Fontan Architecture Blog
Architecture, Planning, & Interior Design Blog
NYC Loft Design Ideas
Loft apartments are a unique type of living that comes from formerly industrial, commercial, or warehouse buildings being converted into multifamily residential use. Lofts often have high ceilings, exposed structure and large open spaces. When renovating lofts you can...
20 Bathroom Design Ideas
Of all the rooms in a home, bathrooms have some of the most decisions and options to consider. There are many obvious and not so obvious bathroom design ideas you can incorporate into a new bathroom or bathroom renovation. As an architect, I spend a large percentage...
NYC Residential Property Development Checklist
Property Survey Environmental Site Assessment Easements Deed Restrictions Previous Air Rights Deals Grandfathered Conditions Landmark Violations Underlying Zoning District Commercial Overlay Special Zoning District Small Zoning Lots Year of Apportionment Sliver Law...
How To start an Architectural Design
When starting an architectural design I begin with identifying 5 key pieces of information. These 5 points are the: Program, Site, Constraints, Concept, and Goals of the project. By identifying these main points an architect will have enough information to begin an...
Plan, Section, Elevation Architectural Drawings Explained
Plan, Section, and Elevation are different types of drawings used by architects to graphically represent a building design and construction. A plan drawing is a drawing on a horizontal plane showing a view from above. An Elevation drawing is drawn on a vertical plane...
Legally Required Windows
Legally Required Windows are windows that must be provided to satisfy a code requirement for example a bedroom must have a window as per code. This would be considered a Legally Required Window. Legally Required Window Certain spaces with buildings have...
Is a Hotel Commercial or Residential
Weather a hotel is a commercial or residential building is a matter of context. For example according to the New York City Zoning Resolution a hotel is a commercial use whereas the New York City Building Code Classifies a Hotel as Residential Occupancy. A hotel being...
Sheepshead Bay Zoning
The Special Sheepshead Bay Zoning District in Brooklyn is one of many special zoning districts in New York City. Special Districts have additional zoning requirements otherwise not stipulated in the Zoning Resolution. Sheepshead Bay Zoning The Sheepshead...
Special Hudson Yards Zoning District
The Special Hudson Yards Zoning District is one of many special zoning districts in New York City. Special Districts have additional zoning requirements otherwise not stipulated in the Zoning Resolution specific only to those locations. Hudson Yards...
Special Park Improvement Zoning District NYC
The Special Park Improvement District is one of many special zoning districts in New York City. Special Districts have additional zoning requirements otherwise not stipulated in the Zoning Resolution specific only to those locations. Park Improvement...
