Todd Knapp R.A.

Experienced Project Architect / Business Owner

Project Architect - Designer - Code Compliance Consultant - CAD Drafter -  Versatile, energetic professional with many years of small firms operations and management experience. Keen ability to integrate aesthetics, functionality, value engineering, structural and technical issues, and code compliance requirements into effective, client-pleasing building solutions. Specialized interests in historic buildings, forensics and repairs, and construction contracts.

Qualifications

Extensive experience in commercial, residential, institutional design, and many different building types, enthusiasm for many different areas of architectural practice, longstanding commitment to the profession. Provided effective, highly personalized service to a wide variety of clients for projects involving new construction, renovation, repairs, adaptive reuse, historic preservation and restoration, code compliance, technical consulting, and cabinet and furniture design. 

Thirty-nine years of experience, both in positions of increasing responsibility with six Fairfield County architectural offices, and in sole proprietor practice for the last seventeen years. Registered in Connecticut and New York.

 Especially interested in residential and commercial renovation, luxury home construction, additions, alterations, and repairs, including analysis of building “leaks” and other building performance problems.

Executed exterior and interior renovation projects for a number of historic properties. Designed custom-built period furniture. Enjoy working with old buildings. Recent member of the City of Danbury Historic Properties Commission.

Well versed in building and fire safety code research, fire-resistance-rated construction, disability accessibility issues, planning and zoning compliance, energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly “green” building solutions (including solar photovoltaic power and geothermal heating and cooling systems).

 Attentive to client needs and focused on understanding and interpreting their design input and aesthetic sensibilities, Interested in collaboration and productive interaction with everyone involved in the building process.

 Available for consultation on building performance and regulation issues, with proven abilities in cultivating and maintaining effective working relationships with clients, contractors, code officials, consultants, and attorneys.

Extensive “nuts and bolts” knowledge of construction materials, methods, detailing, technical issues, construction document preparation, construction contract administration, and field observation.

Preparation of shop drawings for high-quality millwork contractor. Hands-on experience working as a laborer for a remodeling contractor.

Professional Experience

DESIGN AND PROJECT ORGANIZATION

Analyzed and addressed design parameters, from zoning regulations, code requirements and site constraints to structural/mechanical/electrical system integration, marketability, and aesthetic and social contexts. Worked with many different construction materials and systems to create effective, responsive designs. Helped to conceptualize and execute successful solutions for a wide variety of projects including:

A number of historic rehabilitation/renovation projects, including the conversion of a group of 13 historically significant mill structures into 183 units of multifamily housing plus office space in Beacon Falls, CT, the repurposing of the Parsonage at Brookfield Congregational Church, and two buildings on the campus of The Greenwich Catholic School, renovation of the Bridgewater (CT) Village Store and, most notably, the exterior and interior multi-phased renovation of an 1842 Greek Revival rowhouse in the West Village, Manhattan, NYC. The rowhouse project received a Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation and was included in the book: “The Houses of Greenwich Village” by Kevin D. Murphy (2008).

 Dozens of residential additions/alterations and new custom homes in traditional and contemporary styles.

Several spec office buildings, medical suites and mixed-use complexes. Numerous commercial tenant fit-ups for business, educational, institutional, mercantile, and assembly uses.

A 17,000 square foot nursing home additions, alterations, and renovation project in Trumbull, CT, as well as a 72-unit HUD-funded elderly housing project in Bridgeport, CT. Complete window replacement project at four classroom buildings at a private elementary school in Greenwich, CT.

 Design, code compliance, and fire-resistance rated construction consulting on a 33,000 SF mixed-use contemporary church additions-and-alterations project. Document production and Project Architect consultant work on a project involving construction of a new Pool House and air-supported Pool Enclosure structure at the Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut (to be completed in 2017).

Architect of Record for the Interior/Code-compliance consultant for a 120,000 SF air-supported sports facility in Danbury, CT.

 ARCHITECTURAL CONSULTING AND RESEARCH

Worked closely with other design professionals, homeowners, condominium associations, and attorneys as a consultant and forensic architect. Evaluated code and regulation compliance issues, assessed building flaws and failures, clarified construction contract issues and assisted in mediating disputes.

 Design, code compliance, and fire-resistance rated construction consulting on a 33,000 SF mixed-use contemporary church additions-and-alterations project. Conducted code compliance update work for seven private school facilities.

 PRODUCTION

Devised and refined contract document systems to convey detail and specification data on working drawings and create more efficient communication with clients, contractors, job superintendents, code officials, and government agencies. Worked closely with fine craftsman and material suppliers to assist in getting custom building components fabricated and installed. Developed successful dialog and collaboration through careful specification, writing, detailing, shop drawing review, and prototype development.

Many years as a hand-drafting specialist. Now a competent AutoCAD operator. Love to draw, and enjoy elaborating upon design concepts to create evocative and communicative presentation sketches and renderings.