Rochester Architects & Building Design

Architectural Firm For Residential and Commercial Projects

Need Help? +1 315 530-1099

We work with clients across the Rochester area to deliver architectural plans that are practical and ready to build. We help guide everything from major renovations to new construction, all with the goal of making your vision clearer and the construction process more efficient.

Our firm is based in Upstate New York, and we bring decades of experience in design and engineering. We're licensed in several states and led by a Ph.D., P.E., and DBIA Associate. When we take on a project, we focus on what matters: helping you move forward with accurate drawings, helpful insight, and clear communication. If you're ready to get started or want to learn more, call 315-530-1099 to speak with our team.

Rochester's Unique Mix of Architecture and Codes

Navigating Local Zoning and Site Conditions

Rochester's zoning rules and parcel types vary depending on location. In neighborhoods like Highland Park, lot widths and setbacks can be tight. But in Brighton and Greece, where parcels may offer more space, they have different requirements entirely. Our team evaluates each property with its local rules in mind and outlines what kind of building forms, access points, and layouts are possible. For projects in historic districts or redevelopment zones, we coordinate with local departments to keep everything on track.

We Plan for Weather and Building Envelope Performance

Our local winters put stress on every part of a building's structure and envelope. From roof slope to insulation strategy, there are many details that must work together to handle snow load, long cold seasons, wind exposure, and freeze-thaw cycles. We design buildings that hold up under heavy snow and stay energy efficient.

Commercial Architecture Grounded in Function

Adaptive Reuse, New Construction and Renovation

Commercial properties often involve adapting older buildings or making smart use of infill lots. We can convert warehouses into offices, update older commercial suites for modern tenants, and support new ground-up developments. Our approach balances building constraints with layout and systems that support everyday business use. We coordinate with consultants, code reviewers, and contractors so the project doesn't stall halfway through.

For example, a former auto shop in the 19th Ward might be better suited for a contractor's office than another retail storefront. Or a vacant parcel near Monroe Avenue could accommodate a two-story building with street-level commercial space and a small office above. We look at what the site offers, what the codes allow, and how the finished space will function day to day.

Support for Tenants, Developers, and Public Entities

We've worked with private tenants on interior build outs, supported developers through complex site planning, and collaborated with public agencies on civic facilities. Each project type requires a different cadence. Some move quickly and depend on close coordination with a contractor, while others involve multiple review stages tied to public oversight. Requirements and timelines shift depending on the scope, but we focus on delivering clear, buildable drawings that support approvals and limit backtracking once construction is underway.

Architecture for Occupant-Driven Spaces

Health, Education, and Civic Projects

Projects like clinics, early childhood centers, and other civic buildings often need to meet state-level oversight as well as accessibility standards. They also need to look beautiful and professional. We look closely at how occupants and staff move through the space and make those patterns part of the layout. Our firm also coordinates with DOH and other regulatory agencies when needed to keep approvals predictable.

Retail, Restaurant, and Mixed-Use Spaces

Retail and restaurant environments need designs that support foot traffic, rapid service, and daily operations. We work with franchise owners and independent businesses to prepare drawings that reflect utility needs, equipment layouts, and the limits of older buildings. For mixed-use projects, we keep the structure and service requirements of each use in mind.

Residential Architecture for Old and New Homes

Restoration, Renovation, and Reconfiguration

Many homes in Rochester date back several generations and carry structural quirks or even undocumented changes. We help homeowners assess what's in place and provide architectural plans that work with the building's structure while improving the layout. Projects like open floor plans, kitchen overhauls, and stairway updates can require significant architectural work and permitting, but we are here to help.

Custom Homes and Infill Projects

We've worked with clients building on small city lots and larger parcels in places like Pittsford, Fairport, and Penfield. Before we begin drawing, we consider sun patterns, site grading, setbacks, and driveway access. We also work directly with site engineers and surveyors when needed to keep the planning phase efficient.

Design for Duplexes, Triplexes, and Rentals

Our architectural firm works with landlords, property managers, and investors to design duplexes, triplexes, and small-scale apartment conversions. We address issues like egress, acoustic separation, firewalls, and mechanical layout so the finished space meets safety codes and is easier to rent and maintain.

Drawings That Builders Can Actually Use

Contractors need drawings they can trust. We've heard from builders who were frustrated by vague plans or missing dimensions in the past, and we won't let that happen. We think through structural systems, wall types, connections, and layout sequencing. Our construction sets are meant to make fieldwork easier, not harder.

Work With a Rochester-Based Design Partner

NEXTBLDG brings together architecture and engineering to help clients in the Rochester area complete their projects with fewer delays and airtight budgeting. We're comfortable taking on residential and commercial work of all sizes and offer the same level of responsiveness on every job. If you're planning something new or preparing to upgrade an existing property, give us a call at 315-530-1099.