Latest @FC3Architect Project Under Construction Helps Serve “Community Supported Agriculture” in New Jersey
Posted: June 1, 2019 Filed under: Architecture, Construction, More FC3, My Firm, Uncategorized | Tags: agriculture, aquaponics, Bio, family owned, farm to table, farms, Greenhouse, local business, New Jersey, NJ, support local business, Sustainable, sustainable farming Leave a commentAs someone who can never say no to a new challenge Frank Cunha III, AIA, worked with Greater Greens, LLC to help figure out some building details to design and construct a new head house for their new greenhouse. Since the greenhouse was designed off-site and shipped as a kit of parts, I worked with the agricultural company and the local building department to work out the details to meet the code requirements for this agricultural project. Although the entire process was new to me it helped me stretch my current design skills and helped me learn about a whole new industry that promotes sustainable farming practices while serving the local community with healthy ingredients.
Family Owned and Operated Establishment
Greater Greens, LLC uses two organic farming practices on their farm and they are extremely committed to sustainably producing clean nutrient rich food. They utilize aquaponics which creates a symbiotic relationship between fish and plants, where each can mutually grow and thrive. They also use their bio-intensive farming practices to mimic nature and promote healthy soil which means nutrient packed produce for their customers.
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
New Project by @FC3Architect is Almost 100% Completed (Teaneck, NJ) #BeforeAndAfter #CustomResidential #Home
Posted: May 10, 2019 Filed under: Architectist, Architecture, Before & After, More FC3, My Firm, Uncategorized | Tags: Architect, Architecture, Custom, Custom Residential, Design, FC3 Architecture, home, New Jersey, NJ, project management Leave a commentOne of the things we enjoy doing is: Helping People Make Their Dreams Come True!!! Here is another example of a successful transformation we helped imagine for the homeowners.
One of our projects is nearly completed. We more than doubled the size of the existing residence by creating a dynamic link that opens up the garden into the home with a connecting link. This “knuckle” becomes a link from the old home (which serves as the existing den and existing kitchen on the lower level) to the new home which includes a new dining area and family room. Upstairs, the addition boasts a master suite allowing us to increase the size of the existing bedrooms. Click here to read the original post about this project.
We would love to hear from you about what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
To see more projects by FC3 Architecture + Design, please click here.
Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
Facebook’s Carolyn Everson @CEverson Responds To Tough Questions At Feliciano Center Fireside Chat @BizFeliciano #NJTech #NJBiz #MBA #Facebook #ilmaBlog
Posted: April 17, 2019 Filed under: Executive MBA, Leadership, Science & Technology | Tags: Business, eMBA, Facebook, Leadership, MBA, Montclair State University, New Jersey, NJ, Tech Leave a commentOn April 9, 2019, Carolyn Everson the VP, Global Marketing Solutions, at Facebook joined us at Montclair State University to discuss her role at Facebook, and her career path that includes stints at Microsoft, Viacom and other companies. The event took place at University Hall Conference Center, 7th Floor (Click here for event information).
The following is an article written by Esther Surden and Frank Cunha III for NJ Tech Weekly.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
We would love to hear from you about what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
NEW @FC3ARCHITECT RESIDENCE ON THE BOARDS – From Cape Cod to Center Hall Colonial
Posted: October 15, 2018 Filed under: Architecture, More FC3, My Firm | Tags: 3-D, Autodesk REVIT, Cape Cod, Center Hall Colonial, Conceptual, custom home, Custom Residence, FC3, FC3 Architecture, home, New Jersey, Renderings, Residence, revit Leave a commentThe latest designs for this new expanded home consist of a modern spin on a center hall colonial. We achieve this by expanding the existing cape cod residence on the right side and the rear of the home. New master bedroom suite and bedrooms are on the new second floor. The new addition allows us to re-position the stairs to create a center hall. The front of the home remains traditional with formal living and dining spaces on each side of the hall. Access to the great room and new kitchen is provided through pocket doors. The new kitchen will boost a built in breakfast nook and double-island design while the great room boosts a gas-fired fireplace.
EXISTING RESIDENCE
3-D RENDERING OF FIRST FLOOR
3-D RENDERING OF FIRST FLOOR
3-D RENDERING OF FIRST FLOOR
3-D RENDERING OF SECOND FLOOR
3-D RENDERING OF SECOND FLOOR
3-D RENDERING OF SECOND FLOOR
3-D RENDERING OF EXTERIOR
3-D RENDERING OF EXTERIOR
3-D RENDERING OF EXTERIOR
PROPOSED FRONT ELEVATION
PROPOSED RIGHT ELEVATION
PROPOSED LEFT ELEVATION
PROPOSED RIGHT ELEVATION
We would love to hear from you about what you think about this project. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends.
Feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
NEW @FC3ARCHITECT RESIDENCE ON THE BOARDS – From Plain Saltbox to Mediterranean-Style Residence
Posted: October 15, 2018 Filed under: Architecture, More FC3, My Firm | Tags: Architect, custom home, Custom Residence, Design, Design Architect, FC3, FC3 Architecture, home, House, Luxury Home, Mediterranean, Mediterranean-Style Residence, New Jersey, Residence, Saltbox, Tuscan Home, Tuscan Residence Leave a commentThe latest designs for this new expanded home consist of a modern spin on a Mediterranean-style county home with spanish tile roof. We achieve this by expanding the existing two-story home to the left of the existing garage and the the entrance of the existing home. Updated second floor layouts allow for outdoor living space over the new garage addition. The new front addition boosts a new curved staircase connecting the main level living space with the bedroom spaces above. A new foyer and dining room is created reusing existing rooms in the house. The interior will elaborate on the theme by integrating curved archways and stone details. The front facade was designed with order in mind – arches and columns provide rhythm and elegance for this new home. The client opted for cast iron railings both inside and outside.
We would love to hear from you about what you think about this project. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends.
Feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
Our Exclusive ILMA Interview with Reginald Thomas
Posted: May 25, 2018 Filed under: Architecture, ILMA Interview, More FC3 | Tags: Aesthetics, African American, African-American Architect, African-American Architecture, Amazon Prime, America Has Talent, Architect, Architectural Design, Architecture Interview, Architecture School, Art, Associate, Church, College, conformitas, Construction, Construction Management, Contractor, Corporate, Creative, Creativity, Degree, Design, Designer, Diversity, Education, Entrepeneur, Equity, Exclusive, Experience, FC3, Home Design, ILMA, Innovation, interior design, Interiors, Interview, Island Architecture, Italy, Knowledge, Leader, Leadership, linkedin, Lisa Middleton, Love, management, New Construction, New Jersey, New York, NYC, NYCity, professional, Reginald Thomas, Residential, Retweet, Rome, RT, Share, South Bronx, Success, Talent, Technology, Urban, UrbanAesthetics, utilitas, venustas, Vitruvius, Wisdom 1 CommentNew York, New Jersey Reginald L. Thomas, AIA has garnered over twenty years’ experience working with a diverse group of distinguished architectural/design firms in New York City. Reginald L. Thomas Architect LLC specializes in historically based, high-end, residential projects. Recently, he has added commercial and institutional work to the firm’s diverse clientele. His work has been featured in several prestigious publications, notably The New York Times and Architectural Digest.
Web | Blog | Facebook | LinkedIn | Houzz
ILMA INTERVIEW
When and why did you decide to become an Architect?
- I’ve wanted to be an architect since I was 10 years old. During a weekend visit to the local art store to purchase paints, a how to book on architectural rendering caught my eye. I remember thinking that the floor plans seemed magical.
- We can thank Mike Brady, of the then popular Sitcom, the Brady Bunch, for that. My first introduction to renderings and models came from watching the episodes after school and I was hooked.
- Growing up in New York City, however, I visited the Museum of Natural History and MOMA regularly. I was fascinated by the dioramas at the Museum of Natural History and the artwork at the MOMA and so at first, I dreamt of being an artist and being able to create this kind of beauty.
What were some of the challenges of achieving your dream?
- I grew up in the South Bronx, so the first challenge was of course, money. I fretted about how I was going to pay for college or even how I was going to apply to college. It was stressful to think that I would have to help my siblings after college and therefore not be able to realize my own dreams.
Any memorable clients or project highlights?
- I’ve had the pleasure of working with corporate giants, entertainment and sports celebrities as well as hard working people who are interested in living in beautiful spaces. All are special to me. Each project has its own individual story However, I have had clients that allowed me to design and build every inch of their space including the furniture. That’s amazing in today’s climate.
How does your family support what you do?
- College was a priority in my household as both my parents attended college. My dad for his Associates Degree and my mother for her Master’s in Education. , Although I did not have money I had an abundance of support for what I wanted to accomplish and an expectation that I get there.
How do Architects measure success?
- I believe versatility is a skill we all value as designers. We build projects that are beautiful as well as functional. Being able to create an aesthetically pleasing space to satisfy each of my client’s specific taste and at the same time ensuring that it functions is its own reward.
What matters most to you in design?
- Like Vitruvius conformitas, utilitas, venustas, which is harder than we think. But on a global scale, how important this component we create affects the fabric of the built environment fabric.
