Loft Legalization & IMD Compliance

This is the complete, end-to-end service for building owners seeking to bring their property into full legal compliance.

What It Includes:

• Initial Site Assessment & Feasibility Analysis

• Preparation & Filing of Alteration Type-1 Applications with the DOB

• Navigating the NYC Loft Board Application Process

• Comprehensive Code Analysis (Article 7-B, Building Code, Zoning)

• Full Architectural Design for Life-Safety Compliance (means of egress, fire separations)

• Construction Document Plans Preparation

• Coordination through the permit and inspection process toward a Certificate of Occupancy

Narrative Statement Representation

Expert architectural advocacy for tenants to establish or protect their legal residency status before the Loft Board.

What It Includes:

• Detailed Architectural Analysis of the Unit & Building

• Preparation of the Technical Architectural Sections of the Narrative Statement [Response]

• Creating Floor Plans, Diagrams, and Exhibits that support the tenant's claim

• Serving as the Architectural Expert

• Providing consultative support to the tenant's legal counsel

Alternate Plan Design & Filing

When standard compliance is physically or financially unfeasible, I design and file officially recognized Alternate Plans.

What It Includes:

• Identification of code compliance obstacles that prevent a standard solution.

• Designing creative, code-compliant alternative approaches for:

  • Means of Egress

  • Fire Protection Systems

  • Light and Air (Ventilation)

  • Unit Layout and Configuration

• Preparing the robust technical justification and architectural plans required for NYC DOB "Alternate Plans" approval.

• Managing the specialized filing process to secure approval

& More: Specialized Advisory Services

My expertise extends to targeted consultations for specific needs throughout the loft lifecycle.

Pre-Purchase Feasibility Consultation
For prospective buyers or investors. Before you close, I conduct a thorough analysis of a building's loft legalization pathway. I identify major hurdles, provide rough cost estimates, and assess the viability of achieving IMD status, empowering you to make an informed investment decision.

Expert Witness & Litigation Support
For attorneys involved in loft-related disputes. I provide authoritative architectural opinions, prepare technical exhibits, and offer expert witness testimony for Article 78 proceedings, tenant-owner disputes, and other litigation concerning Loft Law compliance and building standards.

Contractor & Team Coordination
For owners who want a seamless process. I can act as your architectural representative, coordinating directly with your general contractor, expediter, and attorney to ensure the design intent is met, questions are answered promptly, and the project stays on track for successful legalization.