News
Project Spotlight: Behind the Restoration of Copley Plaza at 41 Eastern Parkway
At 41 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, a coordinated FISP repair, roof replacement, and water tank tower structural program grew as concealed conditions were uncovered. RAND’s work addressed the facade, chronic leakage, roofing, penthouse structure, and water tank tower.
RAND Names Peter Scallion, Joanna Kuther, and Jason Damiano Associate Principals
RAND announces the promotion of Peter Scallion, Joanna Kuther, and Jason Damiano to Associate Principal, recognizing their leadership, expertise, and continued contributions to the firm.
FISP Cycle 10: Why Buildings Should Schedule Before the Filing Rush
As FISP Cycle 10 advances, QEWI availability, access coordination, contractor scheduling, and repair support can become harder to manage. Learn why buildings should schedule inspections before the filing rush.
Peter Varsalona Named a 2026 Crain’s New York Notable Leader in Architecture, Engineering & Construction
Congratulations to Peter Varsalona, PE, RA, CEM, CBCP, Principal and Vice President at RAND Engineering & Architecture, DPC, on being named a 2026 Crain’s New York Notable Leader in Architecture, Engineering & Construction. Now in his 34th year at RAND, he leads the firm’s Building Design Group, integrating Architecture, MEP,...
5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a FISP Consultant
A FISP inspection is more than a required filing. The consultant’s experience, documentation process, access planning, and understanding of facade restoration can affect how exterior wall conditions are evaluated, classified, and addressed. This article outlines five questions building owners and managers should ask before hiring a FISP consultant in New...
Join RAND at the Cooperator New York Expo
Join RAND at the Cooperator Expo for sessions on FISP and parking structures, and connect with our team about compliance, parapets, and Local Law 97.
Merrie Sesskin Joins RAND as Business Development Director
RAND Engineering & Architecture announces Merrie Sesskin as Business Development Director, bringing 20+ years of AEC experience in growth strategy, client relationships, and market expansion.
FISP Cycle 10: RAND Resources
Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP) Sub-Cycles 10A and 10B are now open. For many buildings, Cycle 10 planning comes down to a few practical questions: when to start, how to coordinate access, what triggers DOB comments during review, and how sidewalk sheds can affect schedule, cost, and disruption. If you’re...
NYC Sustainability Compliance Deadlines 2026: Key Dates, Requirements & How to Prepare
DOB has confirmed the 2026 sustainability compliance timeline for covered NYC buildings. Key dates include March 31 and May 1 filings, the LL97 June 30/Aug 29 window, and what comes next for LL33 labels and LL87 energy audits, along with practical preparation steps.
Fort Lee Parking Structure Inspections Are Now Required Under Ordinance 2025-17
Fort Lee’s new ordinance sets a recurring inspection requirement for covered parking structures, with classifications (Safe, SREM, Unsafe) that can trigger defined repair and close-out timelines. Existing structures have an initial deadline of December 31, 2026, so early planning can help avoid scheduling bottlenecks and reduce operational disruption.
Inside DOB’s Review of FISP Reports: What Owners Should Know for Cycle 10
The 10th Cycle of the NYC Facade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP) is now officially underway. Building owners, property managers, and boards must stay up to date on new rules and penalties as they plan their inspections and repair programs. Here are the latest updates for 2026.
Key Takeaways from NYC’s New FISP Study For Your Building
In response to the growing presence of long-standing sidewalk sheds across New York City, the City launched the “Get Sheds Down” initiative in July 2023. Building on that momentum, the City Council passed a series of new local laws in 2025 that overhaul sidewalk shed regulations and revise elements of...