When Mayta + Sebastian Architecture was hired for a routine FISP (Façade Inspection Safety Program) review, we expected to find localized masonry deterioration—common in aging NYC facades. Our initial assessment identified areas of concern at the building’s corners and water table, where prolonged exposure to the elements had taken its toll.

However, once demolition of the outer face brick began, a far more serious structural issue emerged. Years of water infiltration through damaged masonry had led to extensive corrosion and delamination of the underlying steel structure—a dangerous condition that had remained hidden behind the façade.

🚨 Why Does This Happen?
🔹 Water Infiltration: Cracked masonry allows moisture to seep in, corroding embedded steel.
🔹 Hidden Structural Decay: Damage progresses unseen until it compromises load-bearing capacity.
🔹 Delayed Repairs = Bigger Problems: What begins as localized deterioration can escalate into major structural hazards.
💡 Our Response:
Our team quickly mobilized, designing reinforcement solutions to stabilize the damaged steel while keeping repairs on schedule. We remain on-site, closely monitoring structural members as the restoration continues, ensuring timely interventions that prevent further escalation.

✅ Key Takeaway for Building Owners & Property Managers:
A routine FISP inspection can reveal early warning signs, but unseen structural damage can lurk behind aging facades. Proactive investigation and expert-led repair strategies are essential to preserving safety and preventing costly emergencies.

📩 Have a building due for a FISP review? Let’s ensure it stands strong for decades to come.

#FacadeRestoration #FISP #BuildingSafety #HistoricPreservation #StructuralEngineering #SteelCorrosion #MasonryRestoration #NYCArchitecture #BuildingRestoration #PropertyManagement #ArchitecturalConservation #Buildingownwers #engineering #restorationtechnology #engineeringhistory #historicfacades

Adaptive reuse isn’t always about grand historic buildings—it’s about seeing potential where others see limitations. In today’s project, we were tasked with evaluating a sponsor-owned apartment in a residential building after its longtime tenant, an elderly resident, passed away. The unit had been left in a severely neglected state, filled with years of accumulated belongings. Rather than simply restoring it as another rental, the building ownership saw an opportunity to enhance the property’s amenities by converting the space into a fitness center for residents.

At Mayta + Sebastian Architecture DPC, we led the transformation by analyzing multiple potential units to determine the best one for conversion. Our team carefully assessed layout feasibility, HVAC and exhaust system upgrades required for a gym, and the overall impact on the building’s infrastructure.

Our Approach:
🔹 Strategic Space Planning – We compared two available units to determine which was best suited for conversion into a gym while preserving the other for rental or resale.
🔹 Systems Upgrades – A key challenge was adapting residential HVAC and exhaust systems to meet the ventilation and climate control needs of a gym environment.
🔹 Full-Service Design – From lighting and finishes to space layout and branding, we designed an open, inviting gym featuring a dedicated yoga room, cardio area, and strength training zone.
🔹 Seamless Execution – As the building’s architects, we provided comprehensive documentation and coordination to ensure a smooth renovation process.

This project is a testament to how adaptive reuse can enhance community spaces in meaningful ways. By converting an underutilized unit into a wellness-focused amenity, the building now offers residents a modern, purpose-driven space that adds long-term value.

#AdaptiveReuse #FitnessDesign #BuildingRenovation #ArchitectureInAction #MaytaSebastianArchitecture #BuildingUpgrades #ResidentAmenities #propertymanagers #buildingowners

We are excited to share another incredible achievement from our Pre-University Preparation Scholarship Program!

🌟 Congratulations to Sandi Helena Palacios Rojas for earning a place at Daniel Alcides Carrión National University, where she will pursue a degree in nursing. Thanks to her hard work and perseverance—along with the support of our scholarship program that prepared her for the entrance exam—she is now on her way to achieving her dreams.

Sandi is one of the many students who have benefited from this initiative, which is designed to remove barriers to higher education and provide young talent with the tools to succeed. Seeing our scholarship recipients thrive and take the next steps in their careers is why we remain committed to investing in education and opportunity.

At Mayta + Sebastian Architecture D.P.C., we believe that empowering individuals through education creates a ripple effect of positive change. We look forward to following Sandi’s journey and celebrating more success stories in the future!

📢 Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to support students in reaching their full potential!

