Cream Cheese Bagel and Lox with a side of Lobster Roll

Who woudda thunk!!! 

A NYC native and a Portland pioneer, teaming up to take on the diverse worlds of architecture and design from the Lower East Side of Manhattan to the docks of New England.

Michael J. Macaluso founded MJM+A Architects out of a very modest storefront in his hometown of Middle Village, New York in the mid-seventies. When the practice took off and needed to expand, they formed a Midtown Manhattan studio where Mr. Ryan Scipione AIA, a family man and resident of Portland, Maine, joined the team and the match was made. These two architects have since shared a twenty-year long relationship, now partnership, and have carved an impressive niche across the territories.

At the time MJM+A Architects was growing at a rapid pace and becoming well known for their expertise in the world of High-Rise Restoration. New York City, known for its soaring skyscrapers, had started to see the deterioration of the ages, and building owners were turning to professionals to repair and restore the magnificent skyline. Fortuitously, Ryan Scipione, a well-known outdoors man and mountaineer was looking for the adventure of NYC, and a partnership in High Rise Rehabilitation was formed.

This dynamic duo has since taken on the challenges of façade investigation, hanging from treacherous heights above the bustling streets of Manhattan and the Outer Boroughs to provide a forensic evaluation of each building under their care. The photo album from these adventures will set any heart aflutter, but such is the duo’s passion for the preservation of these architectural gems. This precision and wealth of knowledge is also being applied to aid and restore the beautiful, historic buildings that line the New England shores.

From the upper reaches of the skyline to the waterfronts of New England, these two gents have shared a partnership steeped in skill, daring, friendship and excellence. Michael and Ryan have collaborated on hundreds of projects over the years and continue to guide the diverse group of MJM+A professionals across the rivers of great design. In addition to exterior restoration, the crew is proficient in all types of architectural disciplines. From award-winning signature restaurants to custom residences and retail, no project is too big or too small. They’ve applied their attention to detail and client needs to creating medical facilities for the two and four legged patients of NYC, and have even designed chocolate factories straight out of a Willy Wonka script … they do it all!

Michael and Ryan balance the leadership of MJM+A’s fast-paced mid-town offices, while also offering the company’s stellar architectural services to the good people of New England from their design studio in the more-tranquil Portland, Maine.

We welcome you to stop by either studio to get to know us better. If visiting on a NYC morning, we can offer the schmooze and a schmeer. If in the waning light of a Maine afternoon, join us for a local brew and a lobsta roll! Either way you will not be disappointed in the encounter.

We are here to design your world, see it built, and revel in its completion!

Reach out to Michael in NYC @ 212.355.6555 or Ryan in Portland @ 207-619-7466.

Happy International Women's Day!

We celebrate all the innovative, inspiring women of Art and Design who are making strides in the field. Their accomplishments remind us that women have come so far, and will continue to climb in our industry, and others, thanks to their continued efforts.

While it is a team effort to serve our clients and deliver quality work, we at MJM+A and Oculus Consulting would like to focus on some of the stellar individuals of our family. In honor of International Women’s Day we celebrate our colleagues Valerie Costa, Fran Garace, Debra Nicholson, and Gabriela Branez.

From management to drafters to project architects each of us have worked hard, supported, and learned from each other. We have been fortunate to find a home here at MJM+A and Oculus Consulting where gender plays no role in how far we go or how high we climb. The support, in what used to be a mostly male-dominated field, has been invaluable to our growth and success. We hope that this day highlights accomplishments and reminds everyone that celebrating and respecting women’s success is not just for one day. Everyday we see a new professional join the field is a cause for celebration!

We wish everyone a happy, thoughtful, and safe International Women’s Day!

Labor Day Thoughts: Summer's over . . . but we are all still here!

With the start of September and Labor Day right around the corner it is quite clear that summer is coming to an end. Normally, this would also be the time for those last vacation getaways and barbeques with the whole family. Gatherings of all shapes and sizes. Oddly, we are starkly reminded that this year will be different. This holiday we will perhaps video gather with our family, enjoy the sun quietly in our yards or balconies, or even be brave enough to gather with 3 other friends. We may not venture far from home, but we will continue to discover the small gems in our own neighborhoods.

