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June 24, 2008

In need of architect for facade renovation

We are a coop in need of an architect for a facade renovation project. We need drawings and spec sheets for a contractor bid package. I'm coming to this process new so I am trying to find the correct way to proceed. It is not a huge job. Does anyone have any experience with this kind of project? Or can recomend an architect you have worked with successfully. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Comments

Why do you need an architect? Seems like a wasted 15% to me. Just hire a good contractor and discuss what needs to be done and what you want to be done.

Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 10:30 PM

You don't need an architect, except maybe to file plans. Try the Cooperator, the newsletter that goes out to Co-Op and condo boards. Lots of businesses advertising this service.

Also, if you're not self-managed, your managing agent should have someone for you, on the take or not...

Posted by: guest at June 25, 2008 1:23 AM

I gotta say, avoiding the use of architects in general is always my advice. They often know less than you might think, and they are also, just as often, nothing more than expensive, power-tripping egomaniacs.

Instead hire personally referred contractors; if they need approved plans to file for permits they'll know where to get them for less money and hassle.

Posted by: guest at June 25, 2008 9:50 AM

Who did the rendering above? Looks great and should be all a good contractor will need.

Posted by: cmu at June 25, 2008 9:53 AM

I'm not an architect but I have to say that they definitely serve their purpose. A good architect, like Lisa Easton who is curently handling a $1.2m historic restoration project for me in my professional life, is worth their weight in gold. A good architect can point you to the right contractors, speak their language and specify the package correctly so that the owner is not ripped off, all while ensuring that you satisfy any Landmarks or City restrictions. Other good architects I've worked with on similar projects are H3 (Hugh Hardy) and Charles Gifford. All three choices will give you support for various levels of work but none of them can afford to come to the table for a project less than $500k in scope.

That said, if you are only doing brownstone repair etc, then I agree with the others in that an architect is overkill. A quality contractor like Big Apple Restoration should be enough. A quick round of research among your co-op owning colleagues could also help you find a contractor that can do a 'small' job.

Posted by: guest at June 25, 2008 10:23 AM

"...but none of them [architects] can afford to come to the table for a project less than $500k in scope."

Now THAT is what I would call the quote of the week!

Posted by: guest at June 25, 2008 10:29 AM

Among other problems the portico roof and railing needs to be redesigned to allow proper drainage. There is a lot of water damage on the underside and columns as a result. Our thinking was that it might be better to have an architect make drawings and material specs sheets so that there is a clear understanding with the contractor as to how to do it and something to hold them to since we are self managed and don't have the expertise to make the correct decisions when the time comes to do so. We are hoping to find an architect with a good knowledge of this type of job. But you may be right about them in general. The building had a bad architect in the past which is partly why we are faced with our current problems.
Can anyone recommend a reliable contractor!
The drawing is from a blueprint we found in the basement which I scanned, cleaned and colorized. I wish I could photoshop the the real thing!
Thank you for your advice.

Posted by: bputnam 39 at June 25, 2008 10:42 AM

our company recenty reconstructed the entire cornice at 362 east 35th street and would love the oppurtunity to renovate your facade.
please review our website (the cornice pics are not up yet but i can email them to you if you want).
http://colonialconceptscorp.com/

Steve Wagner
Project Manager
516-792-5772

Posted by: steve79 at June 25, 2008 1:36 PM

10:42, you should go with an engineer to do this work, not an architect. I can give you a coupla names, contact me thru my website.

If you insist on just a contractor, Big Apple as mentioned above is OK. I like Basonos, who's in Brooklyn also.

Posted by: denton at June 25, 2008 3:08 PM

I am a registered architect in the state of Massachusetts.

For a project of this scope, one could really get away with a reputable engineer whom works with an experienced contractor. Anything structurally deficient on a non stick-built structure usually requires us, for liability and other regulatory reasons, to consult an engineer anyway.

The engineer should be able to correct all the drainage issues, not any structural flaws to be repaired, specify the roof drainage angles, insulation, waterproof membranes, flashing, re-pointing, etc. A good contractor will be familiar will all the necessary labor and materials, the engineer will make sure all the technical issues are coordinated and addressed.

You'd only really need an architect if you were altering the existing exterior rather than simply rehabilitating it.

Posted by: guest at June 25, 2008 3:36 PM

Sorry that should read, "note any structural flaws to be repaired"

Posted by: guest at June 25, 2008 3:39 PM

KARL ANTHONY ARCHITECT, LLC

718 857 3834 Business Phone

New offices on Fulton street

Great Designer and full time contact with qualified engineers and building department.

I recommend at least a call, tell him Joe Coello referred him.

Posted by: coecoenuts at June 27, 2008 8:35 AM