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Design-Build Firm New York City
Renovating in New York City can be challenging, but there are ways to ease the burden. Discover why a design-build firm like Gallery offers the most streamlined approach for NYC apartment renovations. Award-winning Manhattan design-build projects completed in Tribeca, SoHo, and Upper East Side.
Design-Build Contractors Trusted Across New York City
We are proud recipients of various awards in service and design – seven years in a row and counting. Our mission is to maintain a level of service and design that always raises the bar. That's why our clients consistently leave 5-star reviews. From Brooklyn to Manhattan, we leverage our expertise to everything from co-ops and condos to historic brownstones and lofts.
NYC Design-Build Services
What sets Gallery apart is our full-service approach to your NYC home renovation. We are a fully-integrated design-build firm, which means our process includes every facet of your NYC renovation project under one roof. Our comprehensive suite of services includes:
Architectural Services and Expediting
Our in-house architects meticulously plan and draft detailed architectural drawings tailored to your project needs, New York City's building codes, and specific challenges posed during inspections. From spatial planning to construction documentation, we ensure your designs are not only beautiful but also feasible and code-compliant. Read more on our architectural services and see how our fully-integrated architecture services differentiate from independent architects, who often prioritize their own design, leading to hidden costs and unsettled timelines. For more information on how our full-service approach separates itself from traditional ways of renovating, read What Kind Of Architect Is Best For Your NYC Apartment Renovation?
Interior Design Services
As architectural services get underway, our talented interior designer team collaborate closely with clients to bring their vision to life. Once design direction is agreed upon, the designers finalize floor plans, imagining everything from kitchen cabinetry, millwork, bathroom tile, and plumbing fixtures to furniture placement, direction of door swings, and electrical outlet placement. They curate every aesthetic detail, creating a cohesive and stylish living space that reflects your unique taste. Learn more about our NYC interior design services.
Material Selection/Procurement Services
Our interior design team curates all finishes and fixtures your project requires – everything from tiles in the bathroom to chandeliers for the foyer and the whole world of finishes and fixtures in between. Our project coordinators then procure every selection, while also handling the logistics of material inspection and delivery. We are not limited in material choices, as we are brand agnostic and able to purchase any item from any vendor, anywhere, on your behalf as our client. Learn more about our material selection and procurement services.
Permit & Board Approval Services
As a full-service design-build firm in NYC, we know navigating the complexities of New York City building codes and co-op/condo board requirements can be daunting. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. To ensure your renovation runs smooth and stays compliant, our team of experts handles all necessary approvals, permits, and filings on your behalf. See our full-scope of board approval and permit services.
Construction & Site Management Services
Our highly skilled construction team, overseen by dedicated project managers, executes every aspect of the build with precision and professionalism. From demolition to final touches, we manage the entire process, keeping you informed every step of the way through our user-friendly JobTracker app. Read more about our construction and site management services.
WHAT PROJECTS DOES
DESIGN-BUILD COVER?
While all styles of residential renovations in NYC are a good fit for design-build, the truth is not every level of renovation requires the all-inclusivity design-build offers. In reality, the sweet spot for design-build are larger renovations that encompass the entire property or multiple rooms in the home.
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Is Design Build Good For Smaller, One-Room Projects?
No. If you’re looking for smaller-sized projects or minor remodels to singular rooms, design-build may be more than required for the job and is probably better going to a standard general contractor.
Read: What Type Of Contractor Do You Need For An Apartment Renovation In NYC?
Is Design Build Good For Full Home Renovations And Gut Renovations?
Yes. We offer an-inclusive approach to full home and gut renovations, planning and designing on behalf of our clients’ goals and budget. With every project, we aim to blend form and function throughout the whole home for a cohesive project representative of their personal style - not ours. Although we do everything so our clients don’t have to, we value their input at every step of the process, aiming to exceed expectations at the conclusion of each and every one of our renovations throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Read: How Long Does A Full Apartment Renovation In New York City Take?
Is Design Build Good For Apartment Combinations?
Yes. Apartment combinations are one of our specialties at Gallery. With added layers of legality and structural complications implied, the variety of considerations required when combining two apartments into one in NYC becomes much more manageable when all components needed are under one roof.
Read: Combining Two NYC Apartments Into One? Here’s What You Need To Know
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Our Design Build Process:
What Our Clients Expect
The full process for renovating an apartment in New York City can be intricate, but don’t let that deter you from manifesting your dream home. By partnering with a full-service design-build general contractor in Manhattan that manages every detail from start to finish, you can significantly reduce your personal workload while ensuring your design goals are met. Learn more about our entire renovation process below:
Our Process: Planning & SOW
Renovating an apartment in NYC requires a strategic approach from the beginning, achieved by understanding the client's unique vision and financial parameters. This foundational understanding sets the stage for a comprehensive collaboration, where we work closely with clients to explore the practical possibilities of their renovation project, aiming for a mutually beneficial partnership.
- Phase 1 - Introductory Phone Call: Before signing any contracts, our team will discuss your renovation goals and budget for your NYC apartment.
