Permit Expediting

Advancing your project from design to construction, as smoothly as possible.

At JL Architects we pride ourselves on the different areas of expertise that we offer our clients; permit expediting is one of these areas.

In today's complex and ever changing regulatory environment, it is critical to
understand the legal permit requirements for new construction, tenant fit-outs, renovations, alterations, etc. At JL Architects we offer personalized and expeditious permitting services to our clients. Time is money and we are eager to help you save both.

From the beginning of the project, JLA will research the project location and what the expectations are within the township in achieving your permits in the quickest time possible. We complete and submit your required drawings, applications and forms, track the review process, keep you posted on the progress, and inform you of any revisions to the plans that may need to be made, per the codes regulated by that township. We have an extensive knowledge of building and zoning codes. This knowledge makes the permit process a much smoother ride.

The permit process can be very simple to very complex. JL Architects is licensed in 38 states, and each state, and, or municipality follows their own code. Reed Construction is a helpful tool in obtaining the proper codes used in locations throughout the United States. There are times when we need to be very creative in getting your permits on time, in order to meet your deadlines, and leasing requirements. Some municipalities will review your drawings within 7-10 business days and others may take up to 6 months or longer. When you have a deadline of 2 weeks to get a permit and the plan review takes 4-6 weeks, this is where creativity comes into play. We request pre-plan review meetings, partial approvals, and as needed, the assistance of a general contractor.  More times than not, when plans go in for permit, they are going out for bid at the same time. Having a great relationship with your general contractor can be very useful in more ways than just building your project.

JL Architects is always looking for ways to save our clients’ money. If we are permitting a job outside of a 4 hour trip one way, it may be more cost effective for us to hire an outside expeditor such as Burnham Nationwide, or Professional Permit Expediting Services. Burnham Nationwide has offices in Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York and San Jose. Professional Permit Expediting Services, Inc. covers areas in Maryland and Virginia. Both companies are highly recommended, and have been doing permit expediting services for over 20 years.

Let JL Architects make your life easier by handling and coordinating your permit needs.

- Deanna Zynn

The Advantage of BIM

As it relates to Prefabrication & Modular Construction

JL Architects has had the opportunity to work on a few modular building designs.  Our most recent project is the Ridgedale Condominiums in Madison, NJ.  In 2011, we were hired by Weston Solutions, Inc. to produce the design of the Wyalusing Hotel Annex.  We have experienced some of the many benefits of BIM, and learned when it is most advantageous.

 As more advanced technology develops within the AEC industry, it is important to keep current with the trends and look for ways in which these technologies can be utilized throughout the design and construction process.  After recently attending  BIM Forum, a conference held in Denver that attracted construction and design professionals nationwide, I was exposed to the benefits of utilizing Building Information Modeling (BIM) as it relates to prefabrication and modular construction.

Prefabrication and modular construction is rapidly gaining momentum for several key reasons. Typically, projects that have been designed with a modular approach and have components assembled offsite; see various benefits such as coordinated design, streamlined schedule, cost savings, consistent quality, and job site safety.

Having the ability to digitally model building components in a BIM software (Revit) prior to construction enables all project stakeholders to become familiar with the ‘kit-of-parts’ and determine potential clashes within the trades, thus saving time and money. In addition to this key benefit, the parts modeled within the software can then be exported to rapid protyping machines or CNC milling machines for fabrication.

The technology built into Revit differs drastically from the program most people are familiar with, AutoCAD. Instead of generating separate floor plans, sections, elevations and perspectives manually, Revit will generate these views automatically and they update in ‘real-time’ as changes are made to the model.

Whether your next project requires a modular design approach or you would like to visualize your building in 3D before it’s built, you can count on JL Architects. 

- Tim Markwardt

LEED for Retail: Commercial Interiors

We were recently approached by our client, Jason Neely, of Palm Beach Tan, to participate in their endeavor of designing a more environmentally friendly salon, striving for a LEED certification. Jason stated, “Our business, as a whole, uses a lot of power and resources”. He questions, “How can we give back some of what we use and reduce our carbon footprint?” Despite the cynics, there are ways that a tanning salon can reduce their consumption and become a more green operation.

