Services Projects About Process Contact
Ellicottville Schoolhouse Condos interior rendering
Architecture + Construction Management

Build Well /
Live Well .

Ortloff Architecture, PLLC is a practice built on the proven idea that good design is a team effort. Drawing on strong professional and trade relationships to deliver valuable results, we provide complete architectural design and construction management service for a wide range of commercial and residential projects across Buffalo and Upstate New York.
We don't just draw it — we'll see it through.

Complete Design Services Architectural Design

We provide a full range of design services, from your initial concept through construction documents. Specializing in commercial, residential, mixed-use, adaptive reuse and new construction. Your ultimate satisfaction with your new space is our first goal.

Owner's Representation Construction Management

We generate realistic budgets and schedules together with our clients, drawing on our expertise in construction and private development. All contractor coordination, budget control, and schedule oversight is managed on your behalf, protecting your interests throughout the entire project.

Design through Build Integrated Project Delivery

When the same people design your building and manage its construction, friction disappears. Fewer miscommunications, less overhead, and one team accountable for both the drawings and the result. It's the ideal method for ensuring project success.

// Work

Selected Projects

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Ellicottville Schoolhouse Condos, Ellicottville NY
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Ellicottville Schoolhouse Condos
Multi-Family Residential · Architecture
Ellicottville, NY
Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, Jamestown NY
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Chautauqua Harbor Hotel
Commercial · CM
Jamestown, NY
Hampton Inn & Suites, Olean NY
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Hampton Inn & Suites
Commercial · Architecture + CM
Olean, NY
Schneider Premium Meat & Seafood, Cheektowaga NY
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Schneider Premium Meat & Seafood
Commercial · Architecture + CM
Cheektowaga, NY
MLK Park Casino, Buffalo NY
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MLK Park Casino
Historic Preservation · Architecture
Buffalo, NY
HELP Buffalo Apartments, Buffalo NY
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HELP Buffalo Apartments
Multi-Family Residential · Architecture
Buffalo, NY

Services
Location
// About the Architect

An Architect Who Knows Construction

Everyone expects an architect can design buildings. But few deeply understand the process of getting them built. Chris Ortloff has spent his career doing both — designing buildings and working alongside the skilled men and women who put them together.

This dual expertise results in practical and buildable designs and comes from a respect for the full range of what materials can do. That means we can carry the precise intent of your design all the way through to a finished building.

// What We Do
Commercial & Retail
Covering new builds, expansions, and tenant fit-outs our design and management expertise applies to commercial projects of all scales — specializing in retail, hospitality, office, and mixed-use development. A nuanced understanding of zoning codes and urban planning/design can set your business up for success in its community. Our record with successful adaptive reuse projects means we can tackle any site you have.
Mixed-Use & Multi-Family
Extensive experience navigating the complexity of mixed-use and multi-family buildings — zoning, fire and life safety, accessibility, and the challenge of balancing commercial and residential programs under one roof. Ortloff will help you meet the the extra demands that private development can put on cost margins and schedules.
Single-Family Residential
Chris draws on years of hands-on renovation and reconstruction of historic homes to deliver memorable spaces, and cares what it means for you to live in your home. Whether looking to renovate, add on, or build new, homeowners benefit from the same design and construction knowledge Chris applies to all his projects -- meaning your project isn't a guessing game.
// How It Works

The Process

First Consultation
Together we'll dive into your site, program, budget and timeline, all based on your unique project needs. You may not know everything yet, but there are no bad ideas. No fees for a first conversation.
Proposal & Scope
You'll get a written scope, fee and schedule so you know what you're getting before we start, and you know how long it will take. Combining services is often the most cost-effective choice.
Design & Documentation
This constitutes the core of our efforts. Complete design from concepts to buildable construction documents, with milestones for client review and input at every stage. We prioritize collaborating with owners, engineers and trades early and often.
Permits & Bidding
All agency submissions, permit acquisition, finding contractors, and comparing bids are handled in your best interest. We can assist with cost estimating and even generating a budget.
Construction
If not engaged for full CM services, the architect still makes periodic site visits, reviews RFIs and payments, and will prepare a final punchlist. This offers regular quality control and ensures our expertise is present in the execution of the work.
Closeout
Everything to finish it up. We'll manage punchlists, final inspections, certificates of occupancy, and full project documentation. It's OK to celebrate now.
// Get in Touch

Let's Talk About Your Project

Whether you have a business, a dream, or just a question... Let's talk about it! Call, text or email to get a conversation started.

Send an email
Email chris@ortloffarch.com
Phone (716) 560-2067
Location Buffalo and Upstate New York
License NY State Registered Architect