In property development and architecture, ZoningZoning is a set of regulations pertaining to land use and development established by the local municipality. Zoning regulations will designate certain building uses to specific areas and place requirements on the overall bulk of the building, such as height, floor area, and setbacks, to name a few. A Zoning […]| Fontan Architecture
If you are proposing a property development that does not fully comply with NYC’s Zoning Resolution, you will need a Zoning Variance. A Zoning Variance is a special approval to use or develop a property in a manner that does not fully conform to or comply with the Zoning Resolution. In NYC, Zoning Variances are under […]| Fontan Architecture
The inclusionary housing program in NYC provides zoning floor area bonuses for developments that reserve a portion of their buildings for affordable housing.| Fontan Architecture
Learn about NYC air rights and how they can be used to maximize property development. Development rights and zoning lots FAR, Air rights NYC| Fontan Architecture
SoHo and NoHo lofts are sometimes designated as Joint Living-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 unrestricted residential lofts due to the SoHo / NoHo rezoning plan, which has gone into effect. A JLWQA […]| Fontan Architecture
New York City loft apartments are typically high end residential units whose architectural design comes from the building's historic origins.| Fontan Architecture
For the discerning New Yorker, a home is more than just a place to live; it’s a reflection of identity, a sanctuary, and a space crafted to suit a unique lifestyle perfectly. In a city renowned for its iconic architecture and demanding standards of luxury, generic design doesn’t suffice. This mentality is especially true for […]| Fontan Architecture
You may have heard of Local Law 11, a regulation in New York City that requires regular inspections, repairs, and maintenance of buildings. What is Local Law 11 in New York City? In NYC Local Law 11 of 1998 also referred to as the Façade Inspection Safety Program or FISP, requires that all buildings […]| Fontan Architecture
In New York City, buildings over six stories must be inspected once every five years to ensure the public’s safety. An architect or engineer authorized to perform this inspection type is called a QEWI. What is a QEWI? A Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector or QEWI is a qualification that a Registered Architect or Professional […]| Fontan Architecture
There are many options for bathroom tile walls and floors. One option growing in popularity is porcelain tiles. Porcelain tiles are an excellent choice for bathrooms due to their durability, resistance to discoloration, and variety of design options. Porcelain tiles come in a wide range of colors, textures, and patterns, making it highly likely that […]| Fontan Architecture
Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is mathematical formula that determines how many square feet can be developed on a property in proportion to the lot area.| Fontan Architecture
Bathroom remodeling is one of the most important parts of a home renovation. There are many different directions you can go when redoing your bathrooms. I am Jorge Fontan an architect in New York and owner of Fontan Architecture an NYC-based architecture and design firm. At our office we work on various project types including […]| Fontan Architecture
There are many obvious and not so obvious bathroom design ideas you can incorporate into a new bathroom or bathroom renovation.| Fontan Architecture
21 NYC Bathroom Design Ideas for a modern home New York Bathroom Design pictures, and tips for creating a functional and beutiful bagthroom.| Fontan Architecture
There are many material options for bathroom walls and floors. It is very common to use tiles in a bathroom, but you may want to deviate from the norm of tiling your bathroom walls. There are several alternatives to bathroom tiles, including cementitious materials, waterproof plaster, and stone slabs. All of these finishes can create […]| Fontan Architecture
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 govern the shape and size of the building, such as height, floor area, […]| Fontan Architecture
Selecting an Apartment Renovation Architect in NYC is critical to your project. This post reviews an architect's role when remodeling in NYC.| Fontan Architecture
An Alteration Agreement is a contract one must enter before renovating an apartment. The Alteration Agreement outlines the building rules.| Fontan Architecture
SWARMP means Safe with a Repair and Maintenance Program for buildings under the Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP) or Local Law 11.| Fontan Architecture
The New York City DOB requires all buildings over six stories to comply with the Facade Inspection & Safety Program, also known as Local Law 11. The building owners must hire an architect or engineer who is also a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector to inspect the building and submit a report to the Department of […]| Fontan Architecture
The New York City Zoning Resolution establishes all of the zoning use and bulk requirements for new developments and alterations to existing buildings. Sometimes, due to unique conditions, following these regulations can be difficult and even impossible, making a development physically or financially unfeasible. If the zoning regulations create a legitimate hardship, one can apply […]| Fontan Architecture
The New York City Zoning Resolution sets regulations for developing a property, from a new building to a small home addition. These rules can sometimes be burdensome and result in unnecessary challenges for the owner. NYC has a system known as a Zoning Variance, where you can request special authorization to develop a property in […]| Fontan Architecture
The New York City Zoning Resolution sets regulations for developing a property, including all developments and improvements, from a new building to a small home addition. These regulations can sometimes be burdensome and result in unnecessary challenges for the owner. NYC has a system known as a Zoning Variance, where you can request a special […]| Fontan Architecture
New York City has many older apartments built at a time before people wanted large open kitchens. These apartments often have small enclosed kitchens that are not on par with today’s living standards. If you want to modernize your home with an open kitchen, there are many factors to consider. How To Open a […]| Fontan Architecture
Zoning is a set of regulations that govern how to use or develop a given property. These codes restrict the use and bulk of a building. In some cases, complying with the zoning regulations may be challenging. That is why you can apply for a zoning variance to seek relief from a specific requirement in […]| Fontan Architecture