LEED for Retail was created for the unique characteristics of retail facilities, which often open stores in existing buildings. It’s broken down into criteria for New Construction and Commercial Interiors Rating Systems. The LEED Rating System offers tenants an option to become certified at the site level rather than the project building level and attributes standards which the retailer can implement in each new retail location.

So, where do we start? Each project begins with reviewing the LEED Checklist and evaluating which credits this specific project endeavors to achieve for certification. For our “case study”, Palm Beach Tan chose a 2,100 square foot suite located immediately adjacent to the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA.

• Site Selection- As realtors like to say, it’s all about “location”. By selecting to build in a walkable community, with its proximity to public services and transportation, they’ve established a great foundation towards their goal. 
• Water Use Reduction - Using low-flow plumbing fixtures not only helps with their utility bills, it helps reduce the demand on the local water supply and waste water systems. 
• Power Demand - A tanning salon typically requires a large power supply to run the beds and booths.  Installing more efficient lighting fixtures using LED lamps in lieu of fluorescent lamps, and using occupancy sensors in the rooms, can decrease the overall load requirements. 
• HVAC Energy Performance - Running high efficient heating and cooling systems with thermostats to control the indoor temperature is another way to cut energy consumption. 
• Low Emitting Materials - Utilizing low-emitting materials, such as low VOC paints, adhesive and sealants, and flooring and wall products contribute to better air quality not only during the construction process, but for the occupants who will use the space every day. 
• Waste Management - Green building initiatives can also involve how the tenant fit-out is built.  Construction waste and demolition debris can be diverted from landfills by implementing a construction waste management plan.  This type of plan identifies materials which can be sorted to be salvaged or recycled rather than just thrown away.  
• Indoor Air Quality - LEED Credits are earned for employing air quality management plans, not only during construction, but also after completion and before occupancy occurs.                                                                                                                                               

Palm Beach Tan’s ambition to instill a more sustainable business practice into a trade not typically known for their ecological prowess is commendable. Jason expressed his desire, “do what we can to be the best company” and “be as green as possible”.

Although I only touched on a small number of possible credits and while these qualifications steer towards LEED certification, the benefits of using these methods in everyday construction are worth the investment.  Next time you’re interested in a LEED certified project, let one of JL Architects, three LEED AP’s assist you!

-Melanie Hicks

When is a Pre-engineered Metal Building right for your project?

The modern pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) as we know it today began to take shape in the 1980’s, but its roots were founds well over 100 years before. Its history was derived from the agricultural industry and the need for “prefabricated” silos and storage equipment. The usefulness and ease of construction made it the perfect avenue for other building types. As the manufacturing of these metal structures evolved, and World War II began, the advantages of weld-less construction began to spark interest of this building type with the military. Barracks and buildings could be designed, fabricated, shipped and assembled to the front lines to provide housing for the soldiers and their equipment. During this era, the ease of onsite building assembly by the use of bolts was an advantage over traditional building methods. As the needs increased throughout the war, the process advanced and many new jobs were created for this “simple” building type. In the 1980’s with the evolution of the PC and CAD software systems PEMB’s became a much more technologically driven building type. Engineers were able to refine the shape and forms of the structure to increase the spans at which the frames could reach. This is was a major benefit to the usefulness of the space, because spans which typically would have a grid of columns through the middle now became completely open.

The thin walled barrel roof barracks have evolved into state of the art building systems with integrated insulation, windows, skylights and doors! The vision of a pre-engineered building has evolved from a strictly industrial building type to buildings which lead the way for energy efficient structures with a modern architecture aesthetic.  Advantages of PEMB include the ability to have a single source for construction, lower cost, and the rapid design / delivery of the building compared to traditional steel buildings. The limitations that architects once faced can now be engineered to adjust bracing and frame locations to reasonably accommodate any architectural requirements.

