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About Us

BAW is a full-service A/E firm based in Manhattan, NY that specializes in FISP / Local Law 11/98 and exterior restoration assessment and construction development/administration. Our passion for the buildings of New York City leads us to take great pride in the restoration of the built environment.  Whether a building needs routine maintenance or an extensive restoration, BAW has the right level of experience and tools geared towards achieving project success consistently throughout NYC and beyond.

 

BAW combines their deep knowledge of historic and modern construction techniques, to apply the latest technology towards restoring and maintaining building exteriors in addition to solving complex waterproofing issues.

 

The BAW Team understands and works with the Department of Buildings, Landmark Preservation Commission, and Department of Transportation to expedite approvals and throughout the construction process.

BAW Leadership

Oswald Bertolini, AIA
Principal
OBertolini@BAWorks.net

Mr. Bertolini has extensive experience in the restoration of historical buildings and residential design, having practiced in the New York Metropolitan area since 1981.

 

He is a Registered Architect credited with licenses in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania as well as National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), and is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the New York Society of Architects (NYSA).

Eric Vonderhyde
Principal
EricV@BAWorks.net

Since 1997, Mr. Vonderhyde has acquired extensive experience in the restoration and waterproofing of New York City buildings with a strong background in Historic and Landmark quality properties.

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He has an Associates Degree in Construction Technology and a Bachelor in Architecture from Pratt Institute.

Ryan Hopewell
Associate Principal
RyanH@BAWorks.net

Mr. Hopewell is a construction professional with 15+ years industry experience. He has experience from all areas of construction from initial planning and design through execution. He has extensive knowledge of complex facades and roof systems ranging from pre-war to modern construction techniques.   

 

He holds a B.S. in Industrial Technology with concentration in Construction from Southeast Missouri State and M.S. in Construction Management from NYU.

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Matt Gafary, P.E.
Senior Associate
MattG@BAWorks.net

Mr. Gafary earned his B.S. in Civil Engineering from New York University. His previous work as a Project Engineer included extensive experience with façade inspections, construction administration, waterproofing, and reinforcement design.

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He has also prepared bid documents and reports for the Department of Buildings. He brings a structural engineering perspective to complement our architectural projects. 

BAW Team

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Adriana Trucco, R.A.
Senior Project Manager

Shenier Torres
Senior Project Manager

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Ziggy Markiewicz 
Project Manager

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Michael Kossov
Project Manager

Façade Restoration Service Building Envelope Surveys FISP (Local Law 11/98) Inspections Roofing and Waterproofing Leak Investigations Historic Preservation Parking Garage Restoration Green Roof Design NYC's Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP); exterior repairs, roof replacement, and window and door replacement façade restorations, roofing & waterproofing consultation, historic/landmark preservation, garage design/rehabilitation, inspections and testing, as well as project management and construction administration. -    FISP / LL 11/98 Inspections & DOB Compliant Report Filings Building Envelop Restoration Historic & Landmark Preservation Building Envelop Assessment & Reporting Complex Roofing & Waterproofing Detailing / Consultation Leak Investigation Specialists DOB NOW Expediting Filing Services Alteration Reviews DOB Code Consultation New York City firm that designs, specifies, and administers programs for building repair, upgrade, restoration, adaptive re-use, and new construction. Specializing in residential co-ops and condos, our expertise includes NYC's Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP); exterior repairs, roof replacement, and window and door replacement; heating, plumbing, and electrical upgrades; architectural design and ADA compliance; feasibility studies and plan reviews, structural engineering; building surveys; benchmarking, energy audits, retro-commissioning (LL84/09, LL87/09, and LL97/19); green roofs and recreational roof decks; and historic restoration. RAND also has an Industrial Rope Access Team, a Drone Team, an Infrared Survey Team, and a Code & Zoning Compliance Team, and is a Special Inspections Agency. Architectural Digest Architectural Record Habitat Magazine Condo Cooperation Property Management Award Designer 2022 Lucy G. Moses Awards The New York Landmarks Conservancy has been a leader in preserving, restoring, and reusing New York City’s architectural legacy for nearly 50 years. The Moses Awards are the Conservancy’s highest honors for outstanding preservation work. Named in honor of dedicated New Yorker Lucy G. Moses, the annual Awards have recognized hundreds of leaders, architects, craftspeople, and building owners for their extraordinary contributions in preserving our City. Preservation Awards are given to projects that demonstrate excellence in the restoration, preservation, or adaptive use of historic buildings, streetscapes, and landscapes that preserve commercial, residential, institutional, religious, and public buildings. The Preservation Leadership Award is bestowed upon an outstanding individual in the field of historic preservation. Past honorees include Ruth Abram, Wint Aldrich, Kent Barwick, John Belle, John H. Beyer, Simon Breines, Stephen Briganti, Giorgio Cavaglieri, Joan K. Davidson, Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel, Franny Eberhart, Lola Finkelstein, Kenneth K. Fisher, Daniel Garodnick, Christopher Gray, James Marston Fitch, Margot Gayle, Anne Van Ingen, Judith Kaye, Helen M. Marshall, Joan Maynard, Nancy and Otis Pratt Pearsall, Ruth Pierpont, Adolf K. Placzek, Charles Platt, Jan Hird Pokorny, Henry Hope Reed, Elizabeth Barlow Rogers, Vincent Scully, Barnett Shepherd, Robert Silman, and Anthony C. Wood.

