PANYNJ JFK Airport Redevelopment Master Plan

PANYNJ JFK Airport Redevelopment Master Plan

Rojas AP provided architectural and planning services as part of the Mott MacDonald team supporting PANYNJ on the JFK AirTrain program. The firm’s work included two primary tasks: accessibility and code review for the station feasibility study and master plan, and related parking and site circulation planning. As project needs evolved, Rojas AP provided responsive, well-prepared technical support, helping the team refine concepts, resolve issues, and keep work moving efficiently. For the station feasibility and master planning effort, Rojas AP evaluated accessibility, passenger circulation, Universal Design, and code and life-safety considerations across multiple stations. The work included conceptual recommendations for accessible paths of travel, vertical circulation, wayfinding, tactile and audible passenger information, and station-to-terminal connections, including new and relocated elevators and escalators, Areas of Refuge, and accessible passenger amenities. For the parking and site circulation task, Rojas AP assessed the feasibility of a consolidated rental car facility and developed revised parking layouts in response to station impacts and existing operational deficiencies. The team remained flexible as concepts developed, providing coordinated planning support and anticipating issues for subsequent design phases.

LOCATION
QUEENS, NY

Cannabis Dispensary Space

Cannabis Dispensary Space

As part of the effort to open a cannabis dispensary, Rojas AP was contacted to provide schematic design services that balanced regulatory compliance with a welcoming customer experience. The goal was to obtain a new Certificate of Occupancy and reclassify the existing building for retail use under NYC zoning.

In addition to meeting the requirements set by the NYS Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), Rojas AP was tasked with designing a layout that included secure storage, product display areas, ADA-compliant access, and a clear customer flow. The client also wanted branding reflected in the exterior signage, which had to comply with OCM’s design guidelines.

To support the filing process, Rojas AP coordinated with surveyors to document existing conditions and prepared zoning analyses, egress plans, and parking layouts. Renderings were developed to visualize a clean, professional atmosphere that prioritized functionality, safety, and design cohesion. The schematic design aimed to set the foundation for a dispensary that meets regulatory standards while offering a smooth and engaging retail experience.

LOCATION
QUEENS, NY

Fifth Avenue 1st Floor Renovation

Fifth Avenue 1st Floor Renovation

Rojas AP worked with the property owner to renovate the 1st floor of this six-story apartment building located in the Upper East Side. The proposed scope entailed adding an exercise room for the tenants and converting six of the existing office spaces into residential units, ranging from a studio to a two bedroom apartment.

The work also included installing new vestibule doors, new lighting, flooring, and wall panels in the common hallway area, all done in coordination with interior design firm C McKEOUGH Unltd. Rojas AP filed with the Department of Building an Alteration Type 1 application to change the use and dwelling unit count. Approvals from the Landmarks Preservation Commission were also obtained. In addition to coordinating with the interior designer, Rojas AP worked closely with the mechanical and structural engineers for coordination.

LOCATION
UPPER EAST SIDE, NY

Washington Heights Multifamily Amenities Renovation

Washington Heights Multifamily Amenities Renovation

Rojas AP worked with the property owner to renovate the basement of this six-story apartment building located in Washington Heights. The scope of work included relocating the laundry room into the existing basement garage, converting the former laundry room into a new tenant storage room, and incorporating a new trash room into the basement lobby.

The design featured a glass partition and door at the laundry room entrance which provides tenants with clear visibility. To meet fire code requirements, a sprinkler deluge system was installed to protect both the glass assembly and the new dryer units. Rojas AP successfully navigated the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) predetermination process to remove parking from the garage and approve the change of use for the new laundry room and ensuring ADA accessibility and egress compliance was a key consideration throughout the redesign.