What do you hope to achieve over the next 2 years? 5 years?
- To grow my business using all of the experience I’ve garnered over the last 30 years in multiple jurisdictions.
- Like most artists, I also wish to push the barriers of my creativity while remaining true to the traditional and timeless nature of my designs.
Who is your favorite Architect? Why?
- Paul Rudolph for salesmanship, talent, and cultural navigation skills which were beyond belief
- Frank Lloyd for his skill, as well as his ability to convince his clients to be daring and tenacious.
- Julia Morgan for her dedication and ability when she was the only one, and her clients who recognized and rewarded her abilities.
Do you have a coach or mentor?
- Not when I went into business no. However, for development I had two Mr. Richard Dozier and Max Bond Jr.
What is your favorite historic and modern (contemporary) project? Why?
- The Great Pyramids of Giza. They are pure form, functional and beautiful. It was once written by an early 19th century explorer who catalogued the proclivity for ornamentation throughout the known world that what we are able to see of Egyptian Architecture now is this architecture represents the last 2500 of this work in decline, what left of this 5000 year old architectural culture.
- If that be the case, then how much more glorious the architectural vocabulary of this civilization must be. The elements of order including the concept of hyper style halls must be astounding. These are the elements that make an edifice “timeless.”
- Notre Dame du Haut: The building teaches the intangibles of architecture as art. How does one use light as a design element? Most people will never even notice how the intangible shapes made by light in their space let alone the effects on their psychological health.
- The Mildred B Cooper Memorial Chapel: The boundaries that identify characteristics of nature and the difference from manmade structures are so blurred I this building that it is magical. I think in this design he did make his mentor proud. It is truly great work.
Where do you see the profession going over the next few decades?
- I think we are finally reaching the point where we are accepting the fact that we are part of a global community. That means a true understanding, in real time, of the relationship and importance of urban design, architecture and interior design etc. to the human conditions.
- Our use of technology will continue to grow at a rapid pace and architects will be required to leverage their expertise to benefit the world community especially in the areas of sustainability, and resilience.
- I am most excited by the possibility of the profession as the lead, taking on the real-estate profession as developers
What type of technology do you see in the design and construction industries?
- The digital drafting board and smart drafting solutions. The stylus is back, Instant 3d models and the expansion of BIM as a tool.
- Wireless outlets
- ASCII, GPS, LiDAR technology continue to advance. Assisting historic preservation giving a vision of what was formally unseen thereby assisting design and limiting errors.
- 3d modeling, as a tool, will advance to the point that we will grow more independent of contractors and furniture designers
Who / what has been your greatest influence in design?
- The reading of a Pattern Language. The book continues to teach me to think in layers until I get to the optimum solution.
- Jean Michele Frank: The comprehensive business model that he practiced was one to be envied and to be emulated.
- My mentors Max Bond and Richard Dozier.
- New York City designers that I’ve work for like Peter Marino and Juan Montoya
Which building or project type would you like to work on that you haven’t been part of yet?
- A Place of worship on an island site
How do you hope to inspire / mentor the next generation of Architects?
- I hope to inspire the next generation through visibility. African-American descent represents a very small part of the architectural demographics.
- I hope to write treatise and guides thereby leaving a guide to others to build on.
- My suggestion always is to be assiduous; to be relentless, recognizing that this is a lifelong area of study, one that requires . “long distance runners.”
What advice would you give aspiring architects (K-12)? College students? Graduates?
- The best advice for K-12 is to engage with architects when they come in to your schools on career days. It is important as this stage to really get a clear understanding of what an architect does and the value of architects’ play in their daily lives.
- College students: Provide information and honest dialogue on expectations after graduation; how to set reasonable and attainable goals, and lastly the many ways to measure success.
- Financial guidance on how to plan for a secure retirement.
- Explain what it means to own one’s own firm.
What does Architecture mean to you?
- Architecture is life. It is the culmination of the aspirations of the human condition at different time periods.
- Architecture means being conscious of the places and spaces we occupy as humans. It’s being in the unique position of being able to effect change in the communities welive in a way that is unique to no other profession
What is your design process?
- Client interview: Do more listening than writing.
- Who or what community am I designing for.
- Identify client particulars not just in program but culturally. How does the client perceive and use space. What is the corporate or family dynamic?
- Where am I being asked to design?
- What are the constraints of the site or space?
- How do I make it function perfectly and at the same time be beautiful?
If you could not be an Architect, what would you be?
- Apart from very early on when I wanted to be an artist I have never given thought to being anything else, however, if you were to ask my father, a surgeon would have been his preference.
