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.

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!