Design your apartment with an Architect
— INTERIOR DESIGN
— ARCHITECT OF RECORD
— CO-OP/CONDO APPROVALS ASSISTANCE
— DOB EXPEDITING IN-HOUSE
— DOB PROGRESS AND SPECIAL INSPECTION SIGN-OFFS
— LETTER OF COMPLETION/CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY ASSISTANCE
Service provided by LENKA ILIC ARCHITECTURE D.P.C.
Service provided by LENKA ILIC ARCHITECTURE D.P.C.
Apartment Renovation NYC services guide Owners through a transparent renovation and remodeling from scheduling the initial consultation, planning floorplan layouts, architectural design, interior design, 3D visualizations of a space, estimating timelines and costs, co-op/condo/DOB approvals, in-house expediting, contractor selection, inspections and project signoffs.
CONTENT PREPARED AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY FULL-SERVICE MANHATTAN BASED ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE LENKA ILIC ARCHITECTURE D.P.C.
ARCHITECT OF RECORD - INTERIOR DESIGNER - APPROVALS - EXPEDITING - INSPECTIONS
Not many Architects advise on the form of agreement between Owner and contractor, we do! We also suggest pre-qualified contractors and compare their cost estimates to strike a balance between renovation cost and contractor’s qualifications. Approval submissions are filed in house and don’t involve 3rd party expeditors to minimize room for errors in coordination. Our principal Lenka Ilic is the technical director of a NYC DOB registered Special Inspection Agency, and we provide both progress and special inspection services during the construction phase to obtain project completion signoffs.
We design with end goal in mind from the very start, thinking of the construction phase as we provide NYC homeowners with an initial complimentary floor plan consultation!
Our architectural team leads apartment renovation and remodeling projects for NYC co-op and condo Owners specializing in Manhattan and Brooklyn. From individual kitchen and bathroom remodels to full and gut apartment renovations.
We specialize in NYC apartment renovations
NYC apartment renovations are predictable with an Architect that has experience in this industry niche. Bathroom remodel or kitchen remodel are saturated with intricacies that we are experts in. We advise on how to select a Builder and the form of agreement that shall be at place on a renovation project in building.
Read +An expert eye makes a quality difference
Our team follows new trends closely in the industry of kitchen cabinet makers and stone fabricators that resonate innovation, elegance and simplicity. Our designers intuitively feel spaces and select finishes that complement kitchen design and your apartment renovation. We look at spaces holistically as opposed to room by room.
Read +Understand possibilities
A bathroom remodel in NYC apartments may have limitations due to existing conditions, specifically locations of drains and building riser pipes even when replacing plumbing fixtures at same locations. Consult with our team to understand possibilities for your bathroom remodel design.
Read +Complex and rewarding
Full gut renovations in NYC need planning and an experienced team. After determining the scope of work and budget with you we advise on Engineering Consultants needed. Supervised bidding and assistance with awarding of a contract to a contractor is part of our service.
Read +Our renovation services integrate architectural design and interior design rather than treating them as separate processes. Apartment Renovation NYC develops floor plan layouts, architectural details, finishes and materials together, using 3D visualization when helpful so Owners can understand the proposed apartment layout and final design.
Is building code matter
Floor plan layout for an apartment renovation in NYC is a building code matter and an Architect is qualified to advise on design changes. After initial information is provided by Owners, our team proposes a floor plan that reflects Owner's needs while complying with the legal requirements. We listen to your comments and adjust as needed.
Provided by licensed Architect
As a full service architectural firm, we provide inclusive range of services needed to complete an NYC apartment renovation project, from survey of existing conditions, floor plan layout design, construction drawing set, construction oversight and much more.
Contemporary interiors designed together
Our interior design approach is based on exploration of space functionality in a close dialogue with you. Floor plan layouts are simultaneously envisioned in color, finishes and compositions. We suggest kitchen cabinet makers, plumbing fixtures, tiles, furniture and much more - we listen to your suggestions too!
Interactive tool
Clients can choose for design to be accompanied with 3D visualization renderings. This tool allows our design team to communicate with the client while decisions are made on layout, finishes and colors. This interactive tool is an essence of closing the gap between ideas and reality.
NYC apartment renovations often require approvals from multiple entities before construction can begin. Our office coordinates co-op and condo submissions, prepares and files applications with the NYC Department of Buildings, addresses applicable building-code requirements and assists Owners with resolving DOB violations when necessary.
Existing conditions and proposed floor plan for a Manhattan apartment renovation.
First we review co-op and condo rules
Each building in NYC has its own unique alteration agreement that we study carefully prior design phase. Typically existing building systems are explained which gives us a good starting point on NYC apartment renovation considerations, from structural systems to whether HVAC may be altered.
We file ourselves DOB applications for permits
We understood quickly that preparing the applications for permits with the Department of Buildings (DOB) ourselves is the way to go. We believe this is indeed the most effective approach. This decision allows us to input information in DOB portal and communicate with a reviewer directly instead of having a 3rd party messenger.
Code experts & in-house DOB expediting
Led by principal Architect, Lenka Ilic, our team reviews building code thoroughly for each project and advises Owners on what is possible. Once the construction documents are prepared, we coordinate Co-op or Condo approvals and file applications for permits with NYC Department of Buildings (DOB).