- Phase 2 - Site Meeting: Following the initial consultation, we visit the site to evaluate the potential project with you.
- Phase 3 - Concept Design And Project Budget: If the project is feasible, our design team and architect will provide an initial concept design, which will guide the projected budget and timeline in our formal proposal.
If the design strategy and proposal are approved, we proceed with the pre-construction and interior design process.
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Our Process: Pre-Construction & Formal Design
Before any work begins, our project managers survey the site and develop timelines for your NYC apartment renovation according to your goals, while all structural changes are reviewed by the architect and incorporated into an updated blueprint. As the plans are developed and awaiting approval, our designers work with you to bring your design vision to life, coordinating material selections with our procurement team.
- Phase 1 - Inspections, Diagnostic Testing & Risk Management: Even though many potential issues can be identified during initial walkthroughs, a more thorough inspection phase is necessary to ensure all internal elements are ready for renovation. This includes probing walls and consulting with specialized contractors.
- Phase 2 - Formal Design & Material Procurement: Whether sourcing from a showroom or drawing from your mood board, our design process is tailored to meet your needs.
- Phase 3 - Building Submission: We must formally submit plans to ensure compliance with building codes and energy codes.
- Phase 4 - DOB Submission, Approval & Permits: Renovations in NYC often require complicated approvals and permits. For co-op renovations, obtaining a tentative tax lot number from the Department of Finance is also necessary.
- Phase 5 - Production Calendar & Logistics: Once all plans are approved and designs finalized, we establish the production calendar and begin the renovation process.
OUR PROCESS: Formal Design, Material Sourcing, & Lifelike Renders
As the plans are developed and awaiting approval, our designers work with you to bring your design vision to life, coordinating material selections with our procurement team.
- Material Selection + Procurement: The most hands-on aspect of any home renovation is finding materials to bring your chosen interior design style to life. That entails paint color, accent walls, flooring style, mouldings, fixtures, countertops, and more. As a full-service design-build firm we take on the design, sourcing, and procurement of every permanent fixture in your home.
- Plus, Gallery is brand-agnostic and vendor-agnostic, meaning we’re not limited in any way with our material selections. Some firms or contractors sell their own materials or have relationships with particular vendors, but our commitment is to our clients. We’ll procure from any vendor, whether international or local. This quality makes our ability to design for both taste and budget fairly flexible.
- Design Renders: After materials have been sourced, we create life-like digital renderings of the renovated kitchen and bathrooms. This includes every aspect of the design, from flooring to fixtures, even showing how renovated rooms will look under different lighting settings. These high-end renderings provide a visual accompaniment to the blueprint that guides construction and helps clients tweak final design decisions like paint color or fixture height. This kitchen render is from our Manhattan condo renovation at The Chelsea Mercantile on 252 Seventh Ave. See the completed kitchen directly below.
Learn more about how our lifelike design renderings help clients visualize the interior design for their apartment renovation in NYC.
Our Process: Production
Renovating an apartment in NYC involves a detailed and complex production process. However, with proper planning and the proper type of Manhattan general contractor, the execution can be smooth and efficient. Here are the components of our production process:
- Demolition Of Existing Structures
- Initial Inspections
- Framing & Rough Carpentry
- Electrical & Plumbing Work
- Delivery Of Finishes And Fixtures
- Finish Carpentry & Installation Of Finish Fixtures
- Final Inspections & Walk-Throughs
- Close Out Of Permits, Completion Letter, And Sign-Offs
The Benefits Of Working With A
Design-Build Company
All Services Under One Roof
Strong communication is essential to any successful NYC renovation, which is why each project at Gallery is assigned a dedicated team with one central point of contact. Our all-inclusive project management software allows our clients to see the current status of their project, kick up their feet, and dig into the JobTracker app anytime they choose. Or, if there’s a specific question, your dedicated designer is always one phone call away and happy to help.
No Miscommunication Between Architecture & Construction
During a traditional renovation process, an architect and the construction team are separate entities and typically don’t work in tandem. Once the architect is done with their plans and blueprint, they usually pass them to the construction team and move on to the next project - leaving the management strictly in the hands of the construction team. But, what happens if the architect didn’t account for all the specifics, or worse, something major? The construction team is left reworking plans they didn’t create, the beauty is no longer in the detail and you’re buying twice as much Tylenol. Since design-build firms handle all aspects of the project, the communication between parties is built-in and literally under the same roof, making change orders less likely and ensuring ideal results.
No Unexpected Hiccups When Updating Permits & Filing Legal Documents
One of the most complicated parts of renovating in NYC is inevitably running through all the hoops associated with permits, approvals, and filings. Every building has a different board and often, your unique building type (IE: pre-war brownstone, co-op) warrants approval from additional NYC commissions. Not only does a design-build firm like Gallery remove the insecurity of navigating those waters solo, we have existing relationships across Brooklyn and Manhattan that help us secure approvals faster.
Examples Of Our Apartment Renovations In Manhattan
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Upper East Side Co-Op Renovation | 55 East End Ave
We’re getting rave reviews of this co-