Firm Profile

John James Architecture is a NJ architecture firm that specializes in custom residential architecture. We work in a variety of styles and on projects of all shapes and sizes, from modest renovations to new homes and large estates.

As a small firm with a professional staff of registered architects and interior designers, the firm’s Principals are intimately involved each of the firm’s projects. The firm only works on a certain number of projects at one time to guarantee that each client gets the personal attention they require and deserve.

With strengths as both designers and managers, we bring creative solutions to the myriad challenges that confront an owner during the design, renovation and construction process.

We are fluent in a broad range of classic, transitional, and modern architectural styles and apply this knowledge to create extraordinary and graceful architecture that stands the test of time.

In our 30 year history as a NJ architect, we have completed over 700 projects and are proud that many of these projects are with repeat clients. We are known for our considerable experience as an architect in New Jersey’s most prominent neighborhoods, including Short Hills, Summit, Millburn, Essex Fells, Bernardsville, Mendham, and Westfield.

The Architecture We Specialize In

JJA is a team of NJ architects specializing in the intricate processes of designing, permitting, and constructing custom residential architecture. Our expertise spans a diverse array of architectural styles, and we take pride in our proficiency across a broad spectrum of project budgets. From modest kitchen renovations to the creation of expansive new homes and estates, we navigate every project with skill and dedication. Our extensive experience encompasses a variety of project types, including:

  • New Homes

  • Interior Gut Renovations

  • Home Additions and Expansions

  • Bathroom Renovations

  • Kitchen Renovations

  • Primary Bedroom Additions

  • Façade Renovations

  • Pool Houses

  • Attic Renovations

  • Basement Renovations

Our Process

  • Initial Consultation

    Client schedules an initial consultation with one of our Principals. For the consultation, we will meet you at your home for an hour to discuss the project and take detailed notes to ensure we leave with a clear understanding of the project scope. Please note that we receive more consultation requests than we can fulfill. To filter for clients who are serious about their projects, we charge a nominal fee of $275 for the initial consultation. If you decide to proceed with the project, we will credit the consultation fee to your initial retainer.

    Design Proposal Submitted

    Following the initial consultation, we will draft a detailed proposal outlining the project scope. The proposal will be sent to you for review, and upon agreement, we request a small retainer.

    Surveying / Site Measuring

    For renovations and additions, immediately after the proposal is signed, we will schedule a time for two of our architects to visit the site and take accurate measurements.

    For new construction projects, the client commissions a survey which serves as the basis for the design process.

    Existing Conditions Drawn

    For renovations, using the measurements taken from the prior step, our architects will draw up the existing layout of the space, which serves as the foundation for the design process.

    Zoning Study

    Once the existing conditions are drawn and/or surveyed, we will prepare a Zoning Study to confirm the zoning constraints the project must confirm to, as-of-right. This step helps us identify if any variances will be required. If a variance is required, we will work with you to tailor the variance request and increase the likelihood of receiving approval, leveraging our strong track record in procuring variances for many of our over 700 clients.

    Draft Proposed Plans and Elevations

    Following the Zoning Study, we will produce a first iteration of the proposed design. This package includes schematic floor plans, initial drawings of the building's façade, and an initial construction budget. We meticulously consider all the input we have received from you up until this point as we craft these initial design drawings.

    Initial Design Meeting

    Once the initial design package is complete, we will schedule a meeting with you to walk through the proposed design and gather your feedback.

    Design Revisions

    Following the Initial Design Meeting, we will make revisions to the drawings based on your comments and preferences.

    Design Revisions Meeting

    After the revised drawings are complete, we will schedule a second design meeting to walk through the updated design. For most projects, we will finalize the design and seek approval on the schematic floor plans/elevations.

    Draft and Submit Zoning / Historic Preservation Commission Package

    Now that the schematic design has been approved, we will finalize an Historic Commission of Zoning Board package (if required) and submit it to the planning department for approval.

    Zoning Approval

    Zoning Approval may involve review with the town and a hearing. Once issued, we proceed with the detailed design phase.

    Construction Documents

    After any historic or zoning work has been approved, we begin the work of developing the designs for the house. This includes detailed layouts for all the rooms including interior elevations. We will also develop this into the final Construction Documents for bidding with contractors, including lighting and power layouts, kitchen and bath designs, cabinetry, moulding and trim details. We will also finalize all of the details for the exterior.

  • Draft and Submit Zoning / Historic Preservation Commission Package

    Now that the schematic design has been approved, we will finalize a zoning package and submit it to the planning department for approval.

    Zoning Approval

    Zoning Approval may involve some review with the town. Once issued, we proceed with the design and complete the construction documents.