What is your dream project?
- One that encompasses urban planning, landscape architecture, architecture as sculpture, interior design and furniture design; the complete package in the vernacular of the local culture.
What advice do you have for future Executive leaders?
- Seek out and work with like-minded people who share your vision and whom you can trust to honestly evaluate, and counsel you. Also, do not be afraid to delegate or share responsibility giving you the time and space you need as the leader to imagine and create.
What are three key challenges you face as a leader in business today and one trend you see in your industry?
- The challenge of finding curious and willing junior staff who are willing to put in the long hours needed to really learn the ins and outs of the profession.
- Loyalty
- Finding staff that is willing to learn how to build, even, by drawing the components rather than by cutting and pasting.
- My hope is that with the advances in Wacom Tablet technology we will have monitors as drafting boards and stylus as pencils causing the young architect to unconsciously pay more attention to what and how the building is being created.
What one thing must an executive leader be able to do to be successful in the next 3 years?
- The executive leader must to be able to leverage the power of the internet and especially social media
What are some executive insights you have gained since you have been sitting in the executive leadership seat – or what is one surprise you have encountered as the world of business continues to morph as we speak?
- I have been surprised at how much television, social media and the internet have impacted the decisions we now make as leaders.
Final Thoughts on How to Be Successful?
- Improving and adapting are keys to longevity and to success. Be relentless in your desire to grow and learn recognizing that learning is a lifelong pursuit.
For more exclusive ILMA interviews click here.
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
Completed Residential Project (North Arlington, NJ) Designed by @FC3ARCHITECT
Posted: November 28, 2017 Filed under: Architecture, More FC3, My Firm | Tags: Architect, Custom Residential, FC3, FC3 Architecture, House, New Jersey, NJ, Portfolio, Private Residence Leave a commentGreetings,
The following is an update to a project that we posted a while back:
@FC3ARCHITECTURE – Project Under Construction (North Arlington, NJ)
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments.
If you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
Frank Cunha III, AIA
Registered Architect
Licensed in CT, DC, DE, FL, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA
I Love My Architect – Facebook
FC3 ARCHITECTURE+DESIGN, LLC
e-mail: fcunha@fc3arch.com
mobile: 201.681.3551
web: http://fc3arch.com
Hanging with the Cool Kids of @MSUCSAM
Posted: August 21, 2017 Filed under: More FC3, Science & Technology, University | Tags: Architect, Astronomy, College, Cool Kids, CSAM, designmatters, Diversity, Eclipse 2017, Faculty, FC3, HigherEducation, iLoveScience, Montclair NJ, MontclairStateU, MSU, New Jersey, NJ, OneMontclair, Physics, PositiveNewsChannel, PositiveVibes, Research, Science, Steam, STEM, students, Teach Kids, Technology, Telescope, University Leave a commentOn August 21st, 2017, The College of Science and Mathematics at Montclair State University hosted an impromptu gathering for #SolarEclipse2017, which attracted a few dozen spectators and participants utilizing various scientific apparatuses to view the partial solar eclipse in from the new LEED Gold Center for Environmental Life Science Building (nick named CELS for short). (You can see me running around in high speed in my khakis, blue shirt and brief case by clicking here. Working at a University has its perks!)
Not only was it was a fun event – It was great to see such a great crowd and camaraderie from a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. It was a great opportunity for the campus community to come together for a great event. Science and the natural world connects us all and reminds us that we are not that different when it comes to who we are as human beings.
Click on The College of Science and Mathematics to learn more about Science at MSU, which has been designated by the state as a public research university.
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Frank Cunha III | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Blog
Architect’s Sketchbook – Cape May, NJ (Sketches by @FrankCunhaIII, August 5, 2017)
Posted: August 6, 2017 Filed under: Art, More FC3 | Tags: Architect, Architecture, Art, Artist, Cape May, cape May nj, capemay, Creative, Design, DesignAllDayAndAllNight, Draw, Drawing, eFAB, esketch, fc3arch, fc3art, Historic, hostoric nj, Ipad, makearchitecturefunagain, New Jersey, NJ, Pen, Sketch, Sketches, USA, Victorian Leave a commentA few sketches from my brief trip to Cape May after my triathlon race.
New Project Under Construction Designed by @FC3ARCHITECT
Posted: May 15, 2017 Filed under: Architecture, More FC3, My Firm | Tags: Architect, custom home, Design, designmatters, Family, FC3 Architecture, Home Improvement, New Jersey, NJ, Portfolio, Residential 1 CommentDear Readers,
We are sharing a recent project we completed the design and it is currently under construction. As you can see it is quite an expansion to a modest home. We are happy to see it is on schedule and on budget and should be completed this summer.
