SSA Architecture – Las Vegas Architects

ARTICLES

I Have a Set of Architectural Drawings With Different Scales. How Can I Accurately Read These Drawings and Check if They Are Correctly Scaled?

To read architectural drawings with different scales, use an architect’s scale to measure distances accurately and convert them based on the scale ratio. For more information please watch the video below.

https://youtu.be/BZPifGfSBH8?si=luqX9co2WEN3l6IB

I am Just About to Sign a Lease For a New Commercial Project Space. The Leasing Agent Told me That I Will Need to Get a Tenant Improvement Permit to Change Some Things.  What is Involved in Doing That? 

A tenant improvement is the common name for interior remodeling of an existing building interior. To get that permit it is normally necessary to have an architect “draw blueprints”.  Typically you will also need engineering drawings also. These are then set for bidding and to apply for permits. For more information watch the video.

https://youtu.be/5Pb-9vb7-jA?si=JeH7MTJ2r-8712se

Is There a Specific Amount of Force Required To Operate a Commercial Project Door?

Yes. According to the ADA typical doors should require no more than 5 pounds of pressure.  There is a relatively inexpensive tool for determining the force. If you have a closer on the door then almost all closers are adjustable using hand tools.  The video will show you how to test the force. To make adjustments you will have to look at the door closer manufacturers website. 

https://youtu.be/Kc_L38D_11I?si=Tt1GQv4ZZ8rE_rvZ

I Have a Commercial Project That May Need to Comply with Disability Regulation Requirements.  How Do I Know if I Really Need to Comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) or Other Disability Regulations?

If you are constructing a business or starting a new business utilizing an existing space, then you are required to comply with the ADA (some call it 2010 standards).  If you are an existing business built after ADA’s implementation during 1990 and you accept any federal money (like military vouchers or VA paid treatments) then ADA applies to your project regardless of if our builder was able to “get past” inspections without complying.  If you are moving into an existing tenant improvement and don’t plan to change anything but your toilet is per-ADA you are required to remake it in compliance with ADA.  If you are planning a construction project in southern Nevada the building departments check plans and inspect for compliance with ANSI A117.1 which has very similar detail requirements to the ADA.  While a building department may treat your old conditions as “Grandfathered” there is no “grandfathering” under the ADA.  More details are in the video

https://youtu.be/RAEf8YoSmAY?si=1joa2MAC_hdzYiMs

SSA Architecture has worked as an architectural firm in Las Vegas for over 20 years and in that time SSA has done a multitude of projects including built from the ground up and building remodeling design projects. It is common place for us to take an as built site plan and draw a sketch of the proposed new building as a starting point… Read More

Recently health has become a major concern in the world of architecture and more specifically medical oriented architecture as it has rapidly become more important to prevent the spread of virus, germs, and diseases. There are many things that can be done to your residential or commercial building design that can improve the overall health of the people using the spaces. This blog by SSA – Las Vegas Architects will cover information pertaining to lighting, indoor air quality, air conditioning, and other general building conditions… Read More

SSA Architecture is experienced in drawing new commercial building “blueprints” as most other architects in Las Vegas are. With that experience we have found there are some steps that make the “Drafting Plans” process smoother. These are a few things that you should look into doing to expedite the design and construction documents process… Read More

Designing is something that brings life and authenticity to any building either it is residential or commercial. As every client has unique needs associated with their construction and architectural projects. We must thank to all the latest technologies due to which, the experienced and professional design team of SSA Architecture, Small Studio Associates enables you… Read More

There is one question that I often hear: “Do I need an architect?” Well, custom home building is something that has lots of popularity in today’s architecture field and has been completely revolutionized with the advanced technology available. It cannot be denied that home customization is something that requires lots of creativity… Read More

“One of the Best Beauties of Architecture is that Each Time It is Like Life Starting All Over Again” Undoubtedly, an architect is a person who brings life to your residential or commercial buildings. As we all know that being an architecture, it is a job of visualization in which, building speaks for themselves… Read More

Of the many architectural clients that have gotten themselves into a problem with the building department, many have built without permits. So we are often asked: “Do I really need a permit?” or “Do I really have to have a permit?” Many property owners can sneak in some construction without getting… Read More

The federal law known as the Americans with Disabilities Act has been a requirement for over 20 years. That law includes many architectural requirements, such as ramps, clearances around doors, and grab bars. Because the building department in Nevada is not tasked with checking for ADA compliance, many buildings exist… Read More

There are a lot of good solutions to make an ugly Las Vegas building presentable and possibly beautifully designed. Clients have recently used our architectural design services to “re-skin” a commercial stucco building. This simply means that the existing architectural façade of the old office building was covered over with some… Read More

SSA Architecture provides permit expediting services for architectural projects. In the largest jurisdiction in the Las Vegas area (unincorporated Clark County) Ken Small, owner of SSA is one of only a handful of architects who can obtain a permit within a week after the completed plans are submitted to the building department. This program… Read More

When beginning an Architectural Project it is typical for somebody to look for someone who can design their new building or interior space. However, an architect typically isn’t able to do the full project by themselves. Depending on the work… Read More

If you have or plan to open a Restaurant and you want Outdoor Eating to be a part of your restaurant it will likely need to be submitted to a governing body for approval before Outdoor Eating can be installed and utilized. For the City of Las Vegas and the Jurisdictions found around Las Vegas such as Clark County, North Las Vegas, and Henderson this submission will need to be made to the corresponding Planning & Zoning Department. There are some things to consider when looking into adding Outdoor Eating to your Restaurant… Read More