Design Build Contractor Upper West Side

Renovating on the Upper West Side requires a level of expertise most contractors simply cannot offer. Between the landmarked buildings, selective co-op boards, immaculate architectural pedigree, and a long-standing expectation for sophisticated craftsmanship, the UWS demands a renovation partner who can manage every detail with precision.

Design-Build Contractors Trusted Across The Upper West Side

Winner of Houzz awards in service and design.

About Gallery KBNY

Gallery KBNY is an award-winning, full-service design-build firm specializing in the architecture, interior design, and renovation of apartments, co-ops, condominiums, townhomes, and lofts across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Our integrated team of architects, designers, contractors, and project managers — with a founding partner involved in every project — manages every phase from board approvals and DOB permitting through design and construction. Because architecture, design, permitting, and construction are coordinated under one roof, the process remains streamlined, accountable, and transparent from start to finish. Our work has been recognized by Forbes, The New York Times, Architectural Digest, and Inc., and we have received Houzz Best of Design & Service seven consecutive years, along with 100+ five-star client reviews.

10 to 16 Months

Consultation to move-in

$450 to $650/sq ft

Upper mid-tier to luxury

100+ Five-Star Reviews

Across Manhattan & Northern Brooklyn

Featured In

The New York Times & Architectural Digest

At Gallery, we streamline the entire process. Our all-inclusive design build approach includes architecture, interior design, project management, approvals, and construction - all under one roof. Our clients include co-op residents along Central Park West, condo owners throughout Lincoln Square, brownstone homeowners in the Upper West Side Historic District, and townhouse families across Riverside Drive who want renovations that preserve historic character while elevating their homes with contemporary comfort. With deep experience throughout the neighborhood’s most storied buildings, we honor your classic Upper West Side aesthetic while elevating with refined design.

What Is Design Build And Why Do Upper West Side Projects Benefit Most From This Approach?

Design build is a renovation approach where a single team manages every phase of your project, from initial concept and architectural plans to permits, approvals, material selections, and full construction. Unlike the traditional design–bid–build model, which requires homeowners to independently manage designers, architects, contractors, engineers, and approvals, design build centralizes accountability and dramatically reduces delays.

Learn More: Design-Build vs Design-Bid-Build: What’s The Difference?

On the Upper West Side, co-op boards scrutinize every detail, buildings follow strict alteration rules, and many homes carry architectural significance. With those caveats in mind, design build becomes less of a convenience and more of a necessity.

Benefits Of Design Build For Upper West Side Renovations

For Upper West Side renovations, a design build contractor like Gallery delivers distinct advantages in accountability, coordination, quality, budgeting, and risk management.

Single Point of Accountability

With Gallery, one team is responsible for every detail, which is critical in navigating selective co-op boards, tight alteration agreements, and luxury expectations.

Streamlined Communication

With a dedicated team consisting of a designer, project manager, and logistics liaison, Gallery’s design build approach offers seamless coordination with building staff, management companies, concierges, collectively reducing headaches for our busy UWS clientele.

Consistent Quality Oversight

With all specialists working under the same roof in our NoMad office, your project becomes immediately more streamlined. Design and construction working in sync means every detail meets the elevated standard expected in your UWS home.

Early Budget Clarity

Unlike traditional general contractor models where full pricing can’t be wrangled until all additional parties are brought into the fold, design build allows for full pricing details from day one. This proactive pricing is essential when the bottom includes custom cabinetry, imported materials, premium stone, bespoke millwork, and high-end fixtures.

Advanced Risk Management

With pre-war infrastructure, aging mechanical systems, and landmark protections common across the UWS, proactive risk planning is essential. Our integrated team identifies hidden conditions early, aligns designs with DOB and LPC requirements, and prevents costly surprises long before construction begins.

Dig Deeper: Common Surprises When Renovating A NYC Apartment

Built To Pass Review Anatomy Of A Co-Op Board Alteration Package Upper West Side boards approve renovations on paper before anyone lifts a hammer, and the quality of the package determines whether review takes one round or three. This is what a complete submission contains and what the board is actually checking in each piece.

Architectural Plan Set

What The Board ChecksExisting and proposed layouts, demolition scope, and whether wet areas stay within permitted zones, all reviewed by the building's own engineer or architect.

How Gallery Prepares ItPlans drawn to each building's known review standards, with wet-over-dry compliance and riser logic resolved before submission so the engineer's comments stay minor.

MEP & Structural Documentation

What The Board ChecksEvery electrical, plumbing, and HVAC change, plus any structural work, weighed against building capacity and risk to neighboring units.

