Yezzie Associates, LLC - Principal

Architect, Planner, Consultant, Executive, Arbitrator, Mediator

Principal, Yezzi Associates, LLC, 1982-present.

Has been practicing architecture more than 30 years for a diverse group of clients, including local and state government agencies; academic communities (elementary, secondary and college level); commercial enterprises (restaurants, auto dealers, sports facilities, professional buildings); institutional entities (law enforcement, senior health care facilities, religious communities); and private residential services. In the capacity of principal of an architectural firm for over 25 years, has received several awards and recognition for outstanding design, use of materials, customer satisfaction, etc.<br/><br/>Significant projects include:<br/>New construction - Ocean County Vocational Technical Schools Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Stafford, NJ - 52,000 SF specialized, high performance high school - designed to meet LEED certification. Features 32 ' skylight in 2-story atrium; 1,500 gallon holding tanks in biology labs. 2007 Exhibition of School Architecture Award. CC: $10 M<br/><br/>New construction - City of Orange Township Main Street School (Abbott District), Orange, NJ - 124,000 SF, 4-story, K-8 facility; first fully funded NJ SDA (SCC) project; first in-school underground parking garage design. 2006 Exhibition of School Architecture Award. CC: $18 M<br/>Park Avenue School - 68,000 SF addition and renovation to 33,000 SF; NJ SDA funded; energy efficient - meets LEED certification; historic building (1904) had to confirm to NJ Office of Historic Preservation. CC: $26 M<br/><br/>New construction - Berkeley Township 5th & 6th Grade School, Bayville, NJ - 103,000 SF, 2-story school facility specialized for 5th and 6th grades; 26 classrooms, including special education, music, art; 500-seat auditorium, which may also be utilized for community events. CC: $16 M<br/><br/>Renovations and addition - Ocean County College Novins Planetarium, Toms River, NJ - renovations and addition to the only planetarium in the County, including interior design elements; seats 100+ visitors. state-of-the-art decor consistent with the subject matter. CC: $2.3 M, including new projector and various technical components<br/><br/>Facility needs assessments, renovations, alterations, historic restorations, additions, ADA and HVAC upgrades to various facilities for Ocean County, Cumberland County, Monmouth County, including roof replacements - over 200,000 SF; OEM/Homeland Security evaluations of numerous facilities for use as disaster-related shelters; administration building facade repair/re-pointing; courtroom building renovations, including security upgrades, window, door, elevator replacements; addition of security vestibule for parole office; restoration and renovation of historic police academy; 22,000 SF addition to police and fire training academy; energy efficient system installation and upgrades, including 32 kw solar panel installation on prosecutor's building, 16,000 SF. CC: Range $100,000 - $1.5 M.

As a licensed architect in several states (including NJ, NY and PA), Principal of an Architectural firm for 30 years, and as Architect of Record for numerous county, municipal, academic and residential clients, the individual has gained extensive experience in all aspects of professional architectural and engineering services (A&E) from concept of design through close out documentation and certificate of occupancy for public, commercial and private sector buildings and residences. American Institute of Architects (AIA) contracts, change orders and payment applications for general contractors and subcontractor are an integral part of the A&E process, and has provided the individual with long-term experience in this aspect of the A&E profession.<br/><br/>Voting member of the Ocean County Construction Board of Appeals and has been so for the past 20 years. As such member, the individual has had numerous opportunities to hear "both sides of the story," to review and evaluate complaints, judgments and recommendations. It has also provided an in-depth education of the entire construction industry, including tasks performed by architects, engineers, technicians, contractors and sub-contractors, specialty professionals such as geo-technical and environmental engineers, "green-building" designers, and virtually every other aspect of A&E design and implementation.<br/><br/>Member of the AAA Roster of Neutrals (Arbitrator), and NJ Courts Roster of Civil Mediators R 1:40.

As a member of the Ocean County Construction Board of Appeals, has participated in numerous construction related issues including commercial and residential projects. Most projects are related to Code Compliance and interpretation of the Codes. The Board always takes the position that compromise should be the answer whenever possible. "Resolving the issue" is the focus point. As a County Board, members have a diverse project list, from multi-story buildings with special life and safety issues, to a single residence. The position has always been to protect the public, yet give the applicant their day in court. The Board always takes the time to explain the Code to the applicant and also explores the issue with the municipalities (townships, boroughs, etc.) in order to find areas within the code where a compromise can be found.

I believe that mediation is an important process and should not be treated as a court requirement, but as a useful tool to settle disputes. I also believe it is the mediator's responsibility to gain the confidence of both sides, indicating their strong points and weak points, discuss past experience to form a bond, and explain that while they may believe they are right, the courts may not see it that way,; and that most cases wind up in the hall with a last minute compromise, but at a larger legal expense. It's better to settle when you are making the decisions. "A good settlement is when both sides are a little happy and a little upset."

Brookdale County College (AA, Business-1976); Pratt College, Institute of Design & Construction (BA, Architecture-1979).

Registered Architect: New Jersey (AI7475); New York (019392-1); Connecticut (7460); Pennsylvania (AX003603L); Florida (AR92394); Nevada (5733); North Carolina (8475); South Carolina (00011); Wisconsin (9787-005). Registered Planner, New Jersey (33l100236800).

American Institute of Architects; National Council of Architectural Registration Boards; United States Green Building Council; International Code Council; National Fire Protection Association; Ocean County (NJ) Construction Board of Appeals.

Speaking Engagements and Presentations for the following organizations: Chamber of Commerce; Boy Scouts of America - Jersey Shore Chapter; Educational Groups; and presentations at various Planning Boards and Boards of Adjustment.

English

United States of America

Toms River, NJ