Fontan Architecture Blog
Architecture, Planning, & Design Blog
Local Law 11 Architect, QEWI
Local Law 11 also known as FISP requires facade inspections to be performed by a licensed architect or engineer who is also qualified as a QEWI. A QEWI is a Registered Architect or Professional Engineer who is certified by the New York City Department of Buildings as...
FISP Facade Inspection Safety Program Local Law 11
What is FISP? The Facade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP) also known as Local Law 11 is a requirement for building owners to have regular inspections by an architect or engineer to verify the safety of exterior walls for buildings over six stories in NYC. Safety...
Why Porcelain is Good For a Bathroom
There are many options for wall and floor materials when renovating a bathroom. One very popular option is porcelain. Before choosing your bathroom materials you may be asking yourself: Is Porcelain Good for a Bathroom? Porcelain is often used for bathrooms because...
Why You Need a GFCI in a Bathroom?
You need to install GFCI or GFI outlets in your bathroom because bathrooms are wet areas and GFCI outlets will automatically shut off if water comes in contact with the electrical current. Building and Electrical Codes typically require at least one GFCI per bathroom...
Converting JLWQA Artist Lofts to Residential in SoHo
SoHo and NoHo lofts are sometimes designated as Joint Live Work Quarters for Artists (JLWQA). If you are not an artist and would like to own one of these lofts, you can now convert certain JLWQA lofts to an unrestricted residential loft as a result of the SoHo / NoHo...
NYC Rezoning Process
Zoning codes in New York City dictate the use and bulk of buildings based on their zoning district. Use regulations determine what goes into a building such as whether it is for residential, commercial, manufacturing, or community facility use. The Bulk regulations...
Why You Need a Separate Workspace at Home
Working from home has become a very common aspect of daily life. Many people work from home full time while some others work between home and the office. One common problem with working from home is the constant distraction coming from the home infiltrating into the...
Magnetic Paint For Kitchen Walls
You can hang papers, reminders, photographs, and most certainly children's drawings on the refrigerator using magnets. However, there are other options to create magnetic surfaces at home, with one being the use of magnetic paint or primer to create a magnetic wall....
SoHo Rezoning 2021
On December 15, 2021 New York City Council passed a rezoning plan to SoHo and NoHo. This plan incorporates rezoning to mixed use zoning districts for commercial and residential uses with Mandatory Inclusionary Housing for residential developments within the newly...
Converting a Studio To One Bedroom in NYC
Can you turn a studio into a one bedroom apartment? It is possible to legally turn a studio apartment into a one bedroom apartment in NYC provided the studio has sufficient floor area and windows. An architect can obtain approval from the NYC Department of Buildings...
