According to the “iron triangle,” a product or service can be good, cheap, or fast—but you can only pick two. That’s why a unicorn inhabits the center of this Venn diagram. As engineers and architects focused on restoration and renewal, we think the iron triangle is better characterized as an exercise in informed compromise among a variety of factors—through which we can get close to the unicorn.

As opposed to a new corporate headquarters or a transit hub, exterior restoration projects are not “aspirational.”  Often, a successful project is one where the casual observer wouldn’t know anything had been done. Clients want effective solutions with minimal risk. Fortunately, risk can be minimized in several ways.

Verbal or written communication can be misinterpreted. But a drawing—like the “blueprint” below—could have made the difference in delivering a better pizza. The drawing conveys critical information that text alone does not. Not only does it delineate the optimal distribution of pepperoni, but it clearly illustrates the ideal pie in plan, section, and a slice detail.

With the FISP Cycle 10A commencing on February 21, we suggest this 2025 resolution for anyone facing a FISP filing: “Fix, then File.” In other words: if you regularly attend to the condition of your building’s facade, then periodic filing of a FISP report becomes a formality—rather than a rude awakening.

This Ancient Babylonian cuneiform tablet documents a complaint from a buyer to a merchant claiming that the wrong grade of copper ore was delivered. It illustrates, since time immemorial, the importance of communication (or construction documents) that embrace the five Cs: correct, complete, clear, concise, and consistent.

“Change Order” seems to be a favorite name for boats owned by contractors. Change orders are modifications to a base construction contract, usually increasing the cost, and often extending the completion date. And they’re profitable for contractors.

Habitat’s “Problem Solved!” podcast recently interviewed SUPERSTRUCTURES’ principal, John Galetta, RA. John discussed our strategic approach to facade restoration at 160 West End Avenue which saved the building $3 million.

The 30 years-old roofs and terraces of this student residence were leaking and required replacement. By specifying a continuous layer of Vacuum Insulated Panels (VIPs) below the roof membrane, SUPERSTRUCTURES was able to achieve the code-mandated R-value (and then some) and cut roofing costs in half, saving $250,000.

Members of our team participated in the 42nd annual SIAEA New York gala at Pier 60 on November 9th. SUPERSTRUCTURES was a sponsor of the event. The gala is always a highlight of the year for us. Congratulations to all the event’s honorees and scholarship recipients!

Before embarking on a major repair campaign, the owners of this 35-story condo retained SUPERSTRUCTURES to conduct an independent investigation. The subsequent repair campaign cost $4 million and was accomplished within a single year, saving our client time and money, with far less disruption to the lives of the building occupants.