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
Planning your New York City loft renovation, or considering the purchase of one that needs work, is an exciting endeavor. The high ceilings, open space, and large windows offer a canvas for truly unique design. Still, the renovation journey in NYC is notoriously complex. Beyond the fun of the design process lies a system of […] The post Navigating the NYC Loft Renovation Process: Permits, Boards, & More appeared first on Fontan Architecture.| Fontan Architecture
When designing and building a luxury bathroom, we are not using everyday materials and products. For a bathroom to be truly luxurious, it must be custom-made and feature high-quality materials throughout, including the sink. A custom stone bathroom sink is an ideal option for a luxury bathroom design. First of all, bathrooms must be custom-made […] The post Custom Stone Bathroom Sink Designs appeared first on Fontan Architecture.| 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 options for bathroom niche design. However, when designing your niche, it is essential to ensure it complements the overall bathroom design. Shower niches are a great convenience, providing organization and storage in the bathroom. The ease of use is an excellent benefit for bathroom niches, and they can seamlessly integrate into the […] The post Shower Niche Ideas appeared first on Fontan Architecture.| 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
Contact Fontan Architecture a New York City based Architecture Firm owned by Architect Jorge Fontan.| 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
New York City Lofts are a unique type of home originating from commercial and manufacturing buildings converted to residences. Loft renovations in NYC require understanding their history and architectural characteristics, but to create a truly unique home, we must incorporate our client’s individuality into the design. I am Jorge Fontan, an architect in New York […] The post Loft Renovations in NYC appeared first on Fontan Architecture.| Fontan Architecture
Designing a luxury bathroom involves creating a vision around the individual client. Bespoke design, attention to detail, using high-end materials, and strict adherence to quality craftsmanship must come together for a truly luxurious bathroom design. I am Jorge Fontan, an architect in New York and the owner of Fontan Architecture, a Manhattan-based architecture and design […] The post Luxury Bathroom Designs in NYC appeared first on Fontan Architecture.| Fontan Architecture
Creating a luxury apartment renovation requires planning, attention to detail, and a team that understands high-quality design and construction. Bespoke design and elevated quality are the essence of what distinguishes a luxury home as an exceptional residence. Custom design, high-quality materials, and craftsmanship are the key fundamentals of a luxury home. The residence must be […] The post Luxury Apartment Renovations in Manhattan appeared first on Fontan Architecture.| Fontan Architecture
An Alteration Agreement is a contract one must enter before renovating an apartment. The Alteration Agreement outlines the building rules.| Fontan Architecture
To combine two apartments into one in NYC, you will need to hire an architect to design the apartment combination and file for permits with the NYC Department of Buildings. In most cases, the architect will file an Alteration Type 2 application with the NYC DOB as per TPPN #3/97. You can combine two adjacent […]| Fontan Architecture
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 a “Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector”. I am Jorge […]| Fontan Architecture
What is FISP? The Façade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP), formerly known as Local Law 11, is a requirement for buildings to have regular inspections to verify the safety of the exterior walls for buildings over six stories in NYC. Safety reports are filed with the NYC DOB every five years. The building owner is […]| 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 NYC Facade Inspection & Safety Program, FISP Cycle 10 begins on 2/21/2025 and is broken into 3 FISP Sub-Cycles: 10A, 10B, & 10C.| 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
