Press Release | Architetra

Architetra and ZRM Builders Announce Completion of Custom Beach Home in Avalon, New Jersey

Architetra — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 16:27:46 +0000

July 23, 2025, PHILADELPHIA – Architetra p.c., a leading Philadelphia-based architectural firm, and ZRM Builders, specializing in distinctive beachfront properties, announced today the completion of their latest custom single-family home located at 151 37th St, Avalon, NJ 08202. This brand-new residence, designed by Architetra and built by ZRM Builders features 5 bedrooms, 5.1 bathrooms, and 3,807 square feet of meticulously designed living space.

Joseph Lombardi, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, co-founder of Architetra, said, “Our long history with ZRM Builders spans many successful projects, each a testament to our shared commitment to excellence and the spirit of collaboration that we have when we work together. Rich and his team are personally involved We share that desire to be on-site, working closely together to bring our designs to life with unparalleled craftsmanship and attention to detail, which they are well-known for here in Avalon and the greater South Jersey and Philadelphia region.”

The unique home was designed by a recent but talented addition to Architetra’s staff, Jillian Orlandini, as lead Architectural Designer, with Lombardi guiding for oversight. Situated just eight homes from the 37th Street beach path, the home offers a true park-and-walk location. The exterior boasts painted Borral channel siding, Ipe decking, and painted Azek 1×6 V-Groove soffits. Inside, the first floor includes tiled floors, 9-foot ceilings, a spacious bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, and a tucked-away laundry room. An expansive family room opens onto the pool deck through 24 linear feet of Marvin folding doors, creating an enhanced entertaining space. The outdoor area features a large pool with a sundeck and raised spa, a sandblasted marble pool deck, and a TV wall.

The second floor houses a custom kitchen with a stunning waterfall island, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, and custom-milled cabinetry. Open living and dining areas, anchored by a gas fireplace with a black walnut surround, lead to a full-width deck with ocean views. The third floor is highlighted by the primary suite, offering a private ocean-view deck, a spa-like ensuite with a soaking tub and steam shower, and a spacious walk-in closet with a second set of washer and dryer. An office and a fifth bedroom with an ensuite bath and private ocean-facing balcony complete this level. Additional features include Homasote-finished interior walls for sound control, 10-inch-wide flooring, two tankless hot water heaters, a 3-stop elevator, and pre-wiring for security and electronic shades.

“Working with Joe year after year brings a sense of comfort and ease that truly makes each project a joy,” said Rich Ranalli of ZRM Builders. “Combined with Joe’s creativity and deep knowledge in architecture and local zoning, it’s a relationship that is based on trust.”

About Architetra, p.c.

Architetra, p.c. is a full-service architectural firm with 25 years of experience in commercial and residential design, including custom homes, additions, green building program techniques, restaurant, retail, educational, industrial, automotive, corporate, gaming, and horse racetracks, multi-family residential and housing developments. Architetra’s principals have over 60 years of combined experience and are personally involved with every project from design through construction observation. For more information, call 610-993-9111 or email: info@architetra.com.

About ZRM Builders

ZRM Builders transforms visions into reality, crafting custom homes and commercial spaces that stand the test of time. From concept to completion, ZRM Builders brings unmatched expertise, attention to detail, and a passion for excellence to every project. Led by Rich Ranalli and Frank Zeigler, third-generation builders, the team combines decades of experience with a forward-thinking approach to design and construction, emphasizing strong client relationships. Explore their work and see why ZRM Builders is trusted to bring dreams to life at https://zrm-builders.com/.

Media Contact:

Carolyn Cordrey
carolyn@prescottpr.com
410-858-7266

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Architetra Celebrates 25 Years with Lattanze Guitar Collaboration

Architetra — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 17:53:56 +0000

Guitar design marries architectural elements with rare materials; reclaimed Brazilian Rosewood from recovered 1930’s Shipwreck

PHILADELPHIA, December, 5, 2023 –Architetra p.c., a leading architectural firm specializing in residential and commercial design (based in Paoli, Pa.), has announced its celebration of 25 years in business. To commemorate the milestone, Architetra’s co-founders Joseph Lombardi and Todd Kentzel partnered with Philadelphia luthier Anthony Lattanze, of Lattanze Guitars, to celebrate the similarities of architecture and guitar design. In partnering with a local luthier for the design and construction of a guitar, Lombardi mirrored his practice of hiring local artisans to create custom pieces for Architetra’s projects.

