Brian M. Taylor Architects was established in 2001 and is located in downtown North Plainfield, New Jersey. Our primary focus is the design of mixed use, commercial and all types of residential buildings. With proximity to many successful and vibrant downtown urban centers such as Westfield, Summit and Short Hills, the firm has been blessed with a variety of commissions that have contributed to the breadth and range of the work. The small firm atmosphere guarantees highly personalized service and attention to each project.
All great architecture starts with a deep understanding of what has preceded us. For our projects, this knowledge is built upon and respects history, but accommodates contemporary lifestyle through innovation. Innovation in architecture stems from understanding the differences in how we live and function, utilizing advances in technology, and merging new ideas within the context of timeless proven ideas.
Ultimately, hiring an architect is the first step in getting serious about your project. It is important to select an architect that shares your enthusiasm for the things that are most important to you in the vision for your project. Brian M. Taylor Architects can then take that vision and make it a reality by listening to your needs, bringing forth a wealth of design and construction knowledge. We will then serve as your guide through the entire design and construction process.
Architects that belong to the American Institute of Architects, the premier professional association of licensed architects, are required to earn continuing education credits to ensure they are up to date on current issues affecting their profession, such as building technology, the environment and human welfare. Working with an AIA architect ensures that your design professional is informed and maintains a high standard of practice so that your project can be a success. Brian M. Taylor Architects is a member of the AIA at national, state and local levels.
Our focus in residential design is to be versed in architectural history, so we can easily ascertain the architectural style of a home or how the existing structure or layout may lend itself to other styles.
Educating our clients with Architectural history engages them, revealing interesting aspects of their existing home or peaking their interest in other styles that may be a good fit for their lifestyle.
Our favorite project is either a new home or one that involves an addition in conjunction with an exterior renovation. This provides the project with clear architectural direction and holistic appearance, rather than one that looks like a building from two different time periods.
A clear indicator of the authenticity of a home is in the details. Authentic details from a home of a particular style or time period give the home an overall sense of harmony, balance and distinctiveness. The art of authentic detailing has generally been lost today and reintroducing thoughtful and proper details create a distinctive architecture to even the most discerning eye.
Commercial and mixed use projects are treated with the same level of design involvement as our residential buildings. However, these projects have additional parameters and priorities not typically present in most residential work. A thoughtful design is only one aspect of the project. Early involvement of the architect is essential in determining whether a site or an existing building will lend itself to the new use.
A well versed working knowledge of land use, zoning and building codes ensure that an Owner is not wasting precious time and money on an inappropriate site or existing building. A quick concept plan and feasibility analysis determines the suitability of the site. Brian M. Taylor Architects has the proven experience and complete working knowledge of local zoning and state building codes to provide the necessary guidance on these project types. The firm also works closely with land use attorneys, as well as civil, mechanical, electrical, structural and environmental engineering consultants to provide complete design services for its clientele.
In sustainable or “green” design, most buildings of the past were much more “green” with respect to the sustainability of their materials. More natural materials were integrated into a design with less plastic and other techniques of Today that can be harmful to both buildings and the environment. Thoughtful design, such as solar orientation, sun shading and accommodating prevailing winds contribute to the thermal efficiency of a building. We strive to utilize basic architectural philosophy as well as a modern understanding of energy, natural resources, and our environment to create buildings that are in harmony with the Earth.