Forum: Architects
November 20, 2009
Martin Brandwein?
Has anybody ever worked with architect Martin Brandwein? All feedback is appreciated.
November 19, 2009
Jim Hill-Urban Pioneering
I must mention Jim Hill of Urban Pioneering...he has worked with many of my customers and is straightforward, detail oriented and honest and gets the job done. He is also LEED certified and looking to make Brooklyn greener!www.urban-pioneering.com
Building Sketch
Looking for an affordable solution to have someone rough sketch a multi-use proposal for R5D zoning in Kensington along Church Avenue. The proposal is for an academic (MBA) project.
October 21, 2009
Architect Light or Heavy
Interested in others thoughts here. We're getting close to pushing forward on a major renovation on a three story town house. I say major renovation but the truth is the house will be largely be renovated rather than reconfigured. Speaking to some architects their cost is 20% of the overall project. For that they will draw up the plans, keep on top of the contractors and file plans with DOB etc. There are other architects we've spoken to who will draw up the plan and file with the city and that's it. For that they would charge a one time fee. Seems like the big difference is there would be no project management as such.
Now some people would be very hands on and deem the plan only approach fine but others may not be able to commit to this level of personal input. If anyone has any thoughts on the pros and cons here we'd appreciate it.
October 6, 2009
Change of Use to 3 Family
I am looking for a consultant to assist in a conversion from a one-family 1910 brooklyn townhouse to a three-family: sprinklers, fire escape, occupying basement, etc. I am not yet a licensed architect as so have limited code experience.
September 25, 2009
The Toren
Congratulations to the architect and developers of the Toren. You have achieved a timeless passé, even before construction completes. This rivals the 1980s eyesores that litter outer times square. Except for it's shear size, the Toren conjures up an image of a cheap toddlers toy and a stack of light beer cans.
Yes, the new building to the west is wholly uninspired, but at least it isn't flailing in an attempted mystique. If the Toren was trying to make a statement it was, "Hee hee, I made a building!".
I'll enjoy passing it on Flatbush, knowing that it came online at the trough of the bust, and lost.
September 8, 2009
Adding Floor of Glass & Light
-We intend to build an extension on the roof - possibly a floor and a half on a 20x45 structure, 3 stry house.
-We would set the extension a bit back from the front, so it is not so visible from the street.
- We would like lots of glass and light. V. modern in feel
- We would consider putting only rooms in the extension - without plumbing. However I would like to have an idea of what it would cost to have a small bathroom (toilet sink and shower), directly above 3rd floor bathroom. Would this be significantly more expensive ?
- Any idea of (1) who/architect has done this and (2) how much such an enterprise might cost ?
Any recommendations would be helpful
(My husband thinks that kits may be available, though I am doubtful)....
August 31, 2009
Architect recommendations?
Help! Changing our CO from commercial to 2-family plus retail. We've been waiting for our work permit from the DOB for a YEAR and already spent 5k. Our arch now claims he can't work w/the examiner (Mehta). We've finally decided to hire a new architect and refile. Any recs for someone great with paperwork and fast? Not a design problem.
August 6, 2009
Convert 2 Family House to 3 or 4
I'm planning to buy a 2 family house in Queens.
House is two floors plus basement, 19x63 building size , semi attached and currently is classified as 2 family.
It is rental house and second floor is converted to 2 separate apartments, plus basement is split in two extra rental units, each with bathroom and shower and kind of kitchen. First floor is separate apartment, nothing wrong.
What are the chances of legalizing all this and converting to 4 family or 3 family plus office in the basement and what would it cost. I’d like to get an estimate of how much of a trouble it can be before I buy property.
July 18, 2009
Claims Against an Architect
maybe a touchy subject but has anyone ever sued their architect after a project for E&O (errors and omissions). what was the experience like? what was the outcome? would you do it again?
ours has made three errors related to fire code that has resulted in ~$10K in unnecessary costs. he acknowledges an overly conservative reading of the regulations, apologizes and then ... that's it. i'm glad he's learning as he goes but its absurd that he does it on my dime.
i contacted a construction claims and litigation specialist who said its too small a claim to hire a lawyer/outside consultant. but it's a real hit to my wallet and i want him to share that pain.
is it just too tedious to pursue for that amount? is it up to me to vet his decisions before i sign off on them? or is it all "buyer beware"?
i know there are great architects out there. i won't let him sully your profession.