#EmpowerThroughEducation #MaytaSebastianArchitecture #EducationMatters #ScholarshipSuccess #FutureLeaders #HigherEducation #propertymanagers #buildingowners #teamwork #EducationForAll #InvestInEducation #EqualOpportunities #WomenInEducation #WomenInSTEM #InternationalWomensMonth #EmpowerWomen #BreakingBarriers #FutureNurses #HealthcareHeroes #StudentSuccess #MakingAnImpact #SupportEducation #WomenWhoLead

We’re excited to kick off a new project in Brooklyn Heights, where our team is diving into the inspection and preservation of a century-old residential complex with a surprising past.

What looks like a single 7-story building is actually a network of seven interconnected structures, some dating back to a former orphanage for New York’s newsboys. Beneath the surface: brick masonry, limestone and brownstone details, pressed-metal cornices, rooftop terraces, and a history that spans over 110 years of urban change.

This is more than a façade inspection—it’s a deep exploration of how architecture, social history, and preservation meet.

#Architecture #BrooklynHeights #HistoricPreservation #BuildingEnvelope #UrbanHistory #FISP #NYCArchitecture #ForensicArchitecture
#FISP #NYCBuildings #FacadeInspection #BuildingSafety #DOBNYC #NYCRealEstate #BuildingMaintenance #StructuralSafety #NYCArchitecture #FacadeRestoration #ComplianceNYC #PropertyManagement #SafetyFirst #EngineeringNYC #ArchitectureNYC #buildingowners #propertymanagers #HBIM

If your building in NYC is over six stories tall, you must comply with the Façade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP)—formerly known as Local Law 11. This safety regulation, enforced by the NYC Department of Buildings, requires exterior wall inspections every five years by a QEWI (Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector)—a licensed architect or engineer.

At Mayta + Sebastian Architecture, our co-founder Raul Mayta, RA – QEWI, offering trusted, expert oversight to ensure your building stays compliant and safe.

⚠️ Why does this matter?
Avoid fines in the thousands of dollars
Prevent accidents from falling debris
Maintain your building’s safety and value

🗓️ We are now in FISP Cycle 10 (2025–2030)
Sub-cycle 10A began February 21, 2025
Sub-cycle 10B opens February 21, 2026
Sub-cycle 10C opens February 21, 2027

If you filed a report under Cycle 9A and had SWARMP conditions, those must be repaired and re-evaluated before February 21, 2027—or they will automatically be classified as UNSAFE, triggering DOB violations and steep penalties.

🏗️ Does your building need an inspection?
Now is the time to schedule your inspection—especially if you fall into Sub-cycle 10A, or if previous repair recommendations have not been addressed.

📩 Contact Mayta + Sebastian today to schedule your FISP inspection.
We use advanced tools like drones and laser scanning to deliver detailed, efficient evaluations—and guide you through the DOB process from start to finish.

#FISP #NYCBuildings #FacadeInspection #BuildingSafety #LocalLaw11 #DOBNYC #NYCRealEstate #BuildingMaintenance #StructuralSafety #NYCArchitecture #FacadeRestoration #ComplianceNYC #PropertyManagement #SafetyFirst #EngineeringNYC #ArchitectureNYC #buildingowners #propertymanagers #HBIM

At MaytaSebastAt MaytaSebastian Architecture DPC, we believe in building strong teAt MaytaSebastian Architecture DPC, we believe in building strong teams—on and off the field. That’s why we’re kicking off a monthly 4v4 soccer match, and we’d love for you to join us!

📍 This Month’s Match: 130 Madison St, Lower Manhattan

📅 Date: Friday, March 14th

⏰ Time: 5:00 PM

It’s a great way to network, stay active, and connect with fellow professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just looking to have fun, we welcome YOU to be part of it! Interested? Comment below or send us a message to join. Let’s build great spaces and great moments—together—every month! #Teamwork #SoccerMatch #MonthlyMeetup #Networking #ArchitectureLife #Construction #CorporateCulture #Fun #PropertyManagers #BuildingOwners #engineersaadhar #Architects #Futbol #Golazo #MaytaSebastian #NYCams

As we gear up for World Energy Efficiency Day, we reflect on the responsibility we hold as architects, engineers, and stewards of the built environment. Buildings are not just structures; they are dynamic ecosystems that consume energy, impact carbon emissions, and shape the health of our communities.