  • Bid List Established

    We create a list of all recommended contractors for bidding. Our recommendations are valuable as we have worked with most of these contractors for many years on numerous projects and are familiar with their performance. We only recommend contractors that have a proven track record of behaving honorably and producing quality work and satisfying our previous clients.

    Construction Documents Completed and Issued to Bidders

    We finalize the construction documents drawings and written specifications, defining the project's scope, and issue it to your selected contractors for bidding.

    Bids Received, Reviewed and Contractor Selected

    After reviewing the bids, we work with you to select the most suitable contractor for the project. The competitive bidding process ensures transparency, minimizes cost and provides the owner with enough information to make an informed decision as they select a contractor.

  • Construction Permitting

    Once the contractor has been selected, we issue signed and sealed drawings, which they submit to the building department to obtain the construction permit.

    Construction

    During the construction phase, we work closely with the contractor, answering any questions they have and regularly inspecting the project to ensure it is built according to the design.

    We are also available to walk through the project with you, attend construction meetings and to resolve any construction related questions you may have and to help you manage the overall process.

    Punchlist

    As the final step of the design and construction process, we review the completed space and produce a punch list of items that need attention. These usually involve minor corrections and work that needs to be completed.

    Final Invoice Issued and Retainer Credited

    The retainer received at the start of the project will be credited to the final invoice, effectively closing out the design and construction process.

Services We Provide

  • Architectural Design: Craft visionary and functional living spaces with our comprehensive architectural design services tailored to your unique preferences and lifestyle. We hold your hand through every step of the process ensuring that design, permitting and construction are executed in a smooth and efficient manner.

  • Interior Design: Elevate your living experience with our expert interior design, seamlessly blending aesthetics and functionality to create harmonious and personalized home environments.

  • Kitchen Cabinetry and Built-In Millwork Design: Transform your kitchen and living spaces with our bespoke cabinetry and millwork designs, marrying craftsmanship with practicality for a distinctive and functional result.

  • Pre-Purchase Consulting: Make informed property decisions with our pre-purchase consulting services, providing insightful assessments of architectural potential and limitations. Services are billed hourly and credited to the architecture fee cap in the event that we are hired to design modifications to the house once it is purchased.

  • Custom Furniture Design: Personalize your living spaces with our custom designed bespoke furniture, marrying form and function for pieces that reflect your individual style.

  • Construction Administration: Ensure the seamless execution of your project with our construction administration services, ensuring your home is constructed as designed.

  • Historic Home Preservation Board Submittals: Navigate preservation regulations seamlessly with our extensive expertise in preparing and submitting board submittals for historic home preservation projects. We have an incredibly strong track record of procuring approvals to modify historic houses and houses in historic districts.

  • Zoning Variances: Streamline the zoning process with our services, securing variances to accommodate your unique architectural vision within regulatory guidelines.

  • Master-planning: Envision the complete potential of your property with our master-planning services, integrating architecture, landscaping, and civil engineering to create a cohesive neighborhood.

  • 3-D Rendering: Visualize your project before construction with our sate of the art 3-D rendering services, bringing your architectural vision to life in stunning detail.

  • Project Programming: Work with our team to define the scope that the architecture will be designed to accommodate.

  • As-Built Documentation: Document the current state of your property accurately with our as-built documentation services, providing a solid foundation for future renovations.

Where We Work

JJA is licensed to practice architecture in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. In addition to these states, the firm’s principals are NCARB certified, allowing for reciprocity in other states, should clients need our assistance.

Of the over 700 architecture project we have completed to date, a significant number are located in the Northern New Jersey. See our Project Map for the locations of our completed projects.

We have worked as architects in: Short Hills, Summit, Maplewood, Millburn, Montclair, Basking Ridge, Mendham, Essex Fells, Far Hills, Bernardsville, Basking Ridge, Chatham, Chester, Demarest, Franklin Lakes, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Madison, Ridgewood, South Orange, Westfield, Andover, Babylon, Berkeley Heights, Brooklyn, Cedar Grove, Chappaqua, Cliffside Park, Clifton, Colts Neck, Fairfield, Flemington, Fort Lee, Gillette, Green Village, Greenwich, Hackensack, Ho-Ho-Kus, Hoboken, Holmdel, Hopatcong, Jersey City, Lafayette, Long Island City, Marlboro, Millington, Montville, Morristown, Mountainside, New Vernon, New York, North Brunswick, North Caldwell, Orange, Port Washington, Princeton, River Edge, Roseland, Roselle, Rumson, Saddle River, Scotch Plains, Seaside Park, Springfield, Teaneck, Tenafly, Towaco, Union, Watchung, Wayne, West Caldwell, West Orange, Woodbridge, and Wyckoff.