Today, JL Architects works with PEMB for many projects from offices to maintenance facilities. Our recently completed Best Line Equipment used this building type as the base of their shop requirements. The large column free spans allowed their shop to be open; therefore allowing flexibility in the interior. The shop area also benefits from an abundance of natural light permeating into the space from the integrated skylights in the roof system. JL Architect’s vision was to help integrate daylight harvesting techniques into the building to decrease energy consumption. In this case the shop also boasts an insulated panel wall system. This type of system which is unique to PEMB’s, allows the entire wall system to be installed in a few short days with no additional work to clad, or insulate the envelope.

The utilitarian form from which it was derived has become a more interesting and useful construction system. If you have a project that may benefit from this construction type, let JL Architects help develop your project from an idea to reality with our expertise!

Let JL Architects be your guide to Multi-Family Housing!

You probably are most familiar with JL Architects work in the retail & restaurant sectors. However, as you work your way through our portfolio you will see an array of housing projects - for private homeowners, multi-family developers, and the public sector.  We think that after looking through our portfolio, and speaking with our project managers, you will be considering the benefits of hiring JL Architects for you next housing project! 

Let’s start by looking at JL Architects hometown of Chester County.  In 2008 & 2009 with the economy struggling, very few housing projects were being completed.  It was a familiar sight to be driving down the road and see stories of exposed framing, and not a construction worker insight.   However, the Housing Authority of Chester County desperately needed renovation work completed on their sites.  With low budgets and specific deadlines, JL Architects was chosen to bring units up to ADA standards, create added security and social interaction, while providing an aesthetic face lift to their communities.   

In Montgomery County, PA JL Architects  has contributed to the master planning of a senior living community.  We provided the client with renderings that depicted vernacular architecture and community activities integrated together.  The private developer also appreciated the additional marketing tools we provided them with for their properties. 

Leaving the southeastern Pennsylvania region and conventional construction practices behind, you will arrive at a hotel built out of necessity.  Although hotels are normally not categorized as housing, our client Weston Solutions came to JL Architects  and requested our services in a hotel project for a gas company’s employees to live in while working on a Marcellus Shale site.  The project consisted of a prefabricated modular design by IDBS that required our guidance through the design and construction phase. To read more about this project select this link to a previous blog about modular building.

Currently, JL Architects has two housing projects in production.  The first is a 3,000+ square feet private residence in the Chester County area. Our principal John Lister has taken the schematic design of this project under his wing.  The client requested a contemporary design and John (a native Californian) is looking forward to this type of design project.  The second project has already started construction.  IDBS, involved with the modular hotel asked for our services once again with another modular based housing project. This time it is the Ridgedale Condominiums in Madison, New Jersey. We look forward to seeing this project as construction is completed in the upcoming months!

The next time you are trying to put a roof over a client’s head or perhaps your own, consider JL Architects!

Nathan Houser

The JL Architects Difference

What is the JLA difference, and why should you hire us for your next job?  We believe our clients say it best....

★★★★★ Archie - a month ago

Great firm, great people!!

Just a quick note on how impressed I have been with John Lister and his team at JL Architects. When I began the process of interviewing and hiring an Associate Architect, JLA fulfilled every need I was looking for that includes location, scope of services, pricing, and timing. They have jumped into our program with 2 feet and have delivered straight out of the gate. It is very comforting that we have a qualified and dedicated team in the NE to help us obtain our company goals for years to come. Good job John and John!!

-Archie Andrews VP Design and Construction Zoës Kitchen

★★★★★ Chris856 - 21 days ago

Responsible & valuable team member

JL Architects is a knowledgeable architecture firm who cares about the project and the project team. I have worked with the Lister team on many projects and have had nothing but positive experiences. If issues arise in the field, JL is there in a heartbeat with a solution not far behind. As a General Contractor, I highly value a good architect who is able to design a usable, buildable product that functions on and off the drawing board. I wish every project was a Lister project!

