Seth A Leeb Architect

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...

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?...

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...

In the State of New Jersey, commercial buildings are coded to determine the value of the building, both to the tenant and to guide property investors. As this can have a significant impact on your investment or business operations, it’s important to understand these codes. Here’s some insight from a commercial building architect in NJ. Class A – The Top of the Class Class A buildings offer the best quality at the highest price range. These buildings are usually newer (around 10 years old), with high-end finishes, in the best locations and with the best amenities (transport links, restaurants, etc.). They are usually of a very high build quality, encompassing innovative infrastructure and are professionally managed to a high standard. Class B – Value for Money Although these buildings are categorized below Class A, the quality they offer is usually still high and they deliver good value as a result. Older and not as centrally-located, tenants can still expect professional ma...

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...