How Gallery Prepares ItLoad calculations, riser tie-in details, and engineering letters assembled in-house, anticipating the questions the building engineer asks most.

Insurance & Licensing

What The Board ChecksCertificates of insurance naming the building at required limits, plus DCWP and DOB licensing that proves the contractor is legitimate.

How Gallery Prepares ItCoverage well above typical building minimums, including $5 million in general liability, so COIs clear without negotiation or delay.

Executed Alteration Agreement

What The Board ChecksSigned acceptance of the building's terms: deposits, review fees, working rules, completion deadlines, and indemnification.

How Gallery Prepares ItTerms reviewed with the client before signing, with the deadline-and-deposit math built into the production calendar rather than discovered later.

Schedule & Logistics Plan

What The Board ChecksA realistic construction schedule, work-hour compliance, elevator and delivery plans, and protection of lobbies and corridors.

How Gallery Prepares ItA logistics plan coordinated with the super and managing agent in advance, so the board sees a contractor the building staff already trusts.

DOB & Landmark Filings

What The Board ChecksEvidence the city side is handled: DOB applications, permits, and LPC filings where the building sits in a historic district.

How Gallery Prepares ItCity and board filings run in parallel by the in-house team, so neither approval track waits on the other.

Package requirements vary by building; some boards add references, financials, or neighbor notifications. Board review on the UWS typically runs 2 to 4 weeks with a complete package, and additional review rounds usually trace back to gaps a meticulous first submission avoids.

Our Comprehensive Design Build Services On The Upper West Side

At Gallery, we tailor our design build services to the character, constraints, and prestige of Upper West Side homes. Whether historic or newly modernized, each UWS property requires a thoughtful, detail-driven approach.

Luxury Pre-War Apartment Renovations

We have extensive experience working in some of the Upper West Side’s most iconic buildings along Central Park West, Riverside Drive, and West End Avenue. Our team restores classic pre-war proportions, preserves original mouldings and plasterwork, enhances grand gallery-style layouts, and modernizes infrastructure, all without compromising the architectural character that defines your home.

More To Consider: Don’t Overlook The Details: The Mundane Mistakes That Derail Pre-War Renovations In NYC

Townhouse Renovations

We manage full brownstone, limestone, and multi-story townhouse rebuilds, introducing new layouts, structural upgrades, rear extensions, and high-end finishes - all while respecting historic and LPC guidelines. See here as Avi walks through our triplex brownstone renovation on West 82nd Street and walks through our design plans, while sharing a look at our carefully designed renderings for this particular project.

Full Scope: Everything To Know Before Renovating A Townhouse

Co-Op & Condominium Renovations

Renovating condos and co-ops on the Upper West Side are far from straightforward. Thankfully for our clients, Gallery prepares meticulous alteration packages, coordinates with managing agents, and navigates some of the city’s most selective co-op boards with precision and efficiency.

View Our Work: Our Favorite Co-Op Renovations In Manhattan

Penthouse Renovations

Penthouse living on the Upper West Side deserves a level of detail that matches the view. From integrating terraces and custom HVAC solutions to sourcing premium materials and crafting bespoke millwork, we tailor every element to elevate your home’s architecture, sightlines, and daily experience.

Consider All Angles: 6 Key Considerations When Planning A Penthouse Renovation In Manhattan

At The Top Of The Building What Makes Penthouse Work Different A penthouse renovation is a standard apartment renovation plus a second project: the roof, the terraces, and the exposure that come with the top floor. Five conditions separate penthouse work from everything below it.

Terraces & Waterproofing

Why It Is Different Up TopThe terrace is the roof of the apartment below, so pavers, planters, and drainage sit on a waterproofing assembly whose failure becomes a neighbor's ceiling.

How Gallery Handles ItMembrane condition assessed before terrace design begins, pedestal systems that protect the assembly, and drainage coordinated with the building since the roof is common infrastructure.

Indoor-Outdoor Integration

Why It Is Different Up TopThe terrace is half the penthouse's value, and the transitions, sightlines, thresholds, and glazing determine whether inside and outside read as one home.

How Gallery Handles ItInterior layouts organized around the terrace axis, flush-threshold door systems where the building allows, and outdoor kitchens, lighting, and greenery designed with the interior palette.

Mechanical Systems & Exposure

Why It Is Different Up TopTop floors carry the building's harshest heat gain and heat loss, and condensers often live on the adjacent roof, with noise and vibration rules attached.

How Gallery Handles ItCustom HVAC sized for the exposure rather than the square footage, equipment placed and isolated to building standards, and insulation upgrades folded into the renovation scope.