★★★★★ JasonN - a month ago

Superb Service

I have worked with JL Architects for the past several years with nothing but positive things to say about everyone at the firm. From start-up of projects through permitting, I have had a great experience with everyone involved in the process. When changes are needed, I am notified immediately and the end product has been great. JL has designed my last 20+ locations and I will continue to use them in the future. Thank you.

★★★★★ Mike23 - a month ago

We have found that JLA demonstrate through their quality of service that they are an organization driven by client satisfaction and high quality production. They have also shown an ability to interpret their client's needs and produce high quality work and have done so on very short notice without geographic or logistical limitation.

 ★★★★★ Jacqui114 - a month ago

Very responsive

We are just starting to use Lister's services, and so far, so good. They are very responsive and helpful. They are knowledgeable concerning local codes and respect the fact that their client is part of a brand that has standards to uphold. 

And a further comment from Archie Andrews, VP Design and Construction, Zoës Kitchen… 

It really has amazed me of the performance y’all have shown with these first few projects.  I thought there would have been a steeper curve, but we did not skip a beat with your introduction.  The plans have been on time and are very thorough.  The SI’s and discussions have been very informative.  I have not met your team yet, but y’all def have something special up there and you should all be proud.  Love the dedication and hard work.  Like me, y’all appear to live by the motto, “just make it happen” and we need that attitude right now in our growth mode.

Best Line Grand Opening!

JL Architects is excited to announce the grand opening celebration of Best Line Equipment in West Chester, PA!  This was such a fun project; we had the privilege of working with the great people of Best Line on their  13th store, and it is just a few blocks from our office.  If you are in the area, please join us either Friday or Saturday for giveaways, food, and live demonstrations.

Best Line, headquartered in State College, PA  offers equipment rental, sales and service to residential, construction, agricultural, government and industrial industries. 

We hope you can check it out!

Zoës Kitchen: Development Summit

I recently traveled to McKinney, Texas for the annual Zoës Kitchen Development Summit. This was a great opportunity to meet the Zoës team face to face and also learn more about their company including their process, the Zoës brand, where they stand now and where they see themselves in the future. There are a lot of people that come together to build a Zoës Kitchen such as the real estate brokers, vendors, contractors, and of course the architects. The Zoës team is very enthusiastic and that sentiment has certainly spread through the extended team.

The meeting was a great experience because we as architects do not always get to meet with those who perform the analysis for site selection, and work on the leases.  Even in the case of contractors and vendors, most of our interaction is limited to phone conversations and emails. In addition, as someone who has a business degree in addition to a degree in architecture, the presentation of their plans for their company, ideas on strategic positioning, and financial analysis was extremely interesting to me. 

Zoës Kitchen serves “Mediterranean-inspired food, where grilling is the predominate method of cooking along with an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs, olive oil and lean proteins”. Check out their website for their menu and locations to see if there is one near you. Aside from their commitment to the freshest and best tasting food, the atmosphere that Zoës works diligently to achieve in each and every location is one that is inviting, fresh, and unlike any other fast casual restaurant. JL Architects is working on several locations currently, so more Zoës Kitchens will be cropping up in the near future, possibly near you. Keep an eye on our blog and Facebook page for updates regarding Zoës openings!

 James A. Stedman IV, LEED AP BD+C

Architecture for the Masses: The Getty Center

When you think of an Art Museum, which ones pop into your mind? The Louvre in Paris? The Uffizi in Florence? Or perhaps MOMA in New York? They all have iconic architectural forms which attract visitors not only for the collections that they house, but also the structure that frames those very same masterpieces.