Façade Restoration Service Building Envelope Surveys FISP (Local Law 11/98) Inspections Roofing and Waterproofing Leak Investigations Historic Preservation Parking Garage Restoration Green Roof Design NYC's Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP); exterior repairs, roof replacement, and window and door replacement façade restorations, roofing & waterproofing consultation, historic/landmark preservation, garage design/rehabilitation, inspections and testing, as well as project management and construction administration. -    FISP / LL 11/98 Inspections & DOB Compliant Report Filings Building Envelop Restoration Historic & Landmark Preservation Building Envelop Assessment & Reporting Complex Roofing & Waterproofing Detailing / Consultation Leak Investigation Specialists DOB NOW Expediting Filing Services Alteration Reviews DOB Code Consultation New York City firm that designs, specifies, and administers programs for building repair, upgrade, restoration, adaptive re-use, and new construction. Specializing in residential co-ops and condos, our expertise includes NYC's Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP); exterior repairs, roof replacement, and window and door replacement; heating, plumbing, and electrical upgrades; architectural design and ADA compliance; feasibility studies and plan reviews, structural engineering; building surveys; benchmarking, energy audits, retro-commissioning (LL84/09, LL87/09, and LL97/19); green roofs and recreational roof decks; and historic restoration. RAND also has an Industrial Rope Access Team, a Drone Team, an Infrared Survey Team, and a Code & Zoning Compliance Team, and is a Special Inspections Agency. Exterior restoration firm servicing the NY, NJ and Boston metropolitan areas. Our talented team of consultants continues to grow and assist commercial, residential and institutional clients, through our mission- to assist, help and empower others to improve their quality of life. As stated by many clients and colleagues, Sullivan’s team offers quick turnarounds, quality design, forward-thinking recommendations and a thoughtful approach to every project. Full-service engineering, architectural and energy consulting firm, serving condominiums and co-ops, commercial property managers, attorneys and private property owners. Our professional services include Design Plans and Specifications, Reserve Studies and 5 Year Funding Plans, Forensic Engineering, Litigation Support, Construction Administration and Observation, Building Envelope Expert Services, Local Law 11 (FISP), Roof Consulting, Structural Engineering, Interior Design, Architectural Services, Aerial Imaging/Drones, Property Condition Assessment (PCA) Reports, Local Law 84/87 Services, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Design and Energy Consulting Services. A leading Engineering firm specializing in Building Restoration and Structural Design. We have extensive experience in façade restorations, roofing & waterproofing consultation, historic/landmark preservation, garage design/rehabilitation, inspections and testing, as well as project management and construction administration. We have successfully restored and maintained thousands of properties, from commercial and multi-family buildings to healthcare, educational and public facilities. A full-service, multi-discipline architectural firm providing architectural services throughout the tri-state area and beyond.  With over 50 years of combined experience, we offer a wide range of architectural and construction management services for various building types.  We specialize in all aspects of commercial and residential design, including window and roofing replacement, leak investigations, apartment alterations plan reviews, balcony restorations, as well as building envelope repairs and restorations. We have worked primarily on large buildings. We specialize in new design, restoration, rehabilitation, interior design, affordable housing and historic preservation. We have an excellent reputation for being trustworthy and thorough. Architectural Record has recognized us as one of the top architecture firms in 2016 and 2017. Our key personnel are directly involved in every project. Through our team approach and commitment to training, each staff member has an extensive knowledge of design, materials and technology, and benefits from a stimulating and creative environment. Our low employee turnover rate enables us to meet the high standards our clients have come to expect. Façade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP) Filing Instructions Owners of buildings higher than six (6) stories must have exterior walls and appurtenances inspected every five (5) years and a technical façade report must be electronically filed with the Department through DOB NOW: Safety. Filing Requirements FISP Reports must be submitted electronically through DOB NOW: Safety. Once a Registered Design Professional (RDP) meets the required experience and qualifications they will be able to apply for a QEWI (Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector) status that will enable them to file FISP reports in DOB NOW: Safety. A design professional must first create an eFiling account with the Department. If the RDP is a QEWI, once registered in eFiling, the Department’s Façades Unit must be contacted at façades@buildings.nyc.gov to be granted access to DOB NOW: Safety. Register in eFiling if you are a QEWI Fill out the Authentication Form (also called Electronic Filing Account Information) online. To complete the form, you will need to provide your contact information, license number, tracking number, business name and create a password.