Joseph Lombardi, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Co-Founder of Architetra, is also a longtime composer and guitarist. Lombardi explained his idea for the guitar collaboration, saying, “Like architecture, custom guitar design is a combination of art, engineering, and intuition.” He continued, “In both disciplines, you have to bring your aesthetic vision to life within the formal limitations of an object’s structural reality. Artistic ambition and first rate engineering must harmonize perfectly to achieve an exceptional design and finished instrument.”

For Anthony Lattanze, founder of Lattanze Guitars, the path to becoming a luthier was almost inevitable. A fourth generation carpenter who achieved a Bachelor’s Degree in Music, Lattanze took an old surfer maxim – before you can really ride the wave, you have to build your board – and applied it to his guitar playing. Lattanze explained, “I began to see luthiery as an extension of my playing and how I conceptualize the instrument. I’ve carried that sentiment into every guitar I’ve built.” With ten years of tutelage under world renowned luthier Bill Comins, Anthony has become a builder of musically and aesthetically exquisite guitars.

Lombardi and Kentzel had an overall vision for the guitars (Lattanze actually built two, highlighting minor variations in design and construction) and did the initial legwork developing the design motifs. The rosette features an egg and dart pattern, much as you would find along the cornices of an old classical building, with an abstract letter “A” as the “egg.” It is a subtle and beautiful touch, and reused on the purfling (the beading around the edge of the guitar). Lattanze’s meticulous execution of the pattern is magnificent. “These are my favorite rosettes that I’ve ever done,” he said.

Lattanze incorporated his signature fertility-themed inlay motif into the headstock that includes a vase, a root, and an egg. Architetra’s stylized “A” logo is contained within the egg. The two guitars diverge and become distinct on the headstock and neck, where Lombardi’s guitar features brass tuners and position markers, gold mother of pearl inlays, and gold frets, while the Kentzel’s uses nickel and stainless steel. The fretboard inlay design spotlights fire, water, air, and earth in mother of pearl hieroglyphs – inspirations taken from nature which are frequently reflected in architecture designs such as Art Nouvea and in Arts and Crafts architectural styles.

Lattanze’s choice of wood for the guitars was also very deliberate. The back and sides were made with Brazilian Rosewood, a species that can be difficult to obtain in good quality, as most of the availability is from reclaimed wood or fallen down trees. “That wood was very special. Brazilian Rosewood is on a global restriction list – it’s illegal to cut down. Most of what you find is not straight and not this color.” said Lattanze. He sourced his from a 1938 shipwreck off the coast of Brazil that was salvaged by divers in 2006. Among the cargo bound for Denmark were Brazilian Rosewood logs destined to be made into Danish furniture. Lattanze added, “the logs may have simply been too heavy for the ship.” The salvaged logs were subsequently processed in Brazil and sold to luthiers desirous of the unique tones inherent to some old waterlogged woods.

For Lombardi, the acoustics and the feel of a guitar are of the highest importance. While the tone of an acoustic guitar can deteriorate with a heavier, structurally reliable wood like Brazilian Rosewood, Lattanze was able to remove weight strategically, revealing the highly musical resonance that a guitarist desires. “I’m in love with the natural reverb and overtones that have long been associated with Brazilian Rosewood, and I couldn’t be happier with the result of Anthony’s efforts. These guitars are extraordinary products of art, engineering, and intuition, just like an outstanding, fully realized feat of first-rate architecture.”

Media Contact:

Carolyn Cordrey
carolyn@prescottpr.com
410-858-7266

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Jillian Orlandini Joins Philadelphia Metropolitan Area architectural firm, Architetra as Architectural Designer

Architetra — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 20:36:49 +0000

Architetra p.c., a leading Philadelphia Metropolitan Area architectural firm specializing in residential and commercial design, is pleased to announce the addition of Jillian Orlandini as Architectural Designer for the firm.