View of the Research Center from the Central Gardens

Recently I had the opportunity to visit a museum that wasn’t on my radar for art, but only for its architectural story and form. The Getty Museum is one that you might not think of when you first mention art museum, but I have since discovered that it is the wealthiest museum in the entire world and resides just outside of downtown Los Angeles, California. The museum is housed in a complex called the Getty Center. It’s perched atop a hill in Brentwood and its campus encompasses 24 acres with 5 buildings, gardens, restaurants and a tram to traverse the large site. Each building is connected not only by the plaza and the pedestrian oriented open space, but also interconnected below ground as well.  

Map of the Getty Center

Completed in 1997 the 1.3 billion dollar property took over ten years to build. It is free to visit and offers panoramic views of the city and opportunities to view impressionistic paintings from Van Gogh’s Irises (worth over 53 million) to modern photography exhibits. Designed by modern “starchitect” Richard Meier this project is his greatest masterpiece. As architects we understand and appreciate the coordination and time it takes to detail a building of this caliber. Meier carefully articulated each detail of the center, from the placement of the buildings in relationship to the site; to the alignments and species of the plantings for the landscaping. One of the unique details I discovered on my trip is the use of 30” x 30” or proportions thereof materials throughout the center. The 30x30 travertine tiles are carefully selected and aligned with the 30x30 baked enamel aluminum panels of the buildings themselves.

View of Central Gardens from Plaza Above

Looking toward the North end of the site to the circular helipad.

Whether you are a student of architecture, an art enthusiast, or just in search of fabulous view of the city; the Getty Center frames not only the way you view the art work, but offers a serene and cultivated interaction with nature.  

I spent an afternoon at the center and only skimmed the surface of what this impressive place can offer and what they contribute to the arts and research community. If you ever have the opportunity to visit the Los Angeles area head up the 405 with a friend (so you can ride in the HOV) to visit this gem!

For more on the Getty Museum follow this link.

Sharlee K. Van Tine, LEEP AP

Why Having a Site Survey Report is Critical to your Project's Success

Location, location, location.  This is often the driving force behind any successful retail business. Often our clients come to us with a site in mind that is the projected fit developed by their real estate department.  The surrounding statistics are their target consumer.  On site the piece of land or existing building seems ideal for their prototypical layout.  Yet, months later drawings are being reviewed by the building department, or even worse ground has already been broken, and there is the unexpected hurdle.  More times than not these hurdles could have been acknowledged and properly addressed prior to this point, or avoided all together if they had an Initial Site Survey Report (SIR) completed.

JL Architects travels to all corners of this country to perform this report for clients who recognize the value of knowing local permitting, site specific requirements, upfront information, possible roadblocks, and challenges for their given project. 

So what is this report, and can it really benefit your business?

Should have had an SIR completed by JL Architects!

We start with the actual address.  A general city map is provided to show the sites location in relation to geographic region. Going in a little closer a site map displays the parcels relationship with surrounding streets and buildings.  Directly after this we provide information about the site in terms of how the building department categorizes it.  This would include parcel numbers, zoning classification, previous occupancy classification, etc.  Another section will include prominent contacts.  These contacts would be the important players in the design and construction process, such as Landlords, Building Department, Zoning, and Utility companies.  Another section will include the building permit process, and its time frames.  This is critical, because some municipalities take 1 business week to review drawings, while others may take well over a month, and after that month the drawings may get passed on to another department for further review.  These time frames all need to be considered in setting, and hitting your projected opening date.

    

Next, we move on to the  core of this report.  This section varies because we tailor it to your individual project’s needs.  Unique design attributes to your business, or demanding utility loads are the types of items we research for you.  An example would be the water needs of our food service clients.  Some of these clients require large amounts of water at a high pressure, and temperature.  Knowing this is crucial to their business we provide the main water supply size, what pressure the existing water utilities are at, and if existing,  what type of demands the water heating unit can provide.  Having this information prior to purchasing a parcel, signing a lease, or breaking ground, can be the difference between hitting an open date, and projected revenue stream vs. a failing money pit.  It can be the determining factor of moving ahead with the project or moving on to another site. 

The result of having an SIR!

No matter your business type or desired location, JL Architects will be your partner in creating success each step of the way!

