Hey jersey city homeowners, can anyone recommend a decent Architech?
Looking to do some renovations.
Thanks in advance
-r

Lycel P. Villanueva, RA, PP, LEED AP
MV Studio Architects, LLC
(551) 358-3563


I'm currently working with her in putting a 2 story addition + deck on a brownstone by Van Vorst Park. In addition to her reasonable prices, she's extremely meticulous (in a good way) and enthusiastic about the work she does. I know she's also doing other work in historic district and has the know how of the local regulations. I would highly recommend her as long as you don't take up too much of her time away from my project :)

Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced architect who is used to working within the historic district guidelines.

We need plans for a two story deck and an exterior door in downtown JC.

Thanks!
Patty

I have never heard of him. But from my experience in renovating a home, I secured 4 references for each contractor. I was very happy that I did. I also saw the work of the contractors.

Good luck.

Hey everybody, my wife and I are undertaking a large remodel in a historical brownstone in Van Vorst and are considering using George Weiner of GALE Architectural Services for our architect. Does anyone have anything to say positively or negatively? We are checking references and found him through word of mouth but figured we would check here too.

thanks!

Try Larry Sassi. Lives in JC. Really good guy. Straight talking etc.

Interested in architect reco's for a kitchen and bathroom renov - potentially other parts of the home too. Also, I've never done a renovation before. Would be interested to hear from others who've done gone through renovations in Jersey City on advice and experience in terms of the timeline from plans to completion, things to avoid, and how exactly you work with an architect. Thanks!

Thanks- this is already really helpful and enough to get started!!!

Hi--try Lycel Villanueva (lycel@mvstudioarch.com). She's an architect, city planner, is on the JC Landmarks Preservation Committee, won an award for the work on her own house in Bergen-Lafayette, knows everybody, and is well-liked and respected. Some day, when I can afford it, she'll redo my kitchen.

We're looking to remodel the first floor and ground floor of a wood frame, vinyl-sided multi- family downtown. It's a pretty large space but broken up in a weird layout.

Before starting the work, we'd like to sit down with an architect to think about the larger plan.

Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks!!

If you go with a % based fee I believe it should be in the area of 10% of the total project cost, paid in installments and adjusted for cost increases or decreases. If they do it this way, they normally stick around to consult with the contractor, inspect the work as it progresses and deal with any complications that come up.

The 10% is just my own experience with one architect. Don't know if others charge more or less.

They probably will not include permits, although they will provide the drawings and specs you need for the permit application. You'll have to get the permits yourself or hire an expediter to do it.

thanks everyone for the recommendations & info! i will check them all out.

This Guy is truly amazing and reasonable.

Scott Mahaffey RA AIA
www.scottmahaffeyarchitect.com
917 822 4567

bearbear -

We've been talking to several architects about rennovating our brick rowhouse. Several of them wanted to charge us a fee based on a % of the contstruction cost. Others charge a flat fee...much cheaper but don't provide much service (overseeing construction, permits, etc.). We opted for a flat fee since it is much cheaper.

Yeah this guy is an old-school JC?er. He never abandoned JC when so many others did?


"Ron Russell has been Principal in LWDMR since 2005. Ron?s dynamic attitude and experience has led to the completion of both small and large scale projects including; site and facility studies, master planning, creation of redevelopment plans, and site plan approvals throughout New Jersey. Ron has worked at length with non-profit, government and private organizations. His extensive knowledge of the latest editions of New Jersey Construction Codes has always been an indispensable tool to the team. He has served on the board of the Mustard Seed School Real Estate Committee, Commissioner and Board Chairman for 10 years on the Jersey City Historic Preservation Commission and a current board member on the Stevens Coop Building Facilities Committee. His involvement with our community and efficient approach to projects have been a great asset to our office."


This place has been doing work in JC before JC was dubbed ?hip? by the hipsters.

They helped make JC ?hip? .


LWDMR & Associates, PC

www.lwdmr.com

PS ? ask him about his tattoo?err I mean ..tattoo?s.

Ronald J. Russell
LWDMR & Associates, P.C.
140 Bay Street, Suite 4, Jersey City, NJ 07302
201-333-5017 Ext. 115 Fax 201-333-5309
www.lwdmr.com
RRUSSELL@lwdmr.com

Sorry if this has been addressed here & I didn't see it but has anyone worked with an architect to renovate in downtown JC? I've never worked with one before & I'm not sure how much they typically charge or what you get for their services. Can anyone fill this uneducated newbie in? Much appreciated.