Joseph M Lombardi, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Co-Founder of Architetra, said, “We have been looking for the right fit to help support our continued growth.” Jillian quickly demonstrated her drive, creativity, architectural expertise, project management, and client-centered approach; those qualities that align with the firm. We are excited to bring her significant talents to Architetra in a full time capacity. She is already fully involved and flourishing with premier projects for our clients,” Lombardi said.

Jillian Orlandini said the firm was also a fit for what she was looking for to launch her career. “I see Architetra as a uniquely high growth opportunity where I will have the freedom to spearhead my own designs while also being directly mentored by the firm’s principals on diverse projects across residential and commercial projects at varying scales, helping me to become a well-rounded architect.”

Orlandini had previously interned with Architetra in 2022 and joined the firm full time in June.

She is a recent graduate of Penn State’s School of Architecture, having earned a Bachelor of Architecture and a minor in Architecture History. Orlandini completed her last semester, a four-month study abroad program in Rome, Italy through Penn State and the Pantheon Institute, which is focused on immersing the students in the culture and architecture of the Roman Empire.

Orlandini continues to pursue a path to Architect licensure which requires gaining and documenting experience in various aspects of architectural practice and then successful completion of the Architectural Registration Examination (ARE).

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Alter Eco/Architetra Receive Montgomery Award

Architetra — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 18:45:08 +0000

Architetra was recently recognized by Montgomery County in their 2020 Montgomery Award. This annual program recognizes the best in planning and design, advocacy, and environmental stewardship in Montgomery County and acknowledges the high-quality work and commitment of communities, organizations, and professionals.

From the press release:

Bridgeport Zero Energy Ready Homes, a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient residential infill development in Bridgeport Borough, received a 2020 Montgomery Award for innovation, community revitalization, and successful collaboration. This project involved the construction of four twin homes in a residential neighborhood. These homes are the first single-family attached homes in the county to be constructed under the US Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home Program and are built in a classic design at a competitive price. This project is an example of how a small, well-planned development can have a huge, positive impact in a community and become a catalyst for revitalization.

Read the full article on the Montgomery County website.

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Alter Eco Wins 2020 Housing Innovation Award Bestowed by the U.S. Department of Energy

Architetra — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 12:55:27 +0000

New company recognized as top 1 percent of builders in the country for extraordinary quality and energy efficiency; first of its kind in Montgomery County.

PHILADELPHIA, July 29, 2020 — Alter Eco, LLC, a high performance residential and commercial builder based in Paoli, Pennsylvania, has announced they have been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy as a 2020 Housing Innovation Award winner in the attached single-family category for their “Bridgeport Zero Energy Ready Home Twins” project. As a committed DOE partner who provides certified Zero Energy Ready Homes, Alter Eco is in the top one percent of builders in the country meeting the extraordinary levels of excellence in energy and performance specified in the national program requirements.

“Housing Innovation Award winners such as Alter Eco are leading a major housing industry transformation to zero energy ready homes. This level of performance is the home of the future because it improves the way Americans live by substantially reducing or eliminating utility bills, ensuring engineered comfort way beyond traditional homes, protecting health with a comprehensive package of indoor air quality measures, and helping maximize the largest investment of a lifetime,” said Sam Rashkin, Chief Architect at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Office.

The Bridgeport twins were designed and built to exceed building code minimums with more insulation and low air leakage. These homes achieved a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Score of 39 or below. The homes will use an average of 45 percent less energy than a code-built home. This is a savings of 11,300 kWh a year. With the current electric rate of 13 cents per kilowatt hour, this translates into $1469 dollars annual savings or $122 per month. Over ten years of ownership this results savings of almost $15,000.¹

Joseph Lombardi, Alter Eco’s co-founder and partner said, “As a new company, we are honored to have received this incredible national recognition for Alter Eco’s very first project. We have made a 100% commitment to build to the ZERH requirements for all of our projects because we believe this is the right way to build for homebuyers and for the world.”