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments.If you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
ILMA of the Week: Peter Eisenman
Posted: July 28, 2013 Filed under: Architecture, ILMA Architect of the Week | Tags: Architect, Architecture, Decon, Deconstructivism, Deconstructivist, Eisenman, Fantastic, ILMA, Modern, New Jersey, New York City, NY Five, Theory 2 Comments
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post.
We sincerely appreciate all your comments.If you like this post please share it with friends.
And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
Frank Cunha III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
FC3 ARCHITECTURE+DESIGN, LLC
P.O. Box 335, Hamburg, NJ 07419
e-mail: fcunha@fc3arch.com
mobile: 201.681.3551
direct: 973.970.3551
fax: 973.718.4641
web: http://fc3arch.com
Licensed in CT, DE, FL, MD NJ, NY, PA
Awesome LEED Project in NJ ::: “CENTRA” by @KohnPedersenFox
Posted: July 2, 2013 Filed under: Architecture, JustArch, More FC3 | Tags: Architect, Architecture, CENTRA, Design, Iselin, Kohn Pedersen Fox, New Jersey, NJ, Woodbridge 1 CommentSituated on more than 19 acres, CENTRA is ideally located within the heart of Metropark, offering close proximity to New Jersey Transit, The Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike, I-287 and Routes 1 and 27 and Newark International Airport.
“This is an exciting project for our community,” said Woodbridge Township (N.J.) Mayor John E. McCormac. “Woodbridge is one of the few towns in the state experiencing commercial growth and business expansion. The LEED certification of CENTRA is consistent with our commitment as a township to protect our environment. We support this project as well as Hampshire’s vision to bring America’s newest business park to Woodbridge.”
Hampshire is proud to pioneer a new trend in office development with its 110,000 SF Centra Metropark. A LEED certified building re-designed in a strikingly modern style by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates.
CENTRA’s unique structure utilizes an asymmetrical tree-column and truss to support an extended fourth floor, providing a signature element for the project. A rectangular hole is carved in the center of the suspended fourth floor, allowing the sun to shower the ground-level grand entry plaza with light. Surrounding pyramidal landscape forms further distinguish the site“. Glass is the defining element for the design, inspiring openness and dynamics.
As a certified “green building,” CENTRA is a monumental example of sustainable design. Complying with stringent criteria, the building consumes less energy and water than traditional office spaces. As a result, the impact on the environment is significantly lessened. For tenants, however, the benefits are enormous.
AIANJ Presents: The Garden State’s Most Iconic Architects
Posted: April 14, 2013 Filed under: Architecture, More FC3 | Tags: Architects, Architecture, Childs, Churchill, Eisenman, Graves, Hillier, Holzman, ILMA, Inspiration, Meier, New Jersey, NJ, Pettersen, Short, Wells 4 CommentsI wanted to share NJ Architect Icons with our ILMA readers.
Special Thanks to Bruce Turner, AIA for Compiling the information on each Architect!
Content originally published on AIA-NJ’s blog.
In honor of National Architecture Week (April 7-13, 2013) a week-long celebration of architects and architecture, the New Jersey Chapter of the American Institute of Architects created a list of 10 of New Jersey’s most iconic architects. The list includes architects representing a range of architecture styles & philosophies; contemporary & historic figures; men & women; North & South. In some way they all are connected to the Garden State, whether they were born or practiced in New Jersey.
AIA New Jersey highlighted two of these iconic architects each day, Monday through Friday during the week. You may or may not agree with the list, but we hope it encouraged, and will continue to encourage dialogue about architects and architecture in the great State of New Jersey. We urge you to share the stories of these architects with your family and friends, and to share with us your thoughts about our list of New Jersey’s most iconic architects in the comment section after each article. These are not the only New Jersey architects who inspire us. They are only the 10 selected for this week. Who is not on this list who you think should be there, and why?
Below is a link to the article about each one of the 10 architects. And remember, New Jersey is not just home to Jack Nicholson, Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi; it’s also home to some of architecture’s greatest minds – those who have helped shape the world in which we live.
We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us – Winston Churchill
Do you need more inspiration?
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments.
If you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
Frank Cunha III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
FC3 ARCHITECTURE+DESIGN, LLC
P.O. Box 335, Hamburg, NJ 07419
e-mail: fcunha@fc3arch.com
mobile: 201.681.3551
direct: 973.970.3551
fax: 973.718.4641
web: http://fc3arch.com
Licensed in NJ, NY, PA, DE, CT.