Forum: Architects
March 13, 2010
Glass wall facing garden
We bought a garden duplex in a renovated building in Park Slope about a year ago. We would love to replace most of the wall facing the garden with a glass wall, but we understand there are structural issues involved. Can anyone recommend an architect and/or engineer who might tell us what's possible?
March 9, 2010
Recommendation of Architect
Johann Grobler Architects designed and project managed the renovation of my Park Slope brownstone. Throughout the process, working with Johann was a pleasure. I should begin by explaining that for most of the time, I was 3500 miles away in London, visiting monthly. Throughout, I was unconcerned about
the progress of the project, in part due to Johann’s attention to detail and care. The contractor, Callaghan Construction Corporation, who were recommended by Johann proved extremely reliable and carried out work to a high standard.
I found Johann’s name on Brownstoner, so I feel obliged to readers to return the favor by writing this review. Johann inspected the house before I purchased it and offered some initial thoughts on what would be involved in the project. He oversaw the process of selection and bidding by contractors. I ended up using a contractor with whom Johann has worked several times in the past. In every case, where Johann cited a supplier or subcontractor, the individual proved to be reliable and impressive. During the design process, he made recommendations firmly, but where we disagreed or had to make choices to stay within our budget, Johann accommodated and in many cases bettered our ideas. Whilst Johann would always initially recommend what he believes to be the ‘best’ solution, he was respectful of a budget and worked effectively around it. During the course of the project, Johann provided me with bi-weekly pictures and contractor meeting notes. He worked iteratively with the DOB and landmarks in order to obtain authorizations. I am very
certain that there were many setbacks which occurred during the course of the project of which I am not even aware due to Johann’s diligence and experience.
The project involved a gut renovation of a 1st Street Brownstone in the Historic District. There were many original features in the property, but many were in a very bad state of repair. We were keen to preserve as much of the defining features of the house as possible. Johann created a plan which restored many of the larger features on the main floor, whilst still creating a comfortable house with modern conveniences. Johann guided our selection of fittings and fixtures and made very high quality recommendations. He had strong relationships with the suppliers that he recommended who as a result, were willing to spend time with me assisting decisions and – usefully – offered a discount due to their on-going collaboration
with Johann. His attention to detail was outstanding throughout the project and he worked closely with the contractor to ensure that work was completed to a standard that met his satisfaction. I would strongly recommend Johann Grobler to anyone who is contemplating a renovation of a period property. Please feel free to contact me at philipjjacob AT hotmail DOT com for any more information I can offer about my experience with Johann’s firm.
February 26, 2010
Architect on Record
I am looking for a licensed architect who can be the architect on record for an Alt 1 filing. Will have the filing set complete. Please let me know if there are any recommendations for anyone who could do it for $2-$3K.
Thank you
February 22, 2010
Looking for Architect and GC
I am in search of an experienced architect and a GC. References required. Gut reno of a 5 story brownstone in Harlem. Aiming to begin construction this spring/summer.
February 17, 2010
Architect Quote
I own a corner property and consulted with an architect with the idea of splitting one store into three stores. He told me that it was easy to do on buildings built before 1968. He said the only requirements are that each space must have its own partition with a door connecting it to the other space. He quoted me 2500 for the plans and an additional 600 filing fees.
Couple of questions - are such plans legit,? has anyone done them and could share some light on them? and does the price sound all right?
February 16, 2010
Brownstone Renovation 1st Timer
Hi,
I am a newbie looking to do a brownstone renovation and am beginning my search for an architect and conractor. I know there is tons of experience out there and I am eager to tap into it. I am in the beginning stages of researching everything... here are my preliminary questions.
Architect: how do I go about finding one, what kinds of questions do I need to be asking? How is the cost determined? What is the process? It is likely that the property is in need of a gut. I am looking for mid to high end finishes and detail.. and need to also figure out how to set a budget, what to expect in terms of cost... All advice is welcomed. Thanks for taking the time to reply.
February 9, 2010
Architect Recommendation
I want to recommend an architect that I've been working with for the past year. Laurie Lieberman is a Park Slope based architect who came into a difficult project (we'd divorced our previous architect after nearly 2 years of trying to get Co-op Board approval), and turned it around. Her design sense is beautiful, she is considerate of budget, easy to work with, local (which makes dropping by a breeze during the actual construction phase), detail oriented, thoughtful and able to get along with lots of difficult personalities (a must for our project). She has a wonderful contractor working on this project and they are actually ahead of schedule! I can't say enough wonderful things about them - look them up on the internet at llarchitects.com. I know I sound overly effusive, but the first 18 months of this project (design and approval) were sloppy, inconsistent, and challenging. Ever since she stepped in, the project has run smoothly.
Architect Needed
I'm purchasing some vacant land in NYC. I already know the zoning on the lots but am looking for a architect to verify that it is buildable land and discuss what can be built.
February 8, 2010
Architect for 2 Family Reno
Hi all,
Can anyone recommend an architect for a 2 family renovation in WT?
Thanks!
February 3, 2010
Question for Architect re: M1-2D
I own a small 2 family wood frame on a M1-2D lot. It is in poor condition. I'd like to renovate and enlarge the property and keep it as a 2 family or at least mixed use. Is this possible in a M1-2D zone? The street is mostly 1-2 family or vacant lots.