Seth A Leeb Architect

While many of us are fortunate to have the physical ability to move around the workplace with ease, the reality is that this isn’t the case for thousands of working professionals. In fact, 20% of Americans have a functional disability that affects their ability to walk, see, climb stairs, or hear audible alerts. Access to these buildings isn’t just about legal compliance, it’s about making a building truly functional and enjoyable for everyone who uses it. For this reason, it’s essential that designs for commercial buildings make accessibility a priority. Here are some great features to include, from a leading specialist in commercial  architecture in NJ . Outside the Building Accessibility starts outside your building with features that include designated parking spaces (additional width for maneuverability), ramp curb features with a slope of less than 1:20, bright lighting and clear, bold signage, and a wide main door that is opened automatically by sensors or a second...

Whether you’re remodeling a building to fit your brand or starting from scratch with a new building, one of the first steps to realizing your project is to decide on your overall design concept. This sounds simple, but it’s pretty overwhelming in reality – there are so many options out there that it can be difficult to settle on a particular concept. Here’s some advice from a  commercial building design specialist  on how to find your inspiration. Look Online at Commercial Building Design Concepts  The Internet is a helpful resource for anyone looking for inspiring commercial architecture. It’s easy to browse websites, architectural magazines and more to see what the latest trends are all about, right from the comfort of your chair. It’s also a good resource for exploring different architectural concepts, reading up on what makes certain buildings so iconic, and for gathering a digital inspiration board of everything that catches your eye. Think About What You ...

Most people think that asbestos is only a problem that’s found in buildings constructed before 1970, but it’s not true. Asbestos can, by law, still be used in construction and is commonly found in exterior siding insulation, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, wallboards and much more. If you’re planning to remodel, here are some helpful insights from specialists in  commercial architecture in NJ. Is Asbestos in Commercial Buildings Safe?  The general consensus is that asbestos is safe in commercial buildings if it is left undisturbed. However, the remodeling or refurbishment process is likely to damage any asbestos in your building, releasing microscopic fibers into the air. When these are breathed in, that’s where asbestos is a serious health hazard, as it can lead to lung diseases and cancer. For this reason, health and safety protocols and NJ state guidelines must be followed throughout your commercial building design or remodeling project. What Steps Must Be Taken?...

Building conversions aren’t just trendy – they’re a highly-sustainable building practice, essentially recycling an unused residential building to a commercial space and offices that are convenient and essential to the local community. Here are some tips on how to rezone a building, from  commercial architecture specialists in NJ . Rezoning Basics In NJ, most commercial zoning districts have a residential equivalent to make rezoning easier. It’s important to consult with an architect before you purchase a property with the idea of rezoning it so that they can properly review the property’s zoning and determine if rezoning is possible. Unfortunately, if rezoning to commercial is not possible, the project is unable to go ahead. Your only option then is to go ahead and file for a zoning variance, which is a case for getting approval on developing a property in a manner that does not conform with the property’s current zoning. These can be difficult, time-consuming and expen...

A well-designed office space offers companies great returns on their investment in terms of efficiency, productivity and brand representation. Here are some tips from our  commercial architecture team in NJ  for creating an optimal commercial building design. Always maximize natural light:  In the USA, a typical office worker spends around 90% of their waking hours indoors – usually at a workstation in front of a computer screen. This limited exposure to natural light is known to have negative effects on an individual, impacting on their mood, productivity and health. Simply by focusing your design on bringing sunshine and natural light into your space, your employees will be healthier, happier and more productive. Insulate your space:  Good quality insulation is one of the most economical and eco-friendly means to reducing your building’s energy costs. There are several highly-effective insulation options available on the market that are very affordable and...

A successful restaurant brings many different elements together to deliver a comprehensively enjoyable experience to diners – and one of the most critical of these elements is the design of the space itself. Here are some insights from a  commercial architect  in NJ on how to make the most of your restaurant design. Prioritize your spending:  Restaurant design and fitment costs can escalate rapidly and the sky’s the limit. It’s best to first focus your spending on the most critical areas – creating a functional layout for the kitchen and dining space, installing effective task and dining lighting, and investing in robust and comfortable seating that fits the space. Settle on your brand and image:  After the budget is set for those areas, look for a few striking elements to add personality to your space and advertise your brand. It’s important that these elements are well thought-out and directly align with the restaurant’s overall theme. Here, customization ...

Commercial building projects are highly complex and demanding – and it’s important that they not only stay on schedule, but that they stay on budget too. While unforeseen circumstances can push both of these goals out, there are ways recommended by  Commercial architecture in NJ   to help prevent delays and rising costs. Know the Weak Points in  Commercial Building Design  and Construction Projects  When a commercial building project is facing delays and rising costs, there are several areas where weak points in the project are often found. By knowing these weak points and having a strategy that prevents them from collapsing, your project should move forward much more smoothly. These weak points include: Lack of vital design information –  Incomplete architectural plans that lack certain details and specifications will cause confusion, delays, miscommunication and even more work due to tear-outs. Choosing cheap contractors –  Contract...

Businesses want a lot from their buildings, from aesthetics that support their brand to designs that help them meet goals for growth and expansion.  Commercial architecture in NJ  and around the world is increasing its engagement with the goals of clients by including these great trends that actively enhance productivity. Eliminating clutter:  With forward-thinking architectural design, much of the distracting wiring and clutter of an office workplace can be hidden away to achieve a clean, seamless and calming aesthetic. This is especially important in open-plan and flexible office spaces, as clutter can quickly accumulate and pollute an entire department. These features are also great for future-proofing a workplace, by providing the space and structural openings needed to accommodate expansion and technological advances. Nature:  Bringing the natural world indoors and especially into the office environment is a big trend that is showing significant results...

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...