kGD GRAMMER
DESIGNS, LLC
Kaplan Gaunt DeSantis Architects merged with Grammer Designs, LLC (kGD) to celebrate the Semicentennial Anniversary of the practice. The history of our firm has numerous accolades including the AIA Jersey Shore prestigious Firm of the Year Award. We also have a commitment to community involvement earning us the Chamber of Commerce Spinnaker Award, as well as various other local and county “Building of the Year” awards.
The history of our staff also has numerous commendations along with active participation within the profession. The American Institute of Architects awarded the Architect of the Year and Distinguished Service Awards to our staff. Involvement with the Jersey Shore Chapter of Architects, the AIA New Jersey Historic Resources Committee, Monmouth Ocean Development Council, the Red Bank Historic Preservation Commission, Red Bank’s RiverCenter a Downtown Alliance, the Community YMCA, the Advisory Board for the School of Architecture at New Jersey Institute of Technology, and the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority’s historic preservation committee have fostered an accomplished atmosphere within which we work.
kGD endeavors to stay at the forefront in all aspects of architecture from sustainability to barrier-free design, historic preservation, code compliance and state and federal regulations. Our firm actively promotes sustainable practices and encourages “green” materials, technologies, and pursuit of LEED certification. Gary Y. Kaplan designed and patented the “ADA Surveyor” to aid in the implementation of the original ADA Legislation. In 1990, kGD became one of 11 New Jersey-based firms named to the State Historic Preservation Office’s Historic Architects List through our experience with various historic projects.
Our full-service firm provides feasibility studies through construction administration close-out. Programming, design and construction documentation are key components to our practice along with interior and acoustic design. Our portfolio of work is equally divided between alterations and additions to existing structures, and new construction.
ACCREDITATIONS & AFFILIATIONS
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) under the
U.S Green Building Council (USGBC)
New Jersey Historic Preservation Firm
Office of Emergency Services (OES)
Safety Assessment Program( SAP)
Rehabilitation, Reconstruction,
Elevation and Mitigation (RREM) Program
RON GRAMMER
Principal
Ron Grammer joined Kaplan Gaunt DeSantis Architects in 1996, prior to entering college, and, ultimately, becoming principal of kGD Grammer Designs.
Ron received a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of Maryland, graduating with a College Park Scholars citation in American Culture, and subsequently, a Master of Architecture from the same university.
Ron also has a Business Certificate from Temple University and is a registered Safety Assessment Evaluator qualified by the California’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) Safety Assessment Program (SAP). This certification enables him to assist jurisdictions throughout the country in the evaluation of structures in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
Ron is an NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) certificate holder and a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). He is also a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional under the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council), which promotes environmentally friendly building practices.
Ron is a true professional in the field of architecture working on various projects through all phases of development from conception to completion. His knowledge ranges from 911 call centers and fire houses to religious facilities and borough halls; from restaurants and pharmaceuticals to commercial offices and residential; as well as various theatrical spaces throughout New Jersey.
Regardless of building typology, Ron actively seeks new and challenging opportunities, making a commitment to owners with an emphasis on sustainability, accessibility and designs with character.