Nathan Houser

The Start of 2014 ~ Happy New Year!

The Romans began each year by making promises to the god Janus, for whom the month of January is named. Today we continue a version of this tradition by making promises to ourselves. Each of us hopes that the coming year will be better than the last. These promises are a way to shed a "bad" habit and perhaps pick up a new "good" habit.

As part of our annual tradition, the staff at JL Architects took a moment to share their resolutions with you. 

• Begin taking the ARE's...
• To finally put my car that has 215,000 miles on it to rest and purchase something nice & fancy!
• Spend more time with my family, travel to see 3 new places and FINISH the ARE's!
• To do random acts of kindness whenever possible.
• Run 1050 miles and take better care of my aging body by eating better.
• Seriously study for the ARE's this time, get a 6-pack, learn how to play "2112" on the guitar, & run a 5k.
• To get a family vacation on the calendar.
• My resolution is more like a “plan”….Keep my bank account high and my weight low; keep the “awesomeness of 2013 going into 2014”
  
  
  

All the best from JL Architects to you for a healthy, happy and prosperous 2014!

Happy Holidays from JL Architects

May songs of joy fill your home with warmth and your heart with happiness this holiday season!

In warm appreciation of our consultants, clients, employees and friends over the past 25 years! 

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

Retail Architecture: Brick and Mortar Stores Still Dominate

A couple of weeks ago, the nation experienced Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  According to the National Retail Federation, more than 141 million unique shoppers participated in Thanksgiving weekend shopping this year.  While Cyber Monday has drawn more consumers year after year, brick and mortar stores still rule the market.

Despite easy to use websites, free shipping offers, and often avoiding the burden of sales tax, all accessible from the comfort of your own home or virtually anywhere else, online sales still only account for about 6% of total retail sales in the United States.  Data released by the U.S. Census show e-commerce sales are up 18% from this time last year.   In addition, recent statistics show that shopping on smart phones and tablets is exploding.  That upward trajectory will undoubtedly continue as tech-savvy millennials continue to advance in their careers and have increasing disposable incomes.  Millennials (those born between the years 1981 and 2000) are not the only demographic utilizing the internet for shopping by any means, but are the quickest to embrace new technology and are the target audience many retailers are trying to capture. 

As some stores are becoming showrooms for their online competitors (e.g. Best Buy), others are more successfully combating the online retailers.  How you may ask?  Brick and mortar stores are inherently better in some categories than any e-commerce site could dream of being.  Even if online retailers end up with drones to deliver merchandise to your door in under an hour (see Amazon’s recently announced test project), the consumer still cannot touch, try on, or tinker with a potential purchase before they buy it.  Once an item is bought and paid for at a brick and mortar, the transaction is complete and there is no waiting for delivery, meaning instant gratification.  Also, shopping in a physical store is a more social experience than shopping online.  It can be experienced with friends or you can seek the council of an employee face-to-face as you compare products side by side.  The experience is both the access to the merchandise as well as the overall experience of the built environment.  This is where we as architects fit into the equation.

The store can be as iconic as the flagship stores of REI in Seattle, the Apple Store on Fifth Avenue in New York City, or as simple as a clean, inviting store that is properly stocked and staffed by knowledgeable and friendly employees.  The latter is obviously the more common, with a “refresh” every few years.  Whether a company is looking to build a brand new location or if they are going through a refresh process, an architecture firm like JL Architects can be instrumental in keeping the brand fresh and the stores appealing to the consumer.  Even though the online retailers get a lot of attention in the media, traditional shopping is here to stay.

 James A. Stedman IV, LEED AP BD+C

Visiting Oak Park

Au Bon Pain currently has three locations in the Chicago metropolitan area and JL Architects is thrilled to be involved in the opening of their fourth location.  Chicago is a great city, and on a recent visit to the new Au Bon Pain site, I had a few hours to kill.  So I jumped on the CTA Green Line out to Oak Park, Illinois. 

