The Struggle of Building Surveyors: Why are Building Drawings Under-appreciated?

The role of a building surveyor cannot be reduced to,"someone who draws buildings". Creating a professional existing conditions document requires knowledge which spans across residential, commercial, industries, luxury, landmarks, and many more projects. In the most fundamental sense, building surveyors represent a binary profession of both the architectural and construction industries. 

The nature of the work is dangerous, and often requires 2 man crews or more. Entering a burned out tenement, a chemical factory, underground tunnels, etc. is dangerous for anyone, but is necessary for a surveyor to obtain the most accurate measurements. Proper gear is required, as is physical endurance considering larger-scale projects that could take a couple days to measure. 

Measuring Queens College Tunnels

In other countries, such as Scotland and Great Britain, building surveying is a revered profession and the highest-profiled surveyors come from abroad. Why is that? Some argue that the United States doesn't appreciate architecture the same way other countries do, especially European countries. Others will say that the United States doesn't have as much antiquated architecture for there to be a demand of surveyors. Both points of view are erroneous; surveyors deal with all real estate professionals and all forms of architecture. Although slow to catch fire in The States, BSC is a proud surveying company and growing more everyday. 

Building Surveyors in Hell's Kitchen

With the Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project underway, its no wonder that developers and brokers are gearing up over properties in Hell's Kitchen. The seedy reputation that used to define this neighborhood is no longer applicable, partly due to its' artsy revival and partly for its increasingly high-end location. Disgruntled tenants from the Village are migrating to Hell's Kitchen for roomier living at a discounted price, and for good reason*. Hell's Kitchen is a Historic District, so its old New York City charm still exists. Additionally, with the completion of the Hudson Yards project, this NYC neighborhood will be much more accessible. One example of these historic buildings is 444 West 55th Street. Measured by BSC in 2012 and sold in 2013, this building houses galleries and antique stores such as Hutter Auction Galleries. 

*http://therealdeal.com/issues_articles/fired-up-over-hells-kitchen/

Draftsmen Needed for Immediate Hire

 

GREAT

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The BUILDING SURVEY CORP. is currently seeking motivated individuals for FULL TIME positions as BUILDING SURVEYORS and CADD OPERATORS (Computer Draftspersons).  Applicants must be highly energetic, motivated, 

and have excellent skill with AutoCAD. 

Pay varies with experience.

Applicants should email their resume to:

 the attention of:

Peter@buildingsurvey.net The BUILDING SURVEY Corp.

THE ODD SETT

Help us solve the mystery!

We were working on Greene St in Manhattan and noticed this peculiar "Cobblestone" with a smooth symmetrical notch. We began discussing this curious little stone and no-one could come up with a likely scenario for its history. We'd love to hear what you think about this stone.  Some of the questions we have:

-What was the notch cut for?

-Was the notch cut in a larger block that was later re-purposed as a cobble* (Sett Stone)

-Was the notch cut in America or another country (England, Holland?) and brought as ship ballast?

- Why was this cobble (Sett) not discarded by the Sett Mason who layed Greene St.?

*Cobblestones are small stones rounded by the flow of water and were used in the pavement of early streets. Setts are often confused with cobblestones, although setts are shaped to a regular form whereas cobblestone are from a naturally occurring form.

Example of a cobblestone surface.

Example of a sett stone surface.

Can You Name the Building?

...No? Take a close look at the second picture:

Hint: Look at the iron sign over the entry.

Answer: This is the old Singer Manufacturing Company headquarters in New York between Prince and Broadway Streets! Singer is an American manufacturer of sewing machines, and this building was resurrected in 1904 and is known as the "Little Singer Building". It was designed by architect Ernest Flagg and features an Art Nouveau Style. 

Theatre History for Broadway Lovers

Do you know the history behind The Stephen Sondheim Theatre? This New York City landmark is formerly known as Henry Miller's Theatre, built by and named for actor Henry Miller. The theatre was opened in 1918 with the play The Fountain of Youth. In 2010, it was revealed that the theatre would be renamed to The Stephen Sondheim Theatre after the American composer for his contributions to musical theatre for over 50 years. Below are some of the drawings BSC did for the theatre before its renaming including the gate, the lobby floor, lobby ceiling, and outside of the building!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at The Building Survey Corp.! Warm thoughts and wishes to you and your family, friends, and co-workers this Thanksgiving. We hope that you find this year to be especially bountiful!

If you plan to watch the Macy’s Day Parade, make sure to catch a glimpse of the historic building, which is also one of our past projects!