The American Institute of Architects has recently instituted an amazing national database of projects "that make economic sense" but, have been held up due to a lack of funding. The AIA is attempting to link architects, developers and lenders. It's kind of like a "match.com" for launching stalled projects.  

I believe this concept might "take off" and expand to thousands of opportunities across the country.  It appears that if you get you name on the list during the early stages of the database, your firm will get a great deal of exposure and possibly make some "deals."

This is an exciting concept in our sluggish economy.   Let me know if I can be of any help.  I would be interested if anyone needs an architect.

Joel Ives, AIA

201 773-9111

jives@ives-arch.com

 http://www.aia.org/stalledprojects/

Joel Ives, AIA Architect a well known architect in northern New Jersey for the past 30 years has moved his office back to the historic Radburn Building in Fair Lawn.

The American Institute of Architects recently published the (ABI) “The Architectural Billings Index” which indicates that there is national growth showing an uptick in design work which will translate into increased building projects in 2011. The AIA Index is one of the leading indicators of the construction industry. The Ives Architecture Studio has experienced the same trend. On a local basis our firm has experienced a significant increase in new project inquiries. Nationally, inquiries on new projects hasn’t been this high since July 2007. We hear from our clients that there are still economic obstacles in preventing an accelerated recovery but, we are optimistic since we believe that this upturn is the start of good things to come.

This recent photo of the historic Radburn Building in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, which is known for its clock tower, was built in 1929. It was rehabilitated by the Ives Group, Architects/Planners after a devastating fire in 2002. It continues its success as a vibrant focal point for Fair Lawn. The Ives Schier & Lesser Architecture Studio  and later The Ives Architecture Studio has moved many tenants into the building during the past few years which reflects the ever changing needs of business. The “mixed-use” concept of the building, with retail below and offices above, is still a valid concept after 80 plus years especially since located near rail transportation. The life of this iconic building spans from the great depression to the current one and proves that well designed and maintained architecture can survive the test of time. With New Jersey fast approaching the undesirable position as becoming the first state in the country to have used up “all” it developable land, we need to look at our existing building stock and repurpose these structures as we move into the future.

Joel Ives The Ives Architecture Studio, LLC (201) 773-9111 JIves@ives-arch.com More Info

The Ives Architecture Studio was awarded a contract with the Bergen Regional Medical Center (BRMC) for a Multi-Faith Chapel within the hospital. The Chapel will provide a flexible spiritual and gathering space for people of all faiths. The project reflects the diversity of Bergen County, New Jersey and, our design philosophy is respectful of all religions. Our office has been the architect of many liturgical buildings however, this is the first time we have been asked to work with representatives of many religions who will be sharing one space. Perhaps, this is a little ray of hope in a world filled with conflict. Our staff is looking forward to this project and expects that our expertise designing religious buildings will generate other “multi-faith” projects in the future.

Joel Ives Ives Architecture Studio, LLC (201) 773-9111, JIves@ives-arch.com More Info

The New Jersey Commercial Real Estate Alliance is an organization that was created to provide collaborative expertise from all the professional disciplines normally involved in commercial real estate transactions. This provides greater value to a prospective venture and a more exhaustive and timely analysis of a project.

This new business approach gets all the real estate professionals “to the table” at one time, rather than the traditional approach of stringing out one activity after another and, never having many of these experts meet each other. Our approach affords our clients, especially those with distressed properties, a unique, fast moving, and economical resource. Considering the realities of the current state of the economy, the NJCREA looks at distressed properties and recommends new options that might not be revealed without the combined brainpower of a team, all working at the same time on a problem property.

The client has an option to consult with NJCREA as team, commission only those members of the alliance that meet his needs or, hire only one discipline that is critical to his project.

 “Regardless of whether prospective clients are planning to buy, sell, build, renovate, lease, remodel, relocate or refinance commercial real estate, NJCREA aims to bring together highly regarded commercial real estate experts to examine and advise on ways to overcome the challenges that arise in real estate and construction projects by utilizing a unique and collaborative ‘think tank’ team approach,” commented Darren Lizzack, Associate Vice President at NAI James E. Hanson.

NJCREA’s members include accountants (The Hunter Group), appraisers (Welsh Chester Galiney Matone, Inc.), architects, Joel Ives, AIA, The Architecture Studio , attorneys (Winne, Banta, Hetherington, Basralian & Kahn, PC), brokers (NAI James E. Hanson), construction management providers (SKANSKA), general contractors (Heuer & Company), engineering (Langan Engineering & Environmental Services), insurance providers (Ronald Diskin Associates Corp.) and title providers (Midland Abstract), who work concurrently to dispense advice on the best practices for completing successful commercial real estate ventures, including invaluable information on when projects may not be viable.

The NJCREA offers a wide-range of services, including site and building analysis, site selection, title search, environmental studies, surveying, real estate brokerage, project financing, banking solutions, appraisal services, accounting and financial management, conceptual planning, commercial insurance, green building concepts, architectural and interior design, “fit studies,” expert testimony, site engineering, planning and zoning board.

NJCREA has recently launched its website which offers a plethora of information and knowledge to individuals and firms that require these services for their real estate ventures. The site offers up-to-date industry news feeds that can be delivered to your email daily by signing up “free” of charge. The forum section was created for the public to connect with alliance members where you can ask questions or provide answers to questions posed by others. Each member firm has a blog page which offers unique information about each member’s respective field of expertise.

Inquiries are invited, especially those with problem properties.

NJCREA
www.njcrea.com

Joel Ives The Ives Architecture Studio, LLC (201) 773-9111 JIves@ives-arch.com More Info

Joel Ives, AIA Architect is often consulted to assist our clients with Building Code issues. We have been working with the Seafarers Union International at their main office in Brooklyn, New York to perform renovations, and to bring their building up to current Building Codes. Our staff has had many similar assignments in both New York and New Jersey. Building construction is a complex undertaking under the best of circumstances, it requires the understanding of many disciplines not the least is expertise in Building Codes.

Joel Ives Ives Architecture Studio, LLC (201) 773-9111, JIves@ives-arch.com More Info

Due to the turbulent economy, we have seen many vacant buildings and others that no are no longer relevant due to the changing needs of society. This has provided the Ives Architecture Studio with some unusual opportunities. Throughout history, buildings have outlived their original function. Utilizing an obsolete structure is the highest form of “green building” design and also makes economic sense. We are currently looking at an industrial building for adaptive re-use as medical offices and another for a restaurant. We are considering a large industrial building for re-use as a data center and a small industrial building for housing. We have adapted an underutilized office building for a temple and are currently examining a number of vacant auto dealerships. A word of caution is that you need an experienced team of professionals to work your way through the zoning approval process, the design and construction.