Oak Park is the home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s first home studio and the birthplace of his early home design style, coined the Prairie School.  I spent a good bit of my early years in architecture trying to visit the notable architecture that I had been exposed to during college.  What is amazing is that I failed to make the two hour flight to Chicago to see the early work of the Father of Modern American Architecture.

The Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust offers a guided tour of his home and studio at 951 Chicago Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois.  During the tour, which lasts about an hour, you get to roam through the home and studio he first designed for himself as a bachelor, and continually expanded as his family and business grew.  Astonishingly, you are able to see up close and personal the details which he undoubtedly spent hours contemplating and redesigning.

His house and studio demonstrate the evolution of his theories into the unique Prairie Style. The original house façade has a shingle style feel with its basic geometric shapes of triangles, rectangles and circles.  In the barrel vaulted playroom designed for his six children, it is evident that he truly started to think about the user’s experience.   All window head heights and sills are set for a child and are far too low for an adult’s line of vision.  Mr. Wright also practiced his stylistic designs inspired by nature, as seen in the stained glass windows of the playroom, which is his version of a geometric tulip.

Years after the construction of the original house, Wright designed a new studio attached to the home. All manner of architectural and structural thought are embodied into the design. The second floor gallery is literally hung from chains suspended from the roof. These same chains make up the supports for the light fixtures.

Whereas every architectural office has the dilemma of where to store the rolls of oversized drawings, Wright designed free standing drawing cabinets that themselves are individual pieces of architecture.  I could go on and on about the many unique details of this building which I observed on the tour that day, but the most important concept I hope to put into practice is that every detail is worth the thought of good design.  As the saying goes, “God is in the Details”.

For additional information here’s a link to the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust: http://www.flwright.org/

-Colleen Brogan, RA

Tis the Season of Giving

Throughout our 25 years, JL Architects has made many charitable donations to families in need. In 2012, we helped give two less fortunate children a surprise Christmas, and was able to honor all their wish list items, including a bicycle. In April of 2013 our entire staff contributed to OneFundBoston, www.onefundboston.org to benefit the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings. With the help of thousands of people, they raised over 60 million dollars. The kindness of our staff, and their contributions are heartfelt and unwavering.

Last year, we chose two local charities that we will continue to donate to annually: The West Chester Senior Center and the Chester County Food Bank. Both organizations are non-profit, and in need of donations throughout the year.

Our Thanksgiving 2012 food drive resulted in a donation of  54 lbs. of food to the Chester CountyFood Bank, helping others enjoy a Happy Thanksgiving. This year our total weight was 95 pounds; we accomplished our goal of  increasing our donation amount year over year.  Ninety-five pounds fed many, and added smiles around the holiday table.  

In the beginning of 2013, our staff also started collecting food for the local senior citizens who attend the West Chester Area Senior Center. Most depend on the Senior Center for their daily meals. When we have inclement weather, many are not able to make it there, so we contribute to the “Senior Emergency Snow Sacks”.  The items we collect are nutritional snacks such as tuna, crackers, peanut butter, fruit snacks and raisins. These snow sacks are given to each senior to take home prior to a weather event, in case they cannot make it to the center for their daily meal. This year’s slogan is “Weathering the Weather” and we are in full force collection mode.

To find information on how you can help your local food bank and/or senior center, your state website is filled with an abundant amount of information.  If you are local to West Chester, and would like to contribute to these charities, please contact Deanna.

This is truly the season of giving, and we at JL Architects are blessed and fortunate to be able to share with those in need.

- Deanna Zynn

Happy Thanksgiving!

We wish you a Thanksgiving filled with plenty of reasons to be thankful.  As JL Architects celebrates our 25th anniversary year, we are thankful for the dedication and loyalty of our wonderful staff, and clients. We also recognize and thank our family and friends for their unending and invaluable support. We could not have achieved today's milestone and success without each of you. Thank you!

From all of us at JL Architects, we wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!

