Investment
Combining apartment units in a co-op building adds 12–20 weeks for board approval of the combination plan. LPC review in landmark buildings can add an additional 8–16 weeks.
In Detail
A Remodeling project requires a licensed general contractor, a structural engineer of record, and an architect of record for all permit drawings submitted to the NYC Department of Buildings. The studio engages and coordinates all three. The client has one point of accountability for the design outcome. The licensed professionals execute. We lead every design decision from schematic through occupancy.
What's Included
Overview: Everything in Home Renovation plus: combining multiple apartment units, complete electrical and plumbing system replacement as a primary scope item, major structural alterations, full HVAC system design where permitted. The most complex residential work we undertake.
Scope Details:
- When projects require architectural drawings, structural engineering, permit procurement, or Building Department liaison, we collaborate with New York State licensed architects, engineers, and registered professionals. We coordinate this process on the client's behalf as part of the service.
- Everything in Home Renovation
- Combining multiple apartment units: structural opening of party walls, new egress planning, unified MEP systems
- Complete electrical system replacement: new panel, new wiring throughout
- Complete plumbing system replacement: new supply and drain throughout
- HVAC system design and installation (where building permits)
- Major structural alterations: load-bearing wall removal or relocation (structural engineer of record (NYS licensed) required)
- LPC coordination for landmark buildings
- Permit coordination with NYC Department of Buildings
- Coordination with architect of record (NYS licensed — required for structural and MEP permit filings)
- Full smart home infrastructure as a primary scope item
- Complete millwork program throughout combined space
The Process
Process Methodology
- Combination Complexity: Combining two or more apartments is the most complex residential renovation we undertake. Every party wall that is opened requires structural engineering. Every MEP system that is unified requires coordination between the original systems of both units. The board approval process for a combination is significantly more demanding than a standard alteration — we have managed this process multiple times and approach it systematically.
- Systems Sequencing: In a full remodel, the sequencing of MEP work determines the project timeline. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-in must happen in the correct order, and delays in any one system delay the finish work that follows. Construction management at this level is a professional discipline.
- Smart Home At Remodel: When all walls are open, smart home infrastructure can be designed without compromise. This is the only moment when the full potential of a smart home can be realized — every conduit run is optimal, every outlet is exactly where it should be, every system is integrated at the infrastructure level.
- Licensed Professional Coordination: Any project that touches load-bearing structure, requires permit filing, or involves Building Department coordination requires a New York State licensed architect and/or structural engineer. We engage and coordinate these professionals as part of the service — we do not substitute for them. The architect of record files permits; we manage the full coordination between the design intent and the licensed professional's drawings.
Process Phases
Ideal For
The Client
A client who has acquired two adjacent apartments and wants to combine them into a single residence. Or a client in a townhouse undertaking a complete whole-building renovation. Or a client in a new acquisition that requires full system replacement and structural reconfiguration to match their program.
Active Neighborhoods: Lenox Hill/Park Avenue, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Tribeca, West Village, Financial District, SoHo, Chelsea
Not A Fit If
If the project does not involve structural alterations, system replacement, or unit combination, Home Renovation is the appropriate scope at lower cost and shorter timeline.
Tier Evolution
Home Remodeling is the highest-scope service we offer. The natural progression after completion is Bespoke Decoration — the build quality of a remodeled space warrants a decoration program at the same level.
Building Requirements
Applicable Architecture
Pre-war co-op unit combinations are the most common Home Remodeling scenario in our practice. Glass tower condominiums: simpler combination approval process. Townhouses: whole-building remodel is distinct from apartment combination — floor-by-floor structural work with different engineering requirements.