Architectural design and creativity have always been hampered by mechanical limitations.

There are two ways to react. First, you can accept the limitations and design within the convention. There’s hardly any shame in that. It’s 99 percent of good, responsible design.

But it can be frustrating to accept “it’s not done that way” or “it can’t be done” all the time. Which leads to the second approach, which starts with thinking of solutions that turn “can’t” into “can.”

When it comes to incorporating a luxury gas fireplace into a design, there are spaces in a structure where an installation simply won’t work. However, because Ortal engineers decided to take the second approach, you now have far greater design flexibility. As a result, it’s now possible for architects and designers to install luxury fireplaces in apartments, upstairs rooms, any room in a multi-level home, and other locations that were once off limits. Power venting is almost always the preferred solution in multifamily buildings. Power vent also allows a 90-degree elbow right off the top of the fireplace, allowing for “short chase” designs that allow a window right above the fireplace. This feature also allows a fireplace to be designed like a continuation of built-in furniture.

We’re always looking for ways to extend the viability, efficiency and functionality of a luxury gas fireplace through innovative solutions. By developing our heat control system, we’ve found a way to accomplish that goal.

In essence, our engineers have worked to ensure that a fireplace can do more than provide heat in close proximity to it. To increase functionality or just enjoyment, it sometimes makes sense to move the heat a fireplace generates away from the area. When that process is done efficiently, it’s possible to heat a different room or remove heat so that a fireplace ambiance can be enjoyed when additional heat isn’t desirable.

The number of building products that architects and designers specify in a house or building is staggering. By working with professionals for many years, we’ve found they often need more than the right product. For that reason, Ortal puts a great deal of effort into offering even more than industry-leading innovations, and compelling fireplace designs by supporting architects with a range of services and support. That’s why we offer a “white glove” service that extends from your initial planning through installation and beyond. But even more than that, we concentrate our focus on design flexibility so we’re ready to work with you and help at every stage of a project.

Our consultants are available when you need assistance need at no charge.

Whether you have designed an open floor plan that could use a little structure or your client simply wants a statement piece in their home, a Space Creator Fireplace is an excellent solution. Rather than sitting flush against a wall, Space Creators extend perpendicularly from the wall or stand alone in the center of a room, creating separation and two distinct spaces.

Fireplaces add beauty and comfort to a room, but they don’t come without safety concerns. Fortunately, a fireplace that is designed to meet building codes, installed to the manufacturer’s specifications, and properly maintained can provide a lifetime of safe heat and light. The responsibility lies with both designers and builders to ensure that any fireplace that’s installed follows these codes.

Although every jurisdiction is a little different and it’s always a smart idea to check local codes, these are some good starting points for understanding the regulatory requirements around fireplaces.

Unlike traditional fireplaces, which have certain design limitations, modern fireplaces allow you to work with a broad range of floor plans. Whether a client wants the fireplace to be a focal point of the room, an accent feature that blends in when not in use, or a functional feature that provides heat, where it fits in the floor plan matters.

As a focal point of any room, a luxury fireplace should be selected with care. Anything that doesn’t seamlessly blend with the space, in terms of both quality and design, will stand out, and not in a good way. By working closely with clients and manufacturers, you have the ability to select the luxury fireplaces that meet all of your clients’ needs. On the plus side, there are plenty of luxury fireplace options available—more than ever before. However, not all of them are created equally.

Fireplace dealers are often the primary source of information for homeowners who have questions about whether to get a gas or wood fireplace. Of course, every homeowner has different needs and a unique vision for their home. Being prepared with answers to the most commonly asked questions will help you steer customers to the best fit for them.

The design and construction industry is constantly evolving, which is one reason professionals must continue to learn and grow throughout their careers. Design professionals who belong to the AIA must earn a certain number of continuing education credits to maintain their membership credentials. Many states also require continuing education to renew licenses, and for designers who are not yet licensed, some AIA credits may count toward the experience prerequisite.