While we all mark Labor Day as the touchstone for getting back to work...sandals off and the children back to school, did you know Labor Day was actually observed as a yearly tribute to all the men and women who work year-round to keep our country running? The U.S. Department of Labor has said it is a “yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.” We believe now after a very untraditional end of Winter, Spring and Summer this should be celebrated and honored heartily yet safely. Businesses small and large struggled and adapted to our “new normal.” We have all worked hard to ensure the well-being of our clients and patrons, even while regulations were changing every day. So, hats off to all our clients, consultants, and First Responders who have continued to help us contribute to a better NYC!

Thank you all and stay safe!

Happy Labor Day!!

Don’t want to get a Stop Work Order on your reopened job site? Here's what you need to know

New York City’s Phase 1 and 2 reopening have brought about the reopening of many job sites which did not have the chance to remain open during the pandemic. While many are eager to get back to work, the city has given out guidelines that must be adhered to continue to not only work safely but also keep our city safe from more infections. On June 8th the Building Department began inspecting all job sites that have an active permit with the DOB to ensure they are following Covid Safety procedures. They are notifying all permit holders of any inadequacies found at the job site with regard to COVID -19 Safety, Building Code, and Electrical Code compliance. They have also given guidance on how to adhere to it. Please see links below:

https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/ConstructionMasterGuidance.pdf

No violations will be given at present, but starting July 8, 2020 the DOB will be performing a second wave of inspections. All non-complying sites will receive fines starting at $5,000 per violation with the potential for a Stop Work Order. If compliance is not enforced swiftly the civil penalties could escalate to $10,000 for each offense.

The DOB has provided the following requirements for reopened sites in reference to COVID-19 Safety protocols on construction sites:

• A Safety Plan specific to the site must be available and posted where it can be easily seen. This plan needs to include a copy of the Affirmation to the State.

• Compliance with social distancing protocols.

• All site personnel and visitors must wear acceptable face coverings appropriate for their task.

• Readily available hand hygiene stations, using either: Soap, running warm water, and disposable paper towels OR Alcohol-based hand sanitizer where hand washing stations are not practical.

• COVID-19 signage that is visible to all reminding personnel to adhere to proper hand hygiene, physical distancing rules, appropriate use of PPE, and cleaning and disinfecting protocol.

• There must be properly completed and updated cleaning and disinfection logs.

• Tightly confined spaces (e.g., elevators, hoists) must be occupied by 50% maximum allowed number of people –50% capacity must be posted within the cab AND at each landing.

• A communication plan for employees, visitors, and clients must be available on site.

• Correctly completed and updated logs of every person who may have had close contact with others on site to ensure effective contact tracing.

These protocols must be followed in order to avoid any unnecessary fines and violations. As we are all eager to keep moving forward we also know that a Stop Work Order is that last thing anyone wants to have occur on a job after being so long on hold. MJM+A and Oculus Consulting Group have vast experience in resolving these situations and will be here to advise and aid you in any way we can. Feel free to reach out to us for all your project needs.

Stay safe!

Updated SLA Guidance: Expanding the outdoor dining experience after re-opening

Updated SLA Guidance:

Expanding the outdoor dining experience after re-opening

Planning for reopening means strategizing how to maximize your business while keeping your staff and patrons safe. As architects spatial planning is not new to us, but it has changed with the pandemic. Regulations for social distancing have minimized the amount of people that can be indoors at certain establishments. As such it has made us, and many others, consider the use of sidewalks and other open space areas for patron seating. Recently the New York State Liquor Authority has passed new guidance that states that premises that have liquor licenses for their property already but wish to expand to outdoor areas may do so on these following conditions.

• Have legal access to the outdoor space that is being included in the expansion. Should the establishment be under another entity they must contact the SLA directly to apply.

