by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Jul 10, 2020 | Architectural Design Process, General Architecture
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... 
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Apr 16, 2021 | Architectural Design Process, General Architecture
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... 
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Jun 26, 2020 | General Architecture, Hospitality, NYC DOB, NYC Zoning
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... by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Feb 6, 2021 | General Architecture
In Real Estate Development the term Grandfathered means that an existing building does not have to comply with a current zoning or building code because it was legally built before the application of such code. Buildings can be Grandfathered by existing before a code... 
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Feb 6, 2021 | General Architecture
A Single Family House is a house designed for one family to occupy the home. This is also referred to as a home with one Dwelling Unit. A Dwelling Unit is a residential space dedicated for the use of one person or one family. I am an architect in New York, so I am... by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Feb 6, 2021 | General Architecture, NYC Zoning
A building arcade is a covered portion of a building that is otherwise open to a street or public area. What is a Building Arcade? A building arcade is a covered portion of a building that is otherwise open to a street or public area. These are called arcades... 