LOCATION
NEW YORK, NY

Far Rockaway Laundry Room

Far Rockaway Laundry Room

Rojas AP was engaged by the owner of this multi-building apartment complex in Far Rockaway to redesign an old laundry room located in the cellar of a cluster of three apartment buildings. The previous room had access through a solid door, as the partition between the hallway and laundry room requires a rated partition. Rojas AP was able to open up the laundry room with a glass door and glass wall by adding a sprinkler deluge system to maintain the fire rating. This design allows for a safe and pleasant experience for tenants using the laundry facilities. The tenants have good visibility in and out of the room. The rear of the washing machines were meticulously piped to a covered trench drain to maintain a clean and sanitary maintenance area. Similarly the rear of the dryers was designed with ample space for maintenance access. Tenants are provided with seating, baskets and a folding table for their convenience.

LOCATION
QUEENS, NY

Greenwich Village Unit Combination

Greenwich Village Unit Combination

Rojas AP worked closely with the unit owners general contractor, and interior designer to do a gut renovation of a combined unit in a landmark district. The scope of work consisted of combining a two-bedroom and one-bedroom apartment that acquired a spacious a dining room and living room with a wet bar. During the schematic design phase, Rojas AP focused on code compliance which included converting a 3-piece bathroom into an ADA adaptable powder room and a kitchenette into an ADA adaptable master bathroom. It was especially challenging to obtain approval from the Coop Board as the scope included mechanical work. Given the landmarked status of the building, throughwall units that were intended to be installed were not allowed as the units are located on the third floor facing the street where the stone facade of the building cannot be penetrated. The resolution was to install a ductless split AC system with a model that had less noise output than a traditional window AC unit. The board approved the condenser to be wall mounted in the rear courtyard. Rojas AP was also responsible for coordinating with the building’s expediting company to do the filings with the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) and NYC Department of Buildings.

LOCATION
MANHATTAN, NY

Upper East Side Residential Interior

Upper East Side Residential Interior

Rojas AP was hired by the owners to facilitate a code-compliant design and streamline the approvals process for their two-bedroom renovation. The firm was charged with coordination for the Coop Board, Landmarks Preservation Committee, and NYC DOB and supervising construction through sign-offs. The team coordinated with the design firm BHDM to ensure code and building compliance through architectural solutions. For instance, the owners did not want the washer and dryer to be accessed through the kitchen, but the wet over dry requirements constrained its location to the kitchen footprint. Rojas AP creatively located the washer and dryer in the kitchen area, but rotated its opening 180 degrees, for access from an adjacent utility room. During construction, a challenge arose involving a shared party wall that when exposed by demolition, was found to not be properly constructed. Rojas AP coordinated with the building’s consultant and provided SK drawings to propose a four-inch aerated concrete block wall. This alternative guaranteed the two rooms a rated exterior wall.

LOCATION
NEW YORK, NY

Architect of Record for High End Residential Apartment

Architect of Record for High End Residential Apartment

Rojas AP was engaged as the architect of record for an exceptional interior renovation project in a prestigious unit located within a high-end residential complex in Rye, NY. The scope of work encompasses a wide range of enhancements, including fixture and appliance replacements, as well as the installation of new finishes and lighting. We assumed primary responsibility for securing necessary approvals from the board and the Rye Building Department, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. The initiation of the board review posed significant challenges due to the recent construction of the apartment complex and the absence of established guidelines and protocols for alterations. Nevertheless, our team expertly navigated these obstacles to move the project forward successfully. To streamline communication and enhance organization, Rojas AP has implemented an efficient project board on Monday.com. This dynamic platform serves as a centralized hub, meticulously organizing all project specifications and submittals. By utilizing this innovative tool, we facilitate transparent collaboration and keep all stakeholders informed throughout the duration of the project. Rojas AP is proud to be entrusted with the architectural record for this prestigious interior renovation project. With a focus on obtaining necessary approvals and leveraging our expertise in high-end residential design, we are dedicated to bringing forth a truly remarkable transformation and efficient execution from start to finish.

LOCATION
WESTCHESTER, NY