Submit the form and supporting credential information. RDPs must sign, date, and seal the Authentication Form. All design professionals must be registered with New York State before activating their eFiling account. Once your account has been confirmed, you must contact the Department’s Façade Unit at facades@buildings.nyc.gov to be granted access as a QEWI in DOB NOW: Safety. NOTE: Building owners must open a Department eFiling account to give consent to all the QEWI’s reports. To register if you are an Owner or Owner Representative. Fill out the Authentication Form (also called Electronic Filing Account Information) online.  To complete the form, you will need to provide your contact information and create a password. Click Submit You will receive an email confirming the creation of your eFiling account. Click the link in the email. You will receive another email with instructions on how to log in to eFiling. Submission Requirements In-person Submission Process for RDPs
Design Professionals must have and show their DOB-issued ID card when they submit their registration at the LAA/Permit Renewal and Hub Authentication Unit Customer service window. Mail-in Process for Design Professionals Design Professionals must follow the enrollment process outlined in this eFiling Service Notice. This form must be mailed to: NYC Department of Buildings attn: eFiling Authentication
280 Broadway, 1st Floor New York, NY 10007 For more information on how to create and submit a report in DOB NOW: Safety, please refer to the DOB NOW: Safety training manuals. Façade Technical Review Once the report has been submitted, it follows an internal process beginning with an Administrative Review, followed by a Plan Examiner Review, and then either an Accepted or Rejected disposition. The current status of the report will be displayed on a ribbon located at the top of the QEWI’s dashboard in DOB NOW: Safety. The report must comply with 1 RCNY 103-04, including but not limited to inspection, reporting and filing requirements. Any omissions may be grounds for rejecting the report. Please take notice that the following items are frequently omitted or not complied with:
Lack of photographs and/or sketch for SWARMP or Unsafe conditions Time frame for recommended repairs. Scaffold drop and location of same Report. Findings inconsistent with photographs Current and clear color photographs. Filing within 60 days after the completion of the inspection. Owner information in Section 7 of the TR6 is not accurate and does not match Department of Finance records. If this information is inaccurate, the FISP/Local Law Unit will mark the submission as Incomplete and you will have five (5) days to resubmit with the correct information, otherwise the submission will lose its original filing date. For any recommended repairs, indicate if work permit and Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) approval is required. Amended Report Technical Review Provide clear statement ‘there are no unsafe conditions’ for all of the exterior walls, including areas not mentioned in the unsafe report. Clearly indicate that the unsafe conditions ‘item by item’ have been corrected and how they were corrected. Indicate if a work permit was required and if yes, please provide a copy. All open OATH violations and complaints regarding the façade must be addressed/corrected. Please review BIS records for the most up-to-date information. Stability of appurtenances Scaffold location Letter of Completion from the borough office, if required.
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/safety/facade-inspection-safety-program-fisp-filing-instructions.page
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/safety/facade-report-guidelines.page
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/dob/forms.page
https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/images/content/misc/FacadePresentation.pdf

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Rosa Suarez
Associate Project Manager

Onkar Kakade
Associate 

Kedaar Kakade
Associate

Vaibhav Hidakal
Associate 

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Christina Shui
Compliance Coordinator

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Cathy Kim
Office Manager

If you are interested in joining our team, please visit our Employment Opportunities.

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