Column Workshop

Column Workshop

For Woman’s History Month 2023, Rojas AP worked with a group of young students from Tools & Tiaras Inc., a Jamaica-based not-for-profit group, at our local museum, King Manor Museum. Rojas AP worked together with Tools & Tiaras to develop the architectural background for the column activity. The activity was designed to teach the basics of a column and the different parts in order for the children to use what they learned to build their very own column. The process was developed with precut materials and a simple instruction manual. The children began the activity with a short mini-lesson on what a column is. With their newly acquired information, the children were able to use their instruction manual to start building their columns. Then they work semi-independently with the support of the staff to finish building their column. To personalize their column, the children were able to paint, color, and even add glitter to solidify the design of the project. In this joint effort, the children were able to understand the structure of a column with a hands-on approach and became a part of the design process.

LOCATION
QUEENS, NY

Ramp Workshop

Ramp Workshop

Rojas AP conducted an instructive workshop during the 2023 group from Tools & Tiaras Inc., a Jamaicabased not-for-profit group with a primary emphasis on architectural inclusion and accessibility. This program provided a comprehensive introduction to the principles of ADA compliance, specifically focusing on constructing ramps that meet established building code requirements. The workshop was equipped with essential materials and step-by-step instructions thoughtfully provided by Rojas AP. Under the guidance of Rojas AP, the students embarked on a structured exploration of architecture, delving into the intricacies of ADA compliance and the significance of code-compliant ramps. Employing an array of architectural tools, the students meticulously crafted ramps, paying careful attention to nuances such as handrail post placements and assembly techniques while they followed a step-by-step guide. The workshop fostered the development of critical thinking and practical skills, as the participants systematically measured, cut, and assembled materials to create ramps adhering to ADA standards.

LOCATION
QUEENS, NY

Commercial Office Renovation

Commercial Office Renovation

Rojas AP was hired by an apparel manufacturing company based in Midtown to streamline their office spaces across multiple floors within a 27 story commercial and office building. Tasked with consolidating operations from partial areas on the 6th and 8th floors into the existing 9th floor headquarters, Rojas AP embarked on a comprehensive project. Rojas AP worked closely with the client to develop a schematic and code compliant plan for optimal use of space on the 9th floor to accommodate additional employees. This involved reconfiguring existing offices, creating new workspaces, and integrating various rooms into a cohesive layout. A pivotal aspect of the project was the removal of the existing staircase connecting the 8th and 9th floors, situated within the gallery space. Additionally, relocating the antique chandelier above the existing staircase to a new position required meticulous planning and execution. Rojas AP was also responsible for creating a comprehensive bid package and performed bid coordination amongst bidding contractors, alongside obtaining approvals from the DOB.

LOCATION
MANHATTAN, NY

Far Rockaway Laundry Room

Far Rockaway Laundry Room

Rojas AP was engaged by the owner of this multi-building apartment complex in Far Rockaway to redesign an old laundry room located in the cellar of a cluster of three apartment buildings. The previous room had access through a solid door, as the partition between the hallway and laundry room requires a rated partition. Rojas AP was able to open up the laundry room with a glass door and glass wall by adding a sprinkler deluge system to maintain the fire rating. This design allows for a safe and pleasant experience for tenants using the laundry facilities. The tenants have good visibility in and out of the room. The rear of the washing machines were meticulously piped to a covered trench drain to maintain a clean and sanitary maintenance area. Similarly the rear of the dryers was designed with ample space for maintenance access. Tenants are provided with seating, baskets and a folding table for their convenience.

LOCATION
QUEENS, NY

GIS and Housing

GIS and Housing

Deborah Rojas De Leon, a co-author of GIS and Housing: Principles and Practices, brings her expertise to the forefront by creating all the informative graphics within the book. This book tackles the complexities of the current housing crisis in the United States, proposing denser housing options as a solution to affordability issues, limited supply, and homelessness. GIS and Housing goes beyond theory, demonstrating how Geographic Information Science (GIS) can be a powerful tool to untangle these intricate housing challenges. The authors, with their diverse backgrounds in architecture, urban planning, community engagement, and GIS, offer a well-rounded exploration of housing issues, grounded in real-world experiences. The book starts with a historical perspective, then dives into the technical aspects of GIS management. This approach bridges the gap between housing professionals and GIS experts, fostering collaboration. Through this interdisciplinary teamwork, the book proposes solutions that not only address housing but also tackle climate change and income inequality. By advocating for a collaborative approach, the authors empower all stakeholders to confront the multifaceted housing crisis with a shared understanding and purpose. GIS and Housing doesn’t just illuminate the pressing issues; it serves as a roadmap towards a future where housing is equitable and accessible for all Americans.

Williamsburg Facade Repair

Wiiliamsburg Facade Repair

Rojas AP was tasked with addressing the ongoing leaks originating from the east and north facades for the six-story residential building located in Williamsburg. Because of the limited budget, Rojas AP took an unusual approach to the bidding process by including all applicable scope items in the bid form and drawings. The scope was only defined after the general contractor was awarded for the job and value engineering was done by Rojas AP to meet the target amount. The final facade repair scope prioritized addressing the leaks with proper flashing at leaking windows. Once demolition of the bricks at each window begin, Rojas AP was surprised to observe that not only the existing windows lacked any flashing, but the exterior wall had cavities around steel that did not allow for a typical waterproofing detail. Rojas AP issued an alternate flashing detail, directing the contractor to fill cavities with non-shrink precision grout in plastic state and parging existing concrete areas with grout to create a smooth surface for the self-adhered flashing application.

LOCATION
BROOKLYN, NY

University Heights Facade Repair

University Heights Facade Repair

Rojas AP was hired to prepare FISP Filing and Facade Repair Drawings with the Department of Buildings to address SWARMP conditions on a residential building in the Bronx. Our strategy involved filing a basic Facade Repair Scope based on identified repair locations outlined in the Cycle 8 FISP Report. Close-up inspections using pipe scaffolding were conducted in accordance with LL11 (Local Law 11) standards. The repairs included brick repointing, removing and replacing sealants at coping joints, and crack repairs to the existing concrete balconies. Throughout the project, Rojas AP conducted site visits to monitor construction progress. During these inspections, it became clear that the conditions of the existing balconies were significantly worse. The worsening conditions were caused by water ingress into the balcony at the balcony railing posts. Rojas AP filed a Post Approval Amendement (PAA) to incorporate the additional work and updated details for balcony repair. Rojas AP collaborated with the contractor, property owner, and manufacturer representatives to ensure the use of appropriate materials essential to completing the project. Upon completion of the project, Rojas AP submitted a subsequent FISP report to update the filing status to SAFE, indicating compliance with regulatory standards and the successful completion of the necessary repairs.

LOCATION
BRONX, NY

Grand Concourse Facade Repairs

Grand Concourse Facade Repairs

Rojas AP was hired to prepare and file drawings with the Department of Buildings for the repair of Unsafe and SWARMP (Safe with a Repair Maintenance Program) conditions reported on the Cycle 8 FISP Report of an 8-story high commercial building. Repairs entailed brick repointing, brick replacement, corner replacement, and crack repair. The construction administration lead by the Rojas AP team provided close-up inspections at all suspended scaffold locations. While on-site, the team verified changes to the repair scope required by the conditions of the facade. Rojas AP was responsible for reviewing, requesting changes, and approving all AIA payment applications from the contractor. A Post Approval Amendment was required to show changes to the approved repair scope of work quantities, including additional work and credited amount from originals.

LOCATION
BRONX, NY