Seth A Leeb Architect

  I think we can all agree that the start of this new decade has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride and what the months ahead will bring is anyone’s guess. One thing is for sure, though: Interior design trends are constantly changing. Here we give you some ideas of trends that you can consider for remodeling your house. 1. Three-tone kitchens. Two-tone kitchen cabinets — meaning the upper cabinets are one color and the lower cabinets another color has been a big hit over the past few years. Now the 3 tone kitchen is making its well-deserved rounds.   In a three-tone kitchen, one more color or material is introduced to create an asymmetry in the palette that helps define zones or functions and keeps the eye moving explains  Houzz The result is an amazing, beautiful layered effect — and getting it done, from a contractor and homeowner perspective is easier than you think. 2. Tiled bathtub aprons. Tubs are making a big comeback after vanishing from master bathrooms. The...

Treehouses aren’t just for kids anymore; they’re a big trend in the architectural industry too. Treehouses embody the idea of escapism, and living high up in the branches means that you leave the hustle and bustle of the world behind in favor of a more whimsical and natural alternative. While this trend is making a big impact in the tourism and glamping industry, treehouses are also becoming a trend in  residential architecture . Here are some insights from a home architect. A Unique Home Addition While many homeowners dream of adding on more living space to their home, some homeowners are choosing to achieve this through a treehouse. Modern treehouses, as popularized in a few reality shows, can be almost anything – a living area, a bar or outdoor kitchen/entertainment space, a guest apartment or a way of producing extra income through short-term rentals. These range in cost according to the complexity of the build – a simple deck where kids can plan and camp out under the st...

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 first step when building a new home is choosing a lot. There’s much to be considered when you’re making this choice, as it plays a significant role in the cost of your build, the home you’re able to build and even how much you enjoy your new home. Here are some important tips from a leading  residential architect in NJ . Your lifestyle:  Building a home is a passion project and it’s about more than just walls and a roof – it’s about achieving a particular lifestyle. When choosing land to build on, make sure that it supports this lifestyle. Factors to consider include whether you want to be part of a close-knot community or have a country lifestyle, if you want easy access to schools and malls, the parks, amenities and current lifestyle popular in the area. The properties of the lot: A full site evaluation is essential to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the lot. The orientation of your home on the lot will determine how much sunshine you get, the type of ...

One of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to home building, remodeling or extensions is – do I need an architect? For many homeowners, hiring a residential architect can seem like too high an expense for their project, especially when it seems like a minor project. Here is some advice from  custom home architects in NJ  on this issue. Do I Need to Hire a Residential Architect? Follow this Simple Rule  Generally speaking, a good rule to follow is that if you are removing or moving any walls, or adding new structures to your home, it’s a good idea to hire an architect. Another good idea is to hire an architect if you feel in any way out of your depth – especially if you haven’t done a project on this scale before. Hiring an architect is not just for homeowners and companies who want to grace the cover of top architectural magazines and blogs, they’re beneficial to all construction projects. Architects can assist you by ensuring your space is de...

When most people think about a cozy, warm home, they first think of their fireplace or central heating system – but it’s really your insulation that matters the most. Here are some insights to help make sure your new or  remodeled home  stays warm through the winter. Why do Homes Need Insulation?  Essentially, the purpose of insulation in the home is to create an effective barrier around the building, preventing warm air from escaping in the winter months and keeping your home cool in summer. Heat isn’t just lost through the walls – it also escapes through your roof, your windows and any gaps around windows and doors. This is a serious issue for two reasons – firstly, because it makes your home less comfortable to live in, and secondly, because your home heating and cooling systems are going to have to work much harder to warm or cool your space. Since heating and cooling takes up between 50-70% of the energy consumption of your home, this means a big increase i...

Designing and building a new home – whether its reimagining an existing property or starting from scratch – is an exciting journey. You get to define your new lifestyle and a new future through an intense construction process and being prepared is your personal foundation. Here are some tips for helping you start planning the design of your new home with your  residential architect . Build your brief:  This is a great starting point and it will evolve as you flesh out your house plans, so don’t worry about getting it totally right on the first go. Start with the basics – the number and types of rooms, and any special rooms you want included. Then move on to what’s important to you in a home – a lively family kitchen, lots of natural light, low running and maintenance costs, and so forth. Think about what you want from your home, whether it’s to wake up to a particular view, to make an architectural statement or anything else – remember, it’s your home. Analyze your si...

When you’re planning to  build your dream home,  you’re going to want an architect with the right experience and qualifications. Here’s a quick guide to the industry terminology and what it means. Registered Architect:  In the USA, a Registered Architect is a Licensed Architect – a professional who has complete the requirements for architectural registration and hold a license to offer services in the relevant state. It is in fact illegal for anyone to call themselves an architect or offer these services without a license. RA, AIA or FAIA:  If your architect has any of these behind their name, it indicates that they are a Registered Architect. RA stands for “Registered Architect”, AIA stands for the “American Institute of Architects”, and FAIA stands for “Fellow of the American Institute of Architects”. An FAIA is a high honor and is only awarded to those architects who have made distinguished contribution to architecture. Architect’s stamp/Architect of ...

