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!

Are You Hurricane Ready?

New York City has proven to be resilient in their ability to weather any storm. And we do mean that quite literally. With the hurricane season upon us, and a few having already passed by, there is some advice that we would like to share with all our clients. Over the many years in practice we have gathered extensive knowledge for designing structures, defending against hurricane winds and rain, Hurricane Sandy being our toughest teacher.

Just like people get beach-bod ready in the Spring, homes also need to be Hurricane-ready when the season rolls around.

Here are some options for securing your home:

• Secure your roof and add roof straps to prevent roofs from being pulled off

• Seal windows and consider locks for them

• Make sure patio doors have locks on the top and bottom.

• Limit the amount of outdoor furniture left outdoors (the less projectiles the better)

• Review your insurance

• Make sure to document the condition of your home before and after storms.

After Hurricane Sandy came blowing, we at MJM+A and Oculus Consulting were there to help re-construct in the aftermath. All those residences were brought back stronger, with up to date reinforcing and flood controls, ready for the next storm to blow by.

Should you require assistance visit our website or drop us a line to update your home and make it hurricane-ready!

Stay safe!

Before . . .

After!!!

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!

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