email: tscavo@scavoarchitect.com Walt Disney
You can dream, create, design & build the most wonderful place in the world, but it takes people to make the dream a reality
ABOUT
Since its creation in 2001, Thomas J. Scavo, Architect, P.C. has been offering custom Residential and Commercial Architectural services of the highest quality. Under the direction of the principle, Thomas Scavo, the office has created over 1,000 projects including custom residences, single family and multifamily projects, residential additions and alterations, both interior and exterior, as well as commercial buildings and projects of the highest quality. These include projects all over Long Island and other parts of New York State as well as in Virginia and North Carolina.
We are a full-service office. This means that we are there for you through the entire process from the initial consultation through the completion of the project. We love what we do which is the reason why we have been serving clients for over 20 years with a reputation for integrity and professional excellence. We offer our clients the expertise and knowledge of a larger office with the exceptional personalized service of a small one.
Our Services
- ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
- HOUSE TRANSFORMATIONS
- COMMERCIAL BUILDING TRANSFORMATIONS
- CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
- MASTER PLANNING
- EXTERIOR DESIGN
- INTERIOR DESIGN
- SPACE PLANNING
- ZONING ANALYSIS
- SITE & FEASIBILITY STUDIES
- CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATION
- HISTORIC PRESERVATION
- ADAPTIVE REUSE & RENOVATION
- REAL ESTATE
- CUSTOM DESIGNED HOMES
- RENOVATIONS
- EXTENSIONS AND ADDITIONS
- REMODELING
- ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY DESIGN
- RESIDENTIAL INVESTENT PROPERTIES
- MULI-FAMILY
- COMMERCIAL, RETAIL, OFFICE & BUSINESSES
Our mission
Our mission is to provide the highest level of Architectural service to our clients by listening to their needs, goals and dreams and translating them into reality by providing creative and functional solutions through comprehensive services of the highest quality.
Our philosophy
Most people have never worked with an Architect before. Many times, the project you are dreaming about can be one of the biggest investments you ever make and can be overwhelming. We try to take away those unknowns and make our clients feel comfortable, stress free and at ease by educating and guiding them in and through the entire process. This starts with our number one priority, listening to our clients and taking the time to understand their goals and vision. Understanding that vision we can then design beautiful and functional structures and spaces that meet their goals. Our approach is to balance function and design, solving problems with quality innovation and creative thinking. We don't have a specific aesthetic style. We come to your project with an open mind, getting to know you and your vision and lifestyle as well as getting to know the site for your project.
OUR PROCESS
Through the entire process we provide service at every step
Once our office is hired to provide Architectural services, we will set up a convenient time to take measurements and the existing conditions of the project as needed.
The First Phase of any project would be what is called Pre-Design.
This is where we would document the existing conditions. Our belief is that it is critical to have a record set of the existing conditions before we can start any design. This is the information gathering phase. This is where we review your goals. We review your lifestyle, needed spaces, room sizes and features. We look at the spaces you currently have and what you would like in the future. We also review the local zoning codes and do a site analysis of your property. Every property fits in a certain zoning area. In that area you are allowed by the codes a certain percentage to build on your property. There are also setback requirements off your property lines where you are not allowed to build. In addition, there are height requirements and possibly other requirements. We analyze your property first so as not to start to design a project that cannot be built without some sort of relief through a zoning variance. This saves much time and costs in the overall process. We also look at your construction budget, if known, or help you to form a realistic budget, as well as time frames for the project.
The Second Phase of the project would consist of Design Development. Based on the information and knowledge we gain in the First Phase; we start to compile the first concept design drawings. These typically consist of preliminary Floor Plans and Exterior Elevations. This is a good point where a client can review the design and based on the feedback from them, we can revise or possibly move forward to the next phase.
The Third Phase of the project would be Design Development. This is where we take those first preliminary design drawings and based on feedback make any modifications. This is the best time to make any changes on the design. We would work through those drawings and with communication from the client finalize the design of the project. These would again be reviewed by the client for approval. Of course, any refinements can be made at any time.
The Fourth Phase of the project would be the Construction Documents phase. In this phase we develop the final, client approved, design drawings into a thorough and precise set of Construction Documents, Those Construction Documents would include all dimensions, all details, floor plans, elevations, sections, site plan, structure, energy conservation documentation and all required information needed for both the builder to work with as well as for filing with a local Building Department. Once submitted to the Building Department we would revise as needed or add any pertinent information required by the official, within the scope of the project, to assure everything is there for the building permit to be issued.
Our services don't stop at this point. Once the project gets under construction, we are always available to answer any questions and work with the contractor or builder to assure a successful project that meets your goals and expectations.
WHY SHOULD I HIRE AN ARCHITECT?
The dream of creating the wonderful place Walt Disney spoke of requires the right team of people. It all starts with the Architect. They can take your ideas, your wishes, goals and dreams, and turn them into reality. They can translate those ideas into a realistic design and cohesive plan for the rest of the team to visualize and help to see that dream come true. Hiring the right Architect is like having the right foundation for your home. It all starts with the Architect. But why should you hire one to begin with?