Hoisting & Logistics At Height

Why It Is Different Up TopStone slabs, glazing panels, and oversized furniture do not always fit the passenger elevator, and everything travels farther through more of the building.

How Gallery Handles ItMaterial sizes checked against elevator dimensions during design, fabrication split into liftable sections where needed, and rigging or window delivery planned with the building well in advance.

Visibility & Approvals

Why It Is Different Up TopPergolas, railings, and rooftop structures can be visible from the street, which in historic districts brings LPC review on top of board approval.

How Gallery Handles ItSightline analysis before anything is designed for the terrace edge, and filings sequenced so LPC, DOB, and the board review the same coordinated proposal.

Conditions vary with the building's roof construction, terrace ownership terms, and district status, all confirmed during planning. For the full decision framework, see our guide to the six key considerations when planning a penthouse renovation in Manhattan.

Historic Landmark Renovations

Renovating a landmarked property on the Upper West Side is equal parts art and compliance. For proper balance, our all-inclusive approach accommodates the full LPC process, restores irreplaceable architectural elements, and introduces modern upgrades with a light touch, all in effort for your home to retain historic character while becoming more suitable for everyday living.

More Info: Everything You Need to Know About Landmark Renovations In NYC

High-End Kitchen & Bathroom Remodels

From chef-level kitchens with integrated Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances to spa-caliber bathrooms with imported stone, custom vanities, and luxury fixtures, we deliver refined versions of the most priority spaces in your home - all tailored to UWS living.

Expand Your Design: Kitchen Renovation Ideas for NYC Homes

Considering a Renovation in NYC?

Click to schedule a consultation with one of the principle partners at Gallery, who will hear out your renovation plans and let you know the best way to proceed - whether we end up working together or not.

Schedule Your Consultation

Why Choose Our Upper West Side Design Build Team?

Here are the qualities that make our team uniquely equipped to execute luxury renovations throughout the Upper West Side:

Our White-Glove UWS Approach

At Gallery, we maintain discretion, minimize disruption, coordinate with building staff, schedule work around resident needs, and protect common areas meticulously. That fine touch is the reason we’re viewed as a trusted renovation partner in Manhattan’s most prestigious buildings.

Distinguished Neighborhood Portfolio

We’ve renovated across many of the Upper West Side’s most storied blocks, including Central Park West, Riverside Drive, Lincoln Square, and the neighborhood’s landmark districts—reimagining Classic Six layouts, expansive pre-war apartments, and historic townhouses with care and craftsmanship. View our Upper West Side portfolio.

Pre-War Luxury Specialists

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJotYPkthwO/
From elaborate mouldings and plasterwork to herringbone floors and oversized windows, we preserve defining architectural elements while integrating modern infrastructure seamlessly. To see this balance in action, take a look at our work at 225 Central Park West above, where Avi walks through the in-progress renovation of this pre-war co-op—from HVAC upgrades to custom millwork and everything in between—as the homeowners prepare to move back in just a few weeks.

Exclusive Co-Op Board Mastery

The Upper West Side is home to many of NYC’s most strict co-op boards. Rightfully so. Thankfully for our clients (and their timeline goals), we understand their stringent expectations, submission protocols, and review tendencies - and prepare design and alteration packages accordingly. For more insight into expectations from high-end co-op boards (along with specific examples of how we’ve had to clear tough approval hurdles), read our detailed blog, In-Depth Co-Op Board Approval Process For Complex NYC Renovations: What to Expect.

Landmark & Preservation Expertise

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Our team has deep experience working within strict LPC guidelines, ensuring designs meet preservation standards while achieving modern comfort and functionality. See above as Avi works with our designer Diana at 91 Central Park West, mapping out how to maximize those incredible park views while preserving the apartment’s pre-war character. From original fireplace details to antique mirrors and brass doorknobs, the goal is to maintain the home’s soul—then reimagine the space through a modern lens.

Luxury Material Sourcing

We partner with premium makers, artisan fabricators, custom cabinetry studios, and suppliers specializing in rare stone, imported tiles, bespoke hardware, and luxury finishes.

Learn More: Our Material Sourcing & Procurement Process

Established Local Relationships

We maintain strong ties with UWS building managers, supers, managing agents, DOB inspectors, and neighborhood vendors, earning collective rapport that allows our projects to advance smoother than traditional methods.

Client Testimonials

“We used Gallery KBNY to re-design our kitchen and other rooms. Avi Zikry's design was amazing. His vision enabled us to create a whole new look and a better functioning space. That was a year ago, and we are very happy with the results. I highly recommend him.”
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Upper West Side Design Build FAQs

Below are clear answers to the key questions anyone planning an Upper West Side renovation should ask when evaluating a full-service design build contractor like Gallery.