The Bridgeport Properties Zero Energy Ready Homes coalesced from a collaboration between developer, Bridgeport Properties, architectural firm, Architetra and builder, Alter Eco.The partnership enabled the innovative design and construction required for homes that meet and exceed the stringent technical requirements of the DOE’s ZERH Program, while supporting Alter Eco’s vision for a new paradigm in homebuilding; to deliver exceptional value that combines high-performance features, ultra-energy efficiency and stylish design at a competitive construction price compared to a standard code-built home. The project also supports Bridgeport’s growth and revitalization efforts.

Spacious, light, and bright, Bridgeport Properties townhomes fulfill some of homebuyers’ top desires and include an open floor plan, 4 bedrooms and 2-1/2 baths each, space-saving roof decks for outdoor entertaining, designer kitchens, luxury master baths, and garages. They are thoughtfully designed by Architetra for curb appeal with attractive front elevation designs that fit in seamlessly with the historic vernacular aesthetic, but with a modern twist.

The renewable-energy ready homes are built with industry-leading building technologies. Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) roofs and Superior Walls are the basis of a tight, highly insulated building envelope that makes the homes ultra-energy efficient.

Based on an independent third-party professional energy rating company’s audit reports, the four twin homes far exceed the ZERH program requirements. The homes are ENERGY STAR Certified. Smartly designed rooms feature ENERGY-STAR certified appliances, windows, and doors, and ENERGY-STAR qualified light-emitting diode (LED) lighting throughout.

The homes are also airPlus qualified and include additional features to help protect against potential health risks such as moisture, mold, pests, combustion gases, and garage pollutants. Bridgeport Properties also employs locally and responsibly sourced materials and finishes with no or ultra-low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints, flooring, and carpet. They provide a more comfortable living environment with a whole house advanced HVAC system with improved duct and fresh air ventilation designed for energy-efficient new homes.

About Alter Eco
Alter Eco is a full-service design and build firm that provides architectural, construction management, and sustainable consulting services. Our approach is to seamlessly incorporate leading-edge building science to create cost effective, high performance homes and small commercial buildings in any style. Experts in green building, our capabilities are well-rounded and include experience building to the ZERH program requirements set forth by the Department of Energy, Passive House Standards as certified through the Passive House Institute US (PHIUS), and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building certification standards. For more information; contact Alter Eco’s co-founder, Joseph M Lombardi, AIA, LEED AP by phone 610.389.1175 or email: jlombardi@alterecobuild.com.

Media Contact:
Carolyn Cordrey
carolyn@prescottpr.com
302-966-0659

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Architetra, p.c., designs second Capt’n Jack’s Island Grill location, now open on New Jersey’s Wildwood Boardwalk

Architetra — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 11:58:43 +0000

100-foot frontage on the Wildwood boardwalk boasts sweeping ocean views and a tropical-inspired concept aimed to carry patrons worries away like an island breeze.

PHILADELPHIA, August 17, 2020 – Architetra p.c. , an architectural firm based in Paoli, Pennsylvania, has announced it is the architect of record for the second location of Capt’n Jack’s Island Grill, located between Mariner’s Pier and Adventure Pier at 3800 Boardwalk as part of the Boardwalk Mall of New Jersey’s Wildwood Boardwalk.

Brothers Sean and EJ Dougherty of Jersey Cape Partners chose Architetra to design the destination restaurant’s second location because of their previous positive collaborations on several projects including Stewart’s Root Beer, an oceanfront, two-story franchise restaurant that opened on the Wildwood Boardwalk in 2007, and the much anticipated, Ventnor Burger Bar as part of the refurbished Ventnor Square Theater under full renovation (Ventnor, New Jersey), to be opened soon.

The new Captn’ Jack’s location differs from the first in size and concept. The first location is larger and is more of an outdoor venue and destination for live music and beach games. The second location is substantially smaller at 5,677 square feet and dining is largely indoors.

Joseph Lombardi, co-owner and partner of Architetra said, “We were excited to work with Jersey Cape Partners again. Sean and EJ had a vision for the new location. We put a lot of thought into how to bring that vision alive while also considering the practical aspects of the design. Such considerations included the ergonomics for preparing and serving food, enhancing the guests’ experience, and of course, how to best capitalize on the views. The result is a space that is all at once modern, fresh, industrial, and coastal. “We thought about how we like to feel when we’re on vacation; relaxed, comfortable, and carefree. That’s the ambiance we aimed for, and I think, achieved.”

