Construction Administration – What is it and why do I need it?Why Not to Skimp on Construction Administration Services Understanding Construction Administration Construction Administration (CA) is a critical phase in the construction process, involving oversight, assistance, and coordination with the contractor to ensure the project is executed as planned. The extent of CA depends on…

Don’t Skip the DesignWhy a Complete Set Saves Time, Money, and Frustration The urge to break ground, get started, and see your dream project become reality is understandable. However, when it comes to construction, rushing into bidding and building before a holistic and properly documented design is complete can backfire. Time saved on the front…

Color In DesignUnderstanding the complexities of color and material pallets In the dynamic world of architecture and interior design, the use of color is much more than just a matter of aesthetics; it’s an intricate balance of perception, light, and context. Developing color palettes for projects that embody a holistic vision without feeling constrained or…

Architectural DetailingHow The Small Details Make Big Impacts The famous designer Charles Eames said, “The details are not the details. They make the design.” If you have not been through a design process, you may not have heard of the concept of architectural detailing, yet it may be the most crucial part of a design.…

What is BIM… and do I need one? BIM stands for ‘Building Information Modeling.’ If you are going to hire an architect, you should be familiar with what this means. A common misconception is that it just means 3D model, but it is actualy much more. It is a revolutionarily way to document and deliver…

SOLID VS ENGINEERED WOOD The short answer: engineered. While there may be isolated times when a solid wood floor is the better choice, in 90+% of situations you are going to want an engineered floor. So – what is the difference? As the name would suggest, a solid wood floor is composed of planks cut…

WHAT IS AN EXPEDITOR… AND DO I NEED ONE? Short answer – yes.  Long answer – maybe. An expeditor is a consultant to who handles the permitting process with the Department of Buildings.  In New York City, you are required to have an expeditor to file a drawing.  Despite their name, they do not simply make things…

Post-Covid High-End Residential DesignAdditional value on home offices and flex spaces As COVID-19 restrictions continue to loosen up across the US, it’s clear that many elements of daily life will have changed long-term. We’re seeing a similar trend in the design space—throughout the last year and a half, consumers spent more time at home than…

How Long Should My High-End Apartment Renovation Take? Renovating a high-end luxury apartment in New York City can be a complex and time-consuming process that requires meticulous planning and architectural/ interior design. From the initial design phase to the approval process and the construction phase, there are several stages involved in a successful renovation project.…

Sustainable Design Strategies Green design is an idea that most people have heard of, but few understand what it means from on a practical level. Most people when they think of a Green Building think of solar panels, but in reality, there is much more to it. While onsite renewable energy generation like solar panels…

What is Passive House? PassiveHouse design is a set of principles and standards that aims to create highly energy-efficient buildings that require very little heating or cooling. These buildings are designed to provide a comfortable living environment for occupants while reducing energy consumption and associated costs. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at…

The Difference Between Interior Design and Interior Decorating Interior design and decorating services are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two distinct professions. While both aim to improve the look and functionality of a space, they differ in their focus and approach. Understanding the difference between the two can help you choose the…

Understanding the words that are coming out of my mouth. Like any old profession, Architecture is rife with a dense jargon that can sometimes make it difficult for an outsider to understand what an architect is trying to say.  We do our best to avoid confusing our clients, but we are not immune to this…

How to design for a pademic. Our lives have been profoundly affected by the 2020 pandemic – in ways big and small.  As we look forward to the future, we need to be thinking about what the new normal will look like. How does design react to a once in a generation pandemic?  Should it?…

The Difference Between Architecture and Interior Design Interior design and architectural services are two essential elements that work together to create a cohesive and functional design for any building project. While some may assume that they are separate services, it is crucial to coordinate the two aspects to achieve the desired outcome. In this blog…