• Follow social distancing procedures

• Increase point of sale places as needed for expanded outdoor area

• Update diagram showing all seating areas, dimensions, and points of sale

• You must adhere to the rules and process of other municipalities

Once you have determined you have the permission and capacity to safely open into this expanded outdoor space, you must submit the updated diagram for expanded seating along with your license number within the next 5 business days. Otherwise you could incur unnecessary fees or violations. For more detailed information please visit the SLA website or follow this link:

https://sla.ny.gov/new-york-state-liquor-authority-guidance-outdoor-expansion-licensed-premises-response-covid-19

MJM+A Architects, together with their sister company Oculus Consulting Group, have had years of experience producing these required diagrams for the SLA and working with clients through the licensing process as well as amending them as needed. Should you require assistance in this or have other projects you wish to pursue in preparation for reopening please feel free to reach out to us!

We wish everyone the best of luck.

Getting ready for reopening? Be sure to check these safety procedures . . .

Getting ready for Reopening?

Be sure to check these safety procedures before your first employee or client arrives . .

The governor of New York City announced that the first phase of reopening will begin on June 8th.  Many businesses and workplaces are preparing for that moment.

While buildings have remained dormant, they have not been cleaning themselves.  

Pre-opening spring cleaning is a good first step to rid the obvious dust build-up, but it is the hidden germs that should be addressed.  As architects, we are trained not only in designing buildings and operational systems, but also are aware of how those systems work to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of our clients. Before allowing personnel to return, consider procedures to check for and remove any mold and other types of bacteria from the building systems before regular use. These may include the following:

Plumbing Systems:

• Flushing of all plumbing systems - Consider running all water in ALL fixtures for at least 45 minutes. Sinks, water closets, slop sinks, water fountains and ice makers.

• Workers must protect themselves with masks and gloves while cleaning.

• Be aware mold or bacteria can lurk in these systems. See CDC link for further information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/building-water-system.html

HVAC Systems:

• Flushing of all HVAC systems - ALL filters in the HVAC system should be changed and cleaned to rid it of any mold and prepared for use BEFORE turning on the fans.

• The HVAC system should be allowed to run for a 48-hour to 72-hour period of time before reopening.

• Should an odd odor persist, be sure to call in professional HVAC cleaners to diagnose the problem and deem it safe. Pests may have found a new home while you were gone.

While people may be tired of hearing the phrase “new normal” it truly is a new way of living. Reopening with some diligent disinfecting strategies and smarter communal working, will hopefully lead to safer workplaces as we return to everyday life.

See you soon!

Staying safe applies to your buildings as well . .

We hope this message finds you, your family, and staff in good health.

While the world has slowed down and been put on hold due to stay at home orders, the city is still keeping a sharp eye out to ensure that buildings continue to make the necessary repairs to keep the public safe should they need to be out and about. The pandemic came upon us so suddenly and without warning that in many cases there was no time to make contingency plans to address any damage the long winter months left behind. Inspections and repair plans for many property owners were delayed and buildings unfortunately left unattended through these months of lockdown.

Property owners and property managers need to be aware that the NYC Department of Buildings has not relaxed their regulations on façade safety and restoration. They have allowed for the continuation of Façade Repair projects as it pertains to the safety of residents in NYC. This includes Façade Restoration filings and FISP report filings, as well as extensions should they be necessary.

MJM+A Architects, having been involved in the exterior restoration industry for over 30 years, are experts in such façade maintenance and repair work.  We regularly perform façade inspections in accordance with NYC Façade Inspection and Safety Program (FISP) regulations and apply the latest techniques and technologies in addressing all façade restoration for buildings big and small.

MJM+A Architects produces the required comprehensive restoration documents and specifications necessary to safeguard the real estate asset and conform to safety requirements. Additionally, our sister company, Oculus Consulting Group, organizes and processes the necessary filings with the Department of Buildings seamlessly from approvals and permits through project close-out. Their knowledge base and keenness to stay up to date with all new regulations applicable makes Oculus Consulting an excellent consultant in completing this process.

For more information, or if you have a building in need of façade evaluation, FISP filings and/or façade restoration, reach out to us without delay.  We are poised to respond to immediate emergencies as well as service the real estate community for all their façade compliance requirements. 

Stay safe,

MJM+A Architects, PLLC & Oculus Consulting Group