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.
| Position: | Principal / Architect |
| Education: | Rutgers University, Newark Campus
Liberal Arts Education New Jersey Institute of Technology, New Jersey School of Architecture Bachelor of Architecture, NAAB Accredited Professional Degree New Jersey Institute of Technology, School of Management Master of Business Administration (expected March 2011) |
| Registration: | New Jersey Licensed Architect New York Licensed Architect |
| Certification: | NCARB Certified, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
LEED-NC Accredited Professional, Green Building Certification Institute |
Brian Taylor started his practice in February of 2001. His previous employment at AML Commercial Design and then Cornerstone Architectural Group have provided him with 15 years of valuable experience in a diverse array of building types including residential, commercial, municipal, educational and industrial projects. His goal in every project is the integration of thoughtful design with the realistic constraints of construction and economics. This balance is achieved through careful coordination with consultants, as well as working with clients and builders through the completion of each project. Mr. Taylor has proven himself over the years by being able to complete technically complex projects with quality and in a timely manner. His efforts are focused on following through with clients' expectations and developing lasting relationships which are built on trust and merit. Mr. Taylor is a licensed Architect in the state of New Jersey. He is also involved as a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) at national, state and local levels. Mr. Taylor has served as the Vice Chairman of the North Plainfield Historic Preservation Commission.
Since the firm’s inception, the majority of projects comprise both residential, as well as commercial design. In the residential aspect of the practice, one of the firm=s major areas of focus has been addition and alteration of traditional buildings of historical significance. Given the North Plainfield office location, the surrounding area and towns of Plainfield, Westfield, Cranford and Summit offer a rich variety of traditional and historic building types, some of which are located in local historic districts. Through his architectural education, as well as personal research and investigation in connection with his projects, Mr. Taylor has developed an intimate knowledge and level of understanding of the design and construction of these well crafted structures. On the commercial front, projects are varied both in size and type. Everything from local shops and offices, to industrial buildings and major national retailers make up a comprehensive client list. Mr. Taylor can work with his clients from inception, assisting with site selection, through cost estimating and conceptual design, culminating with governmental approvals and the detailed construction documents. Being well versed in structural issues, construction codes, and local ordinances, Mr. Taylor has also been called on by businesses, owners, attorneys and investors to analyze buildings and the elements that dictate their design and construction, as they impact renovations, expansions and acquisitions.
| Position: | Project Manager |
| Education: | M.S.University, Baroda, India B.S. Architecture |
Kaushika Mistry started working with Brian M. Taylor Architects in February of 2007. She has worked with Brian Taylor on various residential as well as commercial projects. Ms. Mistry began her career in Architecture in 1990. She has experience working on mixed-use and recreational buildings. Her experience has provided her with a vast knowledge in planning, design development and a deep understanding of coordinating functional requirements with the aesthetics of a building.
As a Project Manager, Ms. Mistry is involved with the project from field measurements, design process, preparation of final construction documents, developing details, as well as site visits. Working with Brian Taylor has made her appreciate the importance of the history of architecture and its continuous relevance on Modern Architecture. She has worked on both traditional as well as modern residential buildings. Her past employment with Cross River Zoning Associates and Quality Design Associates, have provided her with valuable experience working on projects in New York and New Jersey. She has worked on renovations and additions of multiple dwelling units in multi-story residential as well as mixed-used buildings. She has also prepared presentation and detail drawings for projects in the Landmark Preservation District in the city of New York. She has experience in preparing various documents and drawings required by New York City Building Department and Department of Transportation for filing and approval. She has excellent skills in coordinating with HVAC, Electrical and Plumbing contractors.
Kaushika Mistry started her Architectural career in India and her experience includes working with Rasik Shah & Associates and at Sthapatya Kendra with Suryakant Patel, in Baroda, India. She worked on commercial, recreational and high-end residential projects. Her early experiences were focused on climatic effects on the design development of a project. She understood early on, the significance of climate and orientation of a building and its impact on the conservation of energy and resources.