Designing with Accessibility in Mind

In our everyday lives, those of us who are able-bodied may take for granted, the ease in which we can get around.  From moving about our homes, parking our cars, shopping for clothes, or eating in a restaurant, we are able to use our faculties, for the most part, without pause.  For millions of people, however, it is not so easy.  Some have to rely on a wheelchair, cane or other device to get around.  Others may have trouble with their eyesight or hearing.  While still, many have trouble just opening a door because of their arthritis. As architects, we have a responsibility to design spaces that anyone can navigate and use, regardless of their circumstance.

There are several texts, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards of Accessible Design, and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A117.1, that establish the minimum requirements in which all new construction and altered facilities are required to comply.   While private residences, which fall under the R-3 Occupancy Type of the International Building Code, such as single family homes, are not mandated under these supplemental regulations, all other structures that contain sleeping or dwelling units must conform.  I personally believe that we will see new single family homes become more barrier-free friendly in the near future.

 

 

In all applications, the goal is to make the components of a building easier to use for someone needing assistance.  Doors, for example, have minimum clearances that must be provided depending on which direction the person is approaching from and if they are pushing or pulling the door open.  The door must be equipped with lever type hardware that does not require someone to grasp and turn the handle, as such with a knob.  It must also be able to be opened by using no more than 8 ½ lbs of force, for an exterior door and no more than 5 lbs for an interior door.   

 The codes also require that toilet and bathing facilities are accommodating to those needing assistance, especially those who use a wheelchair.  The rooms themselves need to be large enough to allow someone in a wheelchair to have the clearances at the toilet and sink to maneuver their apparatus without obstructions.  Grab bars are also regulated as to location and height to best assist a person transferring from their chair to the water closet or into/out of a bath tub or shower.

Accessibility design does not just lend itself to accommodating those with physical disabilities.  There are requirements, such as with signage, which assist those with visual impairments.  For spaces that require signage by their entrance, such as toilet rooms, stairs, elevators and exits, the characters of the room names must be of a certain height, text style and width.  Braille must also be present on the sign and it too, has criteria for size and position. It is very common to see signage with a pictogram, or universal symbol or picture, to be placed near toilet rooms and stairs.

Providing accessible means is also a requirement outside of the building envelope.  JL Architects has worked in the past providing services that required the team to ensure sidewalks, exterior ramps and stairs, and parking spaces all met the minimum standards that allow patrons to access a building.  For example, a ramp, whether exterior or interior, in most cases, may not have a running slope steeper than 1:12 and may not rise higher than 30 inches.  What this translates to, is that for every 1 inch in height a ramp must rise, it must be 12 inches in length (or run).  So, a ramp that needs to rise 4 inches, must have a run of 48 inches in length. The higher the rise, the longer the run.  This can eat up a lot of space and may result in the need to install a lift or elevator, if the required area is not available. 

 

Ramp at Wyly Theater in Dallas

 

Currently, JL Architects is working on a multi-family apartment building in Madison, New Jersey.  Each unit, including common areas, sidewalks to the building, as well as parking, must meet the minimum requirements for accessibility.  In addition to standard regulations, the State of New Jersey has additional requirements for barrier-free construction.  The State of Texas also uses their own Accessibility Standards and has inspectors tour the facilities to check for compliance. In all of our commercial work, be it retail, office or restaurant, designing for accessible means is always in the front of our minds.  While in the broad scope it may assist those with physical impairments, it winds up being a benefit to all.  As a mother of four, I can appreciate the barrier-free accommodations while pushing around a stroller with my two-year old!

I have only mentioned a few components that make up the much larger scope of designing spaces with accessible accommodations, to list them all, the blog would become a book (and there are already several)!  Even if you are able-bodied, you may know someone who is impaired, or may someday benefit from its advantages; I truly believe that barrier-free design is a great service for the masses.  If you would like to learn more about accessible standards select the following link and click the left hand side of the page to view. http://www.ada.gov/2010ADAstandards_index.htm

- Melanie Hicks