Dean Mendez Architect, P.C.
Dean Mendez Architect, P.C.

 

 

DEAN MENDEZ ARCHITECT, P.C.

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about

Welcome to Dean Mendez Architect, P.C.

An Architectural practice based in Long Island City, New York with a current focus on interior renovations of homes.

Dean Mendez, Founder, is an Architect licensed in the State of New York.

Mr. Mendez has over twenty years' experience in the field and has worked in a diverse array of projects for both home and office properties.

For Mr. Mendez, the appeal of Home Architecture is characterized by the unique personal relationships that form between the Architect and client as they collaborate to create a space or home that will reflect the clients' self expression and comfort.

Mr. Mendez is committed to helping his clients turn their vision into reality through inspired, creative and innovative design solutions.

 
 
 
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Services

Designing a home is an important collaboration and here open communication and comprehensive service is provided to ensure a successful project. Listed below are the four key Architectural Services provided.

 

Schematic DESIGN

This is the first step in the design process of the project where the client's needs and "wish list" are established. In this phase, sketches of different design options will be presented for discussion and to organically evolve into one preferred scheme that will address the site and the design intent in a symbiotic fashion.

design development

The next step is to take the approved Schematic Design and develop the more detailed aspects of the project such as material selection, fixture selection and responses to site specific conditions. Here the client will be provided with floor plans, interior elevation drawings, samples and other information all of which serve to foster an approval of the final design.  

 

 

 

 

Contract Documents

Once the final design has been approved by the client Contract Documents are prepared. These are comprehensive drawings that include all the technical information by which a contractor can bid and construct your project. These drawings will also be submitted to the NY Department of Buildings for review and approval.

BID REVIEW / NEGOTIATION

In this phase the Architect will answer questions from the contractors during the bidding process then gather and compare bid prices to submit a bid analysis to the client for review and discussion.

 

OTHER SERVICES

RENDERING

Provide 3D renderings for apartment alteration projects and retail / commercial projects.

Drafting

Provide comprehensive CAD drawings from free hand sketches, PDF / CAD files with notes.

Exterior Facade Consultation

Provide consultation for local law cycle 8 issues, deteriorating facades, and exterior facade leak mitigation.

apartment alteration reviews

Work with building management companies to review apartment alteration packages and provide consultation on issues that may affect the building

 
 

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Key notes

Each project has their unique history and challenges but some aspects are common for all. Below is a general outline of topics to consider at the onset of your project:

TIME LINE

  • Design, Construction Drawings and Bidding can take up to 6 months depending on the complexity of the project.
  • Building board review and approval can last up to 3 months.
  • When your alteration affects the exterior of a Landmarked building it will require a Landmark permit prior to DOB approval. This process can take up to 6 weeks.
  • The NYC Department of Building review for Type 2 alterations and approval process can take from 3 to 4 weeks.
  • Construction can range from 2 to 8 months depending on the complexity of the project.
  • Your building's rules and regulations can have an impact on when you can begin your project. They may have specific stipulations on how many renovations can be in progress at any one time or they may prefer a specific time frame of the year for renovations to take place.

related issues with common renovation items

  • Kitchen and bathroom renovations. Some buildings will not allow wet-over-dry situations, meaning that relocating a bathroom or kitchen above a downstairs neighbor's. living room will be rejected by the building. The building may require you to replace plumbing lines back to the building's riser if you are performing major plumbing changes.
  • Central air conditioning. Apart from complying with energy codes and special inspections, some buildings will require you to hire a Sound Engineer to ensure that noise from your unit are properly mitigated so as not to disturb the surrounding apartments.
  • Window replacement. Some buildings will only allow a specific design look to keep in line with the overall building facade aesthetic.

The 2014 NYC Building Code as it applies to Existing Buildings

The 2014 NYCBC (28-101.4.3) still allows the optional use of prior codes This generally refers to the 1938 and 1969 NYC Building Codes but there are 19 categories of work that MUST use the 2014 codes. Among those that are typical for apartment alterations include Fuel gas, Plumbing, Mechanical, Accessibility, Energy Efficiency and structural.

 

 
 
 

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CONTACT

dma@deanmendez.com

917-301-0898

Thank You for visiting

Dean Mendez Architect, P.C.