Gelman Architecture, LLC

01/13/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCezUwmu2hE

One of my very talented colleagues interviewed me about my years being an architect. It was a fun interview with stories and anecdotes, being in the field, and my mission in life, as well as some advice for the neo graduate.

Walden Interiors

In this episode, I’m joined by Rebecca Gelman of Gelman Architecture LLC, a local architect with a deep understanding of diverse architectural styles shaped ...

01/29/2023

The start of construction on a high end 5,000 square foot plastic surgery consultation office in Clark New Jersey for a solo practitioner. A year long process and many layouts, to find a class A space in New Jersey. The sheer size can be comprehended as one stands in the demised space.

Piles and piles of sheetrock about as high as the amount of submittals that come in on a daily basis. Coordination with contractors, as changes in the field and field conditions occur right as we start construction. We handle it, work fast to catch up with progress.

From here we move forward at a breakneck pace. A contractor very motivated to get done on schedule. It will be a beautiful space when it's done.

01/29/2023

Returning to tour one of the two graduate schools I attended with my son as a perspective student is such a thrill. University of Michigan.( UC Berkeley as the second). Even though it's a Friday afternoon and the studios are empty, one can sense the buzz of busy studios, smell the glue and paint. While some things have changed, a new wing, a three dimensional printing lab, robotics lab, massive screens on brackets, CNC machines and a virtual studio lab. A lot remains the same. The time tested studio method where one creates and gets desk critiques, then works a lot more and eventually you present, blurry eyed , in front of jury. That has not changed.

Architecture education and licensing can be one of the hardest things you do. But it's also one of the funnest things you can do. Hard fought, sweat, blood ( literally) and lack of sleep. And total of ten years until one can sit for the license exam. 4+2+4. My son says
" ten years?" "Yes. Ten years.... at least" I reply.

My son did light up at seeing the potential to create and play with really fun toys. So we shall see. Will he choose architecture? We have yet to see. But at least he got to really see my world for a day.

03/08/2022

Excited to announce this great collection of talented artists.

Save the date for the Big Bear Gear Art Series called "Place". The concept for the show was to explore how we related to our environment and how it shapes our identity. Each of these artist brings their love of "place" in different ways, through the mediums of ceramics, photography, and painting. They are a mix of emerging and established artists. We will have Del Val High school, Frenchtown, NJ, as well doing a group show. My first time being curator has been so fun. The show will run on selected weekends, from Friday to Sunday, we will feature one artist, with an opening reception on the Saturday from 2:00-5:00 pm. Tickets are not required. Refreshments will be served.

11/19/2021

For the love of design. Scouting for new products at BDNY Boutique Design New York this past week. First time the show was in person since start of covid. It was so nice to be able to go and have international visitors in New York. One of the funnest parts was " Wanted" a section of the show held small booths with emerging makers.

My own brother had a booth featuring bath accessories and towel bars from Italy. Ever Life Design . Some vendors expressed frustration at supply chain issues, so much so, while others seemed to just roll with the punches. Certainly a lot of champagne was had throughout the floor as the beat of syncopation in the big booths felt like quite a celebration. Everyone happy to be in close proximity ( with masks and proof of vaccination). Life ....almost ....normal.

08/03/2021

Progress on the Carraige Barn as seen through the mirror. Started during covid, reconstruction of a barn from the 1800s. Lovingly renovated, salvaged the post and timbers. A great deal of rot meant stripping it down to the structure. Things start to come together at the end of projects. It gets exciting after all the work put it.

06/25/2021

My office today. Mobile office.

06/09/2021

In this project we did a custom table that maximizes space in the kitchen and a downdraft cooktop that allows for no vent above the island. Flow within the kitchen works perfectly within the footprint of the prior kitchen but looks so much better now. It opens up to a family room made possible by removal of a wall and first floor bedroom.

06/08/2021

It's so funny how a project can be summed up in just a few pictures. But it does not tell the story of all the aches and pains that go into getting plans to their final version. This house had a first floor in law suite, which we removed to give room for a family room and enlarged kitchen. One is grateful for the clients in an architectural practice becomes they become the muse upon which everything is designed around. And for the contractors that make it all happen.

06/07/2021

A hospitality project for a restaurant in Denver. A fish restuarant with nautical feel throughout created together with the owners. An interplay of creative ideas that lead quickly to these designs for a popular restaurant that proved to be unique and exciting.

06/06/2021

The luxury of space is a commodity that one can create, stitching together new and old. Here one cannot tell where one left off and the other picked up. A little bathroom and mudroom is created at access from a pre existing pool. And little details like wine refrigerators are tucked into an island. A family room and open plan are so important to creating flow. A great house for a gathering.

06/05/2021

It's funny to look back on old projects. There are details that one forgets and only remembers when looking at the photos. The memories of the projects come back, but most of all what you remember are the people and the relationships that are forged. Many of those little itty bitty ones have grown in to beautiful and handsome young men and women. And hopefully the spaces you've created have embraced their formative years as a family, allowed for room for homework, gatherings and celebrations. That is my hope and my objective.