With NYC’s Local Law 97 (LL97) setting emissions limits for buildings over 25,000 square feet, compliance is no longer an option—it’s a necessity. But at Mayta + Sebastian Architecture, we see this law as an opportunity, not just a regulation.

Fixing vs. Future-Proofing
In our work, we don’t just repair buildings—we future-proof them. Our expertise in building envelopes, forensic architecture, and advanced technology allows us to rethink how existing structures perform. Every retrofit we design is an investment in energy efficiency, resilience, and long-term sustainability—because a building that simply meets today’s standards may still fall short tomorrow.

Beyond Compliance: A Commitment to Change
#Local Law 97 isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about transforming our built environment for the better. At Mayta + Sebastian, we are inherently invested in this mission, because we believe that every project is a chance to make a lasting impact—not just on the skyline, but on the planet.

This World Energy Efficiency Day, let’s not just talk about change. Let’s build it.

#WorldEnergyEfficiencyDay #SustainableArchitecture #FutureProofing #LocalLaw97 #BuildingPerformance #EnergyEfficiency #CarbonNeutral #GreenBuildings #ResilientDesign #propertymanagers #buildingowners

We’re excited to kick off a new project at 237th Street, Bronx, in collaboration with Orsid New York! Our team at Mayta + Sebastian Architecture is implementing a targeted repair program to address #SWARMP items from the previous #FISP cycle and ensure the building’s compliance and long-term safety.

🔍 Here’s what we’ll be tackling:
✅ Façade & Railings – Identifying corrosion, detachment & structural concerns.
✅ Balcony Slabs – Addressing water infiltration & reinforcing stability.
✅ FISP Compliance – Upgrading the building’s status through strategic repairs.
✅ Advanced Tech – Utilizing drones & laser scanning for precise assessments.

With preventative maintenance built into our approach, we’re helping extend the time before future mobilization is needed. Stay tuned for updates as we bring this building up to peak performance!

📩 Need expert inspections & repairs? Contact us today!

#BuildingSafety #FISP #FacadeInspection #NYCCompliance #BalconyMaintenance #StructuralAssessment #OrsidRealty #MaytaSebastianArchitecture #PropertyManagement #NYCRealEstate #buildingowners

As an architect, I’m often immersed in the intricate layers of NYC’s urban fabric, but every so often, something stops me in my tracks and reminds me just how remarkable our city is. I snapped these photos while walking between site visits, and what immediately struck me was the dramatic cantilever—one of the starkest examples I’ve seen in “real life” of what air rights look like in action.

For those not familiar, air rights are the unused development potential of a property. In NYC, property owners can sell these air rights, allowing developers to build higher by essentially borrowing unused vertical space. However, what you see in these photos—a striking cantilevered section—isn’t actually part of most air rights transfers. The right to cantilever over an adjacent property is a separately negotiated agreement, often requiring creative solutions and careful coordination.

Take “The Westly,” for example, a modern addition to NYC’s skyline that uses a stepped cantilever to expand its floor area in an innovative and visually compelling way. And then there’s the MoMA Expansion Tower (53W53), a stunning, slender skyscraper that ascends gracefully above the Museum of Modern Art, enabled by air rights purchases from nearby properties.

But let’s talk about what makes these projects so exciting. They don’t just demonstrate the practical benefits of maximizing urban density—they also showcase bold architectural creativity and the ways we navigate the complex puzzle of building in a city as dense and historic as New York.

In the photos I took, you can see how the larger, modern building essentially “hugs” its smaller, historic neighbor, preserving the existing structure while allowing for vertical growth. These kinds of juxtapositions are uniquely NYC—a city where progress and preservation are always in conversation.

Air rights are a critical tool for shaping our city’s skyline, but they come with their own set of challenges and negotiations. Whether it’s a stepped cantilever, a slender tower, or a seamless blend of old and new, each project tells its own story of how we balance creativity, history, and urban planning.

So, what do you think? Are air rights and cantilevers examples of NYC’s architectural ingenuity, or do they pose challenges to the character of our neighborhoods? Let us know your thoughts!

#Architecture #NYC #AirRights #UrbanDesign #Cantilevers #BuildingTheFuture
#UrbanArchitecture #SkylineDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #CityPlanning #DesignMatters #UrbanEngineering #ArchitecturePhotography #RealEstateDevelopment #ConstructionTrends
#NYCSkyline #DesignInspiration #propertymanagers #buildingowners