Did you know that an Architect is trained and educated to perform their services? They must complete a rigorous education, 5 years for a Professional degree, and then a minimum of three years of practical experience in an Architect's office before sitting for exams that some say are the hardest of the professional exams to pass. You can't call yourself an Architect unless you are schooled, trained and pass those exams. The title of Architect is protected by state law.
There are many issues that can come up on a project, The list is long, from design ideas, building codes, zoning codes, building officials as well as contractors the process of building anything is a complicated process. The Architect is trained to solve those issues and create ways for successful projects. In the long run, any of those issues can add time and costs to any project. Hiring the right Architect can actually save you money and time on the project. They can make your life easier by meeting your goals and respecting your budget. The right Architect can give you peace of mind while helping you through the process. They are problem solvers. They are governed by the state and must comply with the health, safety and welfare of the public as well as all codes, laws, regulations and requirements. The Architect's depth of knowledge, when it comes to your project, the years of training and their creativity can all lead to a well-functioning, structurally sound, creatively designed, fully coordinated solution for your project.
An Architect designed home or building will have unique features that will give it distinction. Architect designed homes are proven to command more money when selling and possess more value. Hiring an Architect can provide more of a long-term value for your home and more of a return on your investment.
Most importantly, for the client, a good Architect must possess Integrity, Honesty, Professionalism, Knowledge, Experience, Creativity and Trust. That is the basis for any good relationship. This will help you in the end as they will deliver on the service you require and needed for a successful project.
When meeting with an architect
When planning your project, it's good to speak with several Architects before making any decisions, but how do you know how to choose the right one for your project? It all starts with Communication. You should ask many questions while interviewing them and listen to their answers. Are they a good fit for you? Will the Architect listen to you and your ideas? Are they able to interpret those ideas and create solutions to meet your needs and goals?
You should find out the Architects approach when starting a project. Has the Architect done similar projects to yours? How much experience do they have? How much knowledge regarding the codes, town process, structure and design do they have?
During the first meeting, communication and clear understanding is the key. To make the first meeting go smoothly, you should have your objectives and goals of what you would like to do clear. It is good to have some idea of a budget as well as time frames. It is best to have whatever paperwork you might have on your existing home or building. This includes a copy of the survey of the property as well as any documentation you might have such as existing drawings and any certificates of occupancy for past work you have done. It's always good to have inspiration photos and/or ideas (interior and exterior) of things you like as well as things you might not like in design. It is helpful in giving the Architect an idea of your wishes,
Some questions to ask include are they a licensed and registered Architect? When can they meet with you, are they available full time, evenings, weekends? Are they available when the builder is working and when the town building department is open? You should ask how they charge and a general idea of payment schedules.
Lastly, do they provide references and lists of previous projects that may be similar to what you are looking to do? Check to see if they have a good track record of similar types of projects. From all of this you should be able to get an idea how you would feel working with them, your comfort level by their knowledge, experience and professionalism. It is always good to speak with others who have gone through a similar process of what you are looking to do.
For the prospective client the best advice is to not cut corners. Allow the time needed for the project to run its correct and proper course.
meet the owner and principal
Tom Scavo is the owner and principal of Thomas J. Scavo, Architect, P.C. Born and raised on Long Island, NY, he knew from an early start that Architecture was his calling. Tom received his B.S. in Communications from the University of Tennessee in 1980 and graduated cum laude with his Bachelor of Architecture degree from New York Institute of Technology in 1992.
With over 35 years of experience in Architecture and Design he became a licensed Architect in 1994. He had years of experience working in some of the largest Architectural offices on Long Island before starting his own office in 2001. His main principles include having competency, fairness, honesty, professionalism and the highest integrity and moral conduct with all his clients. He loves design and architecture and loves working with his clients to help achieve their goals. He strives to create projects and spaces that not only offer custom and uniquely designed solutions but excite them and make them happy. combining beauty and function.
His knowledge of the design and building process, his experience, creativity, dedication, responsiveness and professionalism is what sets his office apart from the others. He believes in a collaborative mindset with projects, understanding that it takes a team, working with designers, builders, engineers and municipalities to create any successful project with the Architect leading the way. His certifications include Architect licenses in New York, Virginia and North Carolina but is always open and available for projects around the country. He is a member of the NCARB (the National Architectural Registration Board) since 1999.
Combined with his years of helping clients with quality and innovative designs and structures in Architecture he is also a licensed Realtor in New York State. In Real Estate he is a member of the National Association of Realtors and the Long Island Board of Realtors. He is also a Certified Buyers Representative in Real Estate. His background with the two, Architecture combined with Real Estate, gives him a unique perspective with any project including, not only the knowledge of residences and commercial buildings but also building systems, curb appeal, cost vs. the value added and visualizing the potential of a property.
In addition to his professional experience, he draws inspiration from his travels around the U.S. and the world. He also works as an adjunct instructor, teaching Architecture and Computer Aided Drafting and Design at a local college near his home on Long Island.