Fontan Architecture Blog
Architecture, Planning, & Design Blog
Do You Need A Backsplash In Your Kitchen
Water and grease splatter from cooking are major problems in a kitchen. The wall behind the stove and sink is one area at risk for damage and staining, which is why you need to have a backsplash in your kitchen. A backsplash is the vertical surface at the back of a...
New York Loft Style Apartment
What is a Loft in New York? In New York, a loft is an apartment within a building that was originally built for industrial, warehouse, or commercial use that has since been converted to residential occupancy. NYC Lofts often have distinct architectural features such...
Residential Design Firm NYC Architects
I am Jorge Fontan, owner of Fontan Architecture, a New York City based architecture and design firm working on residential design projects throughout NYC. Below is a brief overview of some of the residential renovations we have completed over the last few years....
Converting SRO To Single Family in NYC
SRO stands for Single Room Occupancy. These are typically Class B rental units where individuals rent a single room and have shared bathroom facilities. In New York, many small buildings, townhouses, and brownstones were converted to SROs. Today there is a trend for...
How To Start an Apartment Renovation In NY
Starting an apartment renovation in New York City can be a complicated process. However, if you take it one step at a time, put together a good team, and have a solid game plan, you will be just fine. Renovating your apartment means you need to hire an architect and...
Loft Apartment Design Ideas in NYC
In New York City the term Loft means an apartment in former manufacturing and commercial buildings that have been converted into residential use. These buildings are found all over New York City, but mostly in neighborhoods such as SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, NoMad, and...
SoHo Loft Renovations
SoHo is the New York center of loft apartments with deep history and significant architectural character. This neighborhood once housed manufacturing and warehouse buildings that have since been converted into luxurious lofts and subsequently became some of the most...
Loft Architects, NYC Loft Renovations
Lofts are truly New York residential spaces filled with history that have become an icon of NYC living. These apartments are very unique in their architectural characteristics and in the manner they are occupied. Loft design requires an understanding and respect to...
5 Stupidest Zoning Laws in NYC
New York City has very convoluted, sometimes draconian, Zoning Laws. It's understandable that as a massive city, we would have extensive regulations on property development. But in my opinion, some parts of the NYC Zoning Resolution may go a little too far. I am an...
M1-6D Zoning NYC
M1-6D Zoning is a Light Manufacturing Zoning district in NYC. In the M1-6D district there are multiple uses you can develop, including manufacturing, commercial, community facility, and potentially residential in certain cases. You can find M1-6D Zoning in Manhattan,...