How Long Does Co-Op Board Approval Take On The Upper West Side?

Typically 2–4 weeks, though some buildings require additional rounds of review.

What Makes UWS Co-Op Boards More Selective?

They prioritize architectural and historic integrity, peace of mind for their residents, and long-term building preservation. Submission packages must be meticulous.

Do I Need Landmarks Preservation Commission Approval?

Only if the building is LPC-designated or within a historic district. Many UWS buildings fall under this jurisdiction.
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What Are Typical Work Hours In UWS Buildings?

Most allow weekday work between 9am–4pm, with no weekend or holiday work permitted.

How Do You Maintain Discretion During Renovations?

White-glove protocols, strict cleanliness, protected common areas, and coordinated scheduling with building staff.

Can You Source Rare Or Custom Materials?

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‍ Yes. We regularly procure imported stone, bespoke millwork, artisan tile, and custom furnishings. Spotlight above on the singular chandelier we just installed at the pre-war co-op we’re renovating in the Windsor Arms, a magnificent building constructed in 1928. This stunning fixture brings just the right touch of modern flair.

What’s The Typical Timeline For A Full UWS Apartment Renovation?

Most complete in 8–12+ months, depending on scope, approvals, and building requirements.
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Why Procurement Starts Early What Luxury Materials Actually Take To Arrive The materials that define an Upper West Side renovation are made to order, and their clocks start at deposit, not at demolition. Ordering during the approval phase is how the schedule survives, which is exactly what an integrated procurement team exists to do.

Typical low end Typical high end

Custom Cabinetry & Bespoke MillworkRoughly 12 to 20 weeks

Shop drawings, approvals, fabrication, and finishing at custom studios, the longest lead in most projects and the first order placed.

Imported & Rare StoneRoughly 8 to 16 weeks

Slab selection and reservation, overseas shipping where applicable, then templating and fabrication once site dimensions are final.

Premium Appliance PackagesRoughly 6 to 16 weeks

Integrated refrigeration and pro ranges from makers like Sub-Zero and Wolf run on factory schedules that vary sharply by model and season.

Custom Lighting & HardwareRoughly 8 to 14 weeks

Artisan fixtures and bespoke hardware are made to order, like the statement chandelier at our Windsor Arms pre-war co-op renovation.

Imported & Artisan TileRoughly 6 to 12 weeks

Hand-made and hand-painted lines produce in batches, so quantities, overage, and dye-lot consistency are locked at order time.

Luxury Plumbing FixturesRoughly 6 to 12 weeks

European fittings and special finishes ship from overseas warehouses, and rough-in valves must arrive before walls close.

Order placed Week 5 Week 10 Week 15 Week 20

Lead times are indicative and shift with maker, finish, and season; Gallery confirms current quotes at selection. Because board and DOB review typically runs in parallel, these clocks burn during the approval phase rather than after it, and every item is received and inspected before production begins.

How Do You Preserve Original Architectural Details?

We restore, replicate, and refine mouldings, casings, plasterwork, flooring, and millwork using specialized craftspeople. For more insight into the nuanced process, read our blog about Understanding The Impact Of Home Architectural Styles On Renovation Choices.
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Do You Work With Designers And Architects?

While we almost always keep designer and architectural services in-house, we do occasionally have clients who bring their own. Even with the outsourced partnership, our design build structure offers smooth collaboration for your renovation.

Begin Your Upper West Side Design Build Project

Ready to renovate your Upper West Side home with a partner who understands the neighborhood’s standards, architecture, and expectations? From pre-war apartment transformations to full townhouse renovations, we deliver a seamless, detail-driven design build experience that respects the character of the UWS while elevating your home for modern living.
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‍Schedule a consultation today to discuss your project and see why Upper East Side residents trust Gallery to bring their vision to life with care, precision, and unmatched expertise.

Manhattan Design-Build

Pre-Purchase Renovation Assessment

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Before You Buy

Gallery KBNY is an award-winning, full-service design-build firm specializing in the architecture, design, and renovation of apartments, co-ops, condos, townhomes, and lofts across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Our in-house team — with a founding partner involved in every project — manages every phase from board approvals through construction. No outsourcing, no handoffs, no gaps in accountability.

As seen in

Forbes | The New York Times | Architectural Digest | Inc. | Houzz

★★★★★ 100+ Five-Star Reviews Best of Design & Service · 7 Years Running

Pre-Purchase Assessment

We conduct pre-purchase renovation assessments for buyers during the contract period. Walk the apartment with us before you commit — understand the full scope, cost, and timeline before closing.