7 Must-Know Synagogue Design Build Tips That Will Save You Money

Mr. Sruly Glauber, creative director at Sruly G, shares 6 great tips from his years of work doing construction joint sets for designers.

He has seen many shuls set out excitedly on their design-build projects, only to stumble mid-project.

Here’s what he has to say to you:

1. Know Your Target Audience:

The first and most important tip for anyone wishing to a build a new synagogue is to get to know and understand your target audience, in this case, the community that will be praying in the synagogue for years to come.

There are many different types of communities, and many different styles of shuls- you have a Flatbush style which works for a Syrian community, and you have a completely different style for a local Shteibel type shul who just needs a simple place to daven on Shabbos.

Let’s also take, for example, a Chabad Center that would host more community events and Shabbos meals together vs. a Satmar shul that is basically just a large room in which to daven.

The design and space planning is worlds apart for each type of community.

Note that a Heimishe shul would not feel comfortable with a modern, sleek lines interior, and a modern community would most definitely not feel inspired to daven in a super traditional shteibel.

I’ve seen many incredible architects fall into the trap of the ‘cookie-cutter’ shul model, so it’s important for me to get this vital point across!

2- Light Up the Shul

The lighting of the shul creates the vibe. It brings together the whole atmosphere.

Professionals should be brought in to calculate the amount of light that will be needed, based on what the shul will be used for.

If the shul will be used as a study in addition to a room of prayer, it needs to be well illuminated for reading.

Also bear in mind that hours are spent davening from a Machzor during the Yomim Noroim.

Dramatic Lighting in the Sephardic Kehilla Center in Toronto (Photo: Eric Benchimol www.ericbenchimol.com)

3- Façade Dos and Don’ts:

Do try to create a distinctive and pleasant look, but there is no right or wrong.
Do ensure that the façade coordinates with the interior design.
For example, if you opt for a more European style interior, which is very trendy these days- bring it out to the outdoors.

Do recall that your shul is in the middle of a residential area and it should flow with its surroundings.

4- Coatroom and Bathroom Location

The coatroom should be closest to the front entrance. Not necessarily right next to the door.

If the synagogue has more than one floor, it’s important to have a wash station on each floor. And it should be next to the bathrooms and, on the main floor, next to the main shul entrance.

5- Time Your Fundraising

If you’ve ever custom-built a home, you may assume that creating a synagogue is just a tiny bit harder.

Honestly, people have no idea what they’re getting into. It’s complicated, takes time and effort. When you look at a shul, know that someone out there worked for hours, days and weeks planning and designing it.

What does this have to do with fundraising? The fundraising should be done first. When it is done last, as an afterthought, the funds necessary to turn your designer’s incredible plans into reality… may just not be available! And then you will have to cut out elements from the design that may cause parts of the finished shul to look incomplete.

Therefore, raise the money first. When you know your real budget and know what you want, your designer will be able to create a realistic plan for your shul that will take your needs into consideration in the best way possible, given the circumstances.

6- If You Change Your Designer Mid-Project…

Some people change designer mid-project. That’s OK, but make sure the new designer is familiar with your needs, wants and the previous plans.

7- Designers- Provide Proper Construction Documentation

This final point is directed at designers. As a designer always make sure to provide proper construction documentation and finishes specs for every design detail. Don't leave the drawings up to the subcontractors ie: Millwork/furniture supplier to do the furniture plans.

For 2 reasons:

#1, The contractor needs clear drawings to understand your needs otherwise he'll just do whatever works for him - That could bring up unnecessary cost or change the intended design

#2, If you decide to switch to a different manufacturer/Supplier, you'll have to start with the drawings from scratch since you don't own the drawings he provided.