Remodeling an apartment is a very different project to remodeling a home, simply because of the amount of space you’re working with. Here are some tips from a top  residential architect  in NJ. Knock down walls:  Knocking down certain walls can transform your space, enlarge rooms and get a layout that actually works for you. You will need input from your architect and contractor before you break out the hammer, however, as you need to be sure that the wall is not a structural necessity. Open up the kitchen:  Older apartment buildings tend to have small, enclosed kitchens that are dark and difficult to use. Instead, open up the kitchen and make it a centerpiece for your apartment. It is the perfect entertainment space, making your apartment feel bigger and often opening up space for bigger appliances. Design your closets professionally:  There’s more to a closet than shelves and some hanging space, and you’ll be amazed at how a professional closet desig...

Old and period homes have so much to offer, it’s no surprise that so many people are interested in purchasing these properties and updating them. Although this process can be incredibly rewarding, it’s important to go into these projects understanding that there can be many expensive and difficult challenges to overcome before your dream home emerges. Here are some insights from a  residential architect in NJ. Plumbing problems:  Pre-1960s homes often have galvanized pipes which will have become clogged or corroded over time – and these issues may extend to your sewer lines as well. Moisture:  Water is incredibly damaging to a home, affecting walls, flooring and cabinetry as well as creating structural damage. Moisture also causes mold and mildew to thrive and attracts pest infestations. Older homes are especially susceptible to these issues, and leaking pipes or cracks in foundations and walls could mean stripping out walling and flooring, waterproofing and repa...

Architecture and interior design is constantly changing, keeping homes looking fresh, innovative and exciting. Here are some of this year’s biggest trends, according to leading  residential architects . Outdoor living space:  More than ever, homeowners want to break down the barriers between indoor and outdoor living, allowing them to have a much greater flow between the house and garden. Large patios that can be enclosed, sun rooms and outdoor kitchens are just some of the ways of incorporating the outdoors into your home. Natural light:  There’s a big demand for designs that maximize natural light through large windows, wider door openings and skylights. This is popular even in colder climates thanks to advances in glass technology that allows for huge windows without compromising insulation or increasing your spending on energy bills. Large folding glass doors are also popular, allowing homeowners to choose how open or closed they’d like their space to be. E...

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...

Craftsman style homes are a classic style that’s popular all across the USA. They are known for their wonderful curb appeal and charming architectural details. So, what makes this style so unique? Here’s a guide from a  leading NJ residential architect . History of the Craftsman-Style Home  This style has its roots in the British rebellion against the mass production and industrialization of the 19 th  century that started the Arts and Crafts Movement, a movement focused on handcrafted, unique character delivered by artisans. This was popularized in architecture through Gustav Stickley, who founded  The Craftsman  magazine through which he published free architectural blueprints. Features of Craftsman Architecture  Although this style was developed for its individuality, there are certain features that are common throughout many of these homes. These include: Low-pitched rooflines in a hip or gable style A covered front porch Pillars linin...

The cost of building a new  custom home plans  varies wildly according to where you’re building, your specific lot, the size of your home, and it’s features and finishes. HomeAdvisor puts the national average at $286,277 – but customized and high-end features in high-demand areas can push this average up to $700,000 with ease. So, how can you budget for a new home? Here are some guidelines from a leading NJ residential architect. What can you afford?  This is the ultimate deciding factor, so take a good look at your savings, assets you may sell (for example, your existing house) and what kind of loan you would qualify for at your bank. A good guideline for loans is that they should not exceed 25% of your stable monthly income. Square foot costs.  Square footages usually refer to heated areas of a home (so, not the basement or garages). Find a home that is similar to what you’d like to build – same area, same size, etc. – for comparison. A sales agent will be...

Building a new home is an exciting adventure with a fantastic reward once all the hard work is done. Ending up with your dream home takes hard work though, and there are plenty of challenges to overcome along the way. Here are the most common ones to look out for, from a leading  residential architect  firm in NJ. No project manager:  Acting as your own project manager is often used as a way to save money on your build. However, unless you have previous experience, you’re going to find that this will be more stressful and more expensive than you anticipated. Firstly, you won’t have the connections with local contractors to get the best quality at the best price. You’ll likely experience delays because you won’t know who needs to be hired and schedule at what point of the build, and because you’re a once-off project, contractors will likely prioritize return business over yours. Hiring an experienced project manager is worth the cost – they ensure that the best peo...

Homes may have one purpose – to deliver a living space for ourselves and our loved ones – but there are many more factors that come into play when we start the process of designing and building our dream homes. One important factor is the style of the home itself. Here’s a quick guide to the most popular architectural styles in the USA, from a leading  residential architect  in NJ. Craftsman:  This style dates back to the arts and crafts movement of the early 20 th century, where artisans rebelled against the cookie-cutter look of the homes built in the Industrial Revolution. These homes are all about creating a uniquely and artistic look, and generally have porches with thick columns, low-pitched roofs, exposed beams and a strong use of natural materials. Country or colonial style:  Reminiscent of the 18 th  century European colonists, these homes often have 2-3 stories and symmetrical placement of doors and windows. The front door entrance is a focal ...

Building a home is a large and complex project that, according to research by the 2016 Survey of Construction, takes about 6 months on average. However, the length of a project is influenced by a range of factors that can result in a building taking longer or shorter than this projection. Here are some insights from a  NJ residential architect . What Factors Can Influence the Time it Takes to Build Your Home?  Custom or production homes:  Production homes are faster at 4-6 month, while custom homes take 10-16 months on average to finish. The more unique, demanding or unusual your home’s style, the longer it may take to build. Region and environment:  The accessibility of your property for construction equipment, whether you’re in a rural area, small town or metro, and whether you’re in a mountainous or mid-Atlantic area all affects the timeline. For example, rural areas take 9 months on average while metros are around 7 months to completion. Weather can al...

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...