Clark Apartments, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA
NJ Architecture, a respected architectural firm based in New Jersey, is known for its expertise in commercial and hospitality design. The firm is led by a Registered Architect with multi-state licensure, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Massachusetts, and holds an NCARB Certificate. Their design philosophy combines functionality, aesthetic sensibility, and code compliance—ensuring spaces that are both brand-aligned and operationally efficient.
SMV Designs, a multidisciplinary firm specializing in Architectural Design, Engineering Services, BIM Solutions, and BIM Consultation, was engaged to provide comprehensive BIM support throughout the lifecycle of this project. As a group company of SMV Engineers and a trusted BIM partner to NJ Architecture, SMV Designs brought deep technical proficiency and industry experience to the table.
Client Profile
The project involved the design and documentation of Clark Apartments, a 45-unit residential building featuring a mix of studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom apartments, with a total built-up area of 76,000 sq. ft. on a 19,000 sq. ft. plot.
The client’s key requirements included:
Developing a detailed BIM model for accurate design visualization and coordination.
Producing approval-ready drawings to comply with local codes and authority requirements.
Facilitating efficient collaboration between architectural and engineering teams.
Supporting design refinement to optimize space utilization and building performance.
Business Needs
Some of the challenges that we faced:
High-Density Planning: Maximizing functional layouts within a compact urban site.
Multidisciplinary Coordination: Aligning architecture, structure, and MEP systems seamlessly.
Regulatory Compliance: Creating documentation that meets stringent local approval standards.
Timeline Management: Ensuring on-time delivery from design development to authority submission.
Challenges
SMV Designs delivered tailored BIM support to meet the project’s unique challenges:
Built a precise 3D BIM model representing architectural, structural, and MEP components.
Generated detailed drawings, including plans, sections, elevations, and schedules for authority review.
Conducted clash detection and coordination reviews to minimize conflicts during later construction stages.
Provided iterative design updates in close collaboration with NJ Architecture to refine layouts and optimize design efficiency.
Solutions
The team adopted a collaborative and systematic process:
Initial Design Integration: Converted design development sketches into a structured BIM model.
Iterative Coordination: Worked closely with architects and engineers through regular review sessions.
Documentation for Approvals: Produced code-compliant drawing sets for submission to local authorities.
Handover for Next Phases: Delivered a coordinated BIM model ready for construction documentation.
Approach
Optimized Space Planning: Efficient unit layouts for studios and multi-bedroom apartments.
Improved Accuracy: Early clash detection reduced potential rework in later stages.
Faster Approvals: Comprehensive, compliant documentation expedited authority review.
Seamless Collaboration: Smooth workflows between NJ Architecture and SMV Designs.
Future-Ready Assets: BIM deliverables provided a strong foundation for construction and facility management.
