Ellicottville Schoolhouse Condos interior rendering by Buffalo Architect Chris Ortloff

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.

Professional Service Architectural Design

From initial concepts through permit and construction documents, Ortloff offers full architectural design and project planning services for commercial, residential and mixed-use projects. Decades of experience on both sides of design and construction means the Architecture is refined, buildable and efficient. MORE

Client and Owner Advisor Construction Management

An alternative to the standard GC model, Ortloff's deep construction background produces realistic budgets and schedules -- with noticeably less overhead. From early in design through the construction, there is direct coordination with the men and women doing the work. This focuses your project and helps it stay on track to become a success. MORE

Full Services Seamless Project Delivery

Engaging all these services gives your project a continuous thread of leadership from its concept to its completion. This combined, sleeker approach to a building project streamlines communication with contractors and vendors, protects the design intent, and gives you a consistent point of guidance from start to finish. MORE

// Work

Principal Experience

Notable projects Chris Ortloff has directed and managed through his career. Click any project to view details and roles.

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Ellicottville Schoolhouse Condos

Multi-Family Residential · Architecture

Ellicottville, NY

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Chautauqua Harbor Hotel

Commercial · CM

Jamestown, NY

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Hampton Inn & Suites

Commercial · Architecture + CM

Olean, NY

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Schneider Premium Meat & Seafood

Commercial · Architecture + CM

Cheektowaga, NY

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MLK Park Casino

Historic Preservation · Architecture

Buffalo, NY

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HELP Buffalo Apartments

Multi-Family Residential · Architecture

Buffalo, NY

// 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 durable designs and comes from a respect for the full range of what building materials can do. That means he can carry the precise intent of your design all the way through to a finished building.

// Key Practice Areas

Commercial & Retail

Covering new builds, expansions, and tenant fit-outs, Ortloff's 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 and 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. Our attention and experience will help you meet the the stricter demands that private development can put on schedule and cost control.

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 high-level design and construction knowledge Chris applies to all his projects -- meaning your plans for your home are secure.

// How It Works

The Process

Whether you are a homeowner embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime build, or a developer breaking ground on your next commercial venture, a successful project relies on a clear, predictable framework. Here is how we take your vision from concept to completion.

Feasibility Studies

Every project starts with a conversation about your site, its use, the budget, and a timeline. Before diving straight in to a full Design Contract, we can help you identify constraints, uncover hidden opportunities, and establish a clear, realistic roadmap for the full work ahead.

Proposal & Scope

You will receive a written proposal outlining the complete design scope, schedule, and fee structure. We explain the work in all phases, typically bundling all required architectural, engineering and other professional services to offer the most seamless and cost-effective approach.

Design & Documentation

This is the core of the practice. Ortloff develops your project from its initial concepts to detailed, buildable construction documents. During the design, we set regular milestones for client review and revision. Collaborating early with engineers, trades, and building departments can ensure a high-quality design.

Pre-construction

As the first phase of the Construction Manager as Advisor role, the Architect will manage agency submissions and permit filings. We can also assist with contractor selection, bid leveling, and generating a realistic construction budget and schedule to help protect your interests.

Construction

If we are not engaged for full Construction Management, the Architect still performs periodic site visits, reviews RFIs and payment applications, and prepares final punch lists. This gives consistent quality control and verifies that the design intent is faithfully executed.

Closeout

As CMa, we manage the final punch list, municipal inspections, certificates of occupancy, and full project documentation. You get a seamless handover so you can confidently step into your new space and open your doors.

Build Well /Live Well .

Principal Experience

An Architect Who Knows Construction

The Process

Let's Talk About Your Project

Build Well /
Live Well .