Notable architectural design features include open steel staircase with hardwood treads and open risers connecting the two floors, industrial lighting, and a painted wood pergola over the second-floor bar. The front of the building features four aluminum and glass garage-style overhead doors that open to the boardwalk, giving patrons open-air views to the boardwalk, beach and Atlantic Ocean beyond. Inside on the first floor is a seating area open to the boardwalk, and ‘U’ shaped bar, where bartenders serve thirsty patrons tropical-inspired drinks.

The kitchen is conveniently located on the same floor as the main dining room. Designed with large windows along the front and sides of the building allows patrons to enjoy the sweeping ocean vantage from nearly any seat.

“It’s that perfect mix of beachy casual and fun that’s unpretentious – it’s simply good fun, good food, and good drinks. I think that’s why we see so many repeat customers,” Dougherty said.

The bar is not currently open, but once state restrictions are lifted, will be a hub for beach goers, tourists and locals to get in from the heat in the summer and cold in the winter, watch sporting events, or to sip on Capt’n Jack’s signature cocktail and number one seller, a 64 oz fishbowl shaped concoction made with coconut rum, vodka, Blue Curacao liqueur and tropical juices. Menu favorites include starters like their Island Nachos and Caribbean Egg Rolls along with various types of burgers, wings, specialty sandwiches and paninis, flatbread pizzas, mac n’ cheese skillets, and fish and chicken entrees.

Capt’n Jack’s new location is now open with table service for guests on the first floor (as it is partially open-air) but with limited seating. Limited outdoor seating is also available along the exterior right-hand side of the building. While the main indoor dining room on the second floor remains closed in accordance with state guidelines, patrons are enjoying the convenience of carry-out food and alcoholic beverages from the first floor.

Media Contact:
Carolyn Cordrey
Carolyn@PrescottPR.com
410-858-7266

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Press Release: Alter Eco Builds First U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home, Twin Homes in Montgomery County

Architetra — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 20:58:50 +0000

New high-performance homes attract homebuyers and support Bridgeport revitalization efforts

PHILADELPHIA, July17, 2019 — Alter Eco, LLC, a high performance residential and commercial design and build firm based in Paoli, Pennsylvania, has announced the completion of four Bridgeport Properties, LLC homes, Montgomery county’s first Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) single-family attached twins, located
in Bridgeport, Pennsylvania.

The Bridgeport Properties Zero Energy Ready Homes coalesced from a collaboration between developer, Bridgeport Properties, architectural firm, Architetra and builder, Alter Eco.

Joseph Lombardi, Alter Eco’s co-founder and partner said, “We started with a vision to attract homebuyers with a unique market offering that also supports Bridgeport’s growth and revitalization efforts.”

The partnership enabled the innovative design and construction required for homes that meet and exceed the stringent technical requirements of the DOE’s ZERH Program, while supporting Alter Eco’s vision for a new paradigm in homebuilding.

“Our mission is to deliver exceptional value that combines high-performance features, ultra-energy efficiency and stylish design at a competitive construction price compared to a standard code-built home,” Lombardi said.

A Brideport Properties twin homeowner said, “In my opinion it is definitely better than a standard built home. I had a chance to go into several homes over the two and a half years I was looking, and the comfort level is striking when you first walk-in. I can’t even really describe it. It’s like you know that something is very different and that there’s something comfortable about it. It’s just open and clean and fresh, and it flows nicely. The layout is great and the temperature consistency is the same on each floor.”

“I happened to stumble on this home and didn’t really know what I was looking at, but the more I began to research, I began to understand all the features it has in terms of the air quality, the low energy bills, the overall feel of the home, and the comfort level. It was vitally important to me. It definitely paid off. Overall it’s a great choice and I’m very happy with the home. It was the right decision,” the homeowner said.

¹ Disclaimer: The energy consumption is estimated with full home occupancy and typical weather. The actual energy usage will vary based on the number of occupants, their behavior and actual weather. Individual homeowners’ annual energy consumption will be different.

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