egress/access require...

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...

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,...

The workspace has transformed over the last ten years from a classic – often unimaginative – and rigid structure to something far more dynamic, creative and aware of its place in the wider community. This change shows no sign of slowing down in 2018, bringing with it exciting trends that will have a lasting impact on commercial building design and  commercial architecture in NJ  and around the world. The Unconventional Workspace  One of the biggest commercial building design trends for 2018 is the drive to differentiate your workspace by going against all the conventions of what a traditional office stands for. Think open spaces inspired by living rooms, coffee bars and spas. Think activity-based spaces that embrace color, personality and inspiration. Think of bold design, ways of using materials in an unexpected way, and creating multi-use spaces that embody casual creativity. The Biophillic Workspace  This is a philosophy about the connections betw...

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...

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...