Sooner resolved better
Our team assists with clearing violations issued by the Department of Buildings (DOB) on your property. Contact us to provide more information and we will advise on what steps shall be taken. Violations issued over time accrue fees, it is wise to clear them as soon as possible.
Renovation requirements vary considerably according to the existing building and proposed scope of work. Prewar and postwar apartments, brownstones, apartment combinations, smaller alteration projects and previously completed work requiring legalization each present different architectural, code and filing considerations.
We specialize in prewar apartment renovation projects in NYC, including buildings from the 1800s. Older buildings require an Architect's expertise in understanding materials and systems used back in the day as a starting point for proposed design.
Building systems utilized in old buildings are not in use today and a careful approach is needed when installing new works to maintain integrity of existing conditions.
NYC DOB approved renovation plans for a prewar condo apartment in Financial District.
We specialize in Postwar apartment renovation projects in NYC as well. Buildings from the era of solid concrete are more flexible related to floor plan layout changes compared to Prewar buildings in NYC, in general.
NYC DOB approved renovation plans for a postwar co-op apartment in Kips Bay.
Designed holistically
Brownstone renovations whether brownstone gut renovations or just renovations are intricate projects we study and design holistically so that the renovation has character. In a dialogue with you we determine renovation goals, aesthetically and programmatically. Gut brownstone renovations require Engineering Consultants.
Our expert team analyzes space for your needs
Apartment combination in NYC is often a standard filing. Certificate of occupancy does not need to be amended. Our expert team provides floor plan layout of two or more apartments combined based on your situation and needs.
An Architect is needed on small NYC renovations
An Architect is most likely needed on a small NYC renovation project, whether kitchen remodel or bathroom remodel. Be wary of contractors simplifying your renovation project. Legalization of work without permit is radically more expensive than retaining an Architect. Contact us and we will advise on the steps to take for best practices.
Consult an Architect
We assist with legalization of work without permit. Owners sometimes may not be aware of need to retain an Architect and proceed with construction work without permit. We can correct those situations with Department of Buildings (DOB) and file an application for permit to bring back a renovation project on track.
Our role as Architect extends beyond preparing drawings. We advise Owners during early project planning, evaluate renovation possibilities before an apartment purchase, assist with contractor bidding and selection, and review the proposed form and scope of the renovation agreement with a contractor.
Complementary initial consultation
We learn about your home and what you would like to improve, about your needs and daily routine to design space that enhances your living. NYC building rules are demanding and require careful study of alteration agreement rules and building code.
Possibilities clarified
Purchasing an apartment in NYC for many home Owners is a once in a life time event. Real estate agents, brokers and contractors are not qualified to advise on floor plan layout feasibility. What other neighbors may have done may not be the best reference either. Retain an Architect to interpret building code for your layout.
Get informed before it is too late
Signing a contract with a Builder on your own is risky. An Architect suggests a form of agreement between Owner and contractor. Owners are not expected to be familiar with construction laws but shall rely on their Architect to advise. Unsupervised contracts signed with a Builder most times do not protect an Owner.
We assist with contractors' bidding
It is critical that an Architect assists with bidding by contractors. It is not good practice for Owners to discuss construction cost with contractors prior architectural drawings are prepared. Early contractors' estimates are not true costs for an NYC apartment renovation project and not an adequate basis for a contract for construction.
Our involvement continues after permits are issued and construction begins. We administer the requirements of the project during construction, review the execution of the design, perform and coordinate applicable DOB inspections and complete the documentation and sign-offs required to properly close the project.
Architect is Owner's advisor
An Architect is responsible to advise an Owner at large for their benefit on how to move forward through the renovation. Owners are not expected to be familiar with construction laws and Owners are not expected to discuss their project with contractors directly. Architects are qualified to do so on Owner's behalf. Think of your Architect as your advisor!
Construction administration (CA)
Architect's involvement during construction phase is mandatory. It is our responsibility to oversee work being installed is in compliance with approved drawings and specifications. Our team reviews contractor's applications for payments based on percentage of work installed. Our office keeps an Owner informed of construction progress.
We are a DOB registered special inspection agency (SIA)
During construction phase the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) requires progress and special inspections to be conducted. Our office performs both as opposed to a DOB inspector coming to the site to inspect work performed or an Owner retaining a third party service. Our office is a registered Special Inspection Agency.
Final inspection & letter of completion
Our team conducts periodic site visits to oversee construction progress on the site. Our principal Architect, Lenka Ilic signs off on DOB portal on final inspection only if the project is built in acceptable manner. Final step of the NYC apartment renovation is marked with issuance of letter of completion by DOB on our request.
An Architect’s value is their professional architectural design, coordination and oversight. Helping reduce avoidable expenditures, rework and change orders during construction. Research has found that greater investment in upfront project design is associated with lower construction costs.
The Journal of Management in Engineering found a significant relationship between time invested on the initial design phase and total project costs being at or below expected budget.
The Construction Industry Institute examined completed construction projects and found that lack of initial coordination during design phase can become substantial costs during construction phase. Work performed and not conforming to original plans would average 12.4% of a total project cost.
A recent study from West Sydney University in 2025 found that lack of coordinated upfront design led to errors which affect overall project cost and having experienced and qualified design professionals was one way to mitigate the risk.
While we may not affect the cost of labor and materials having an Architect involved early on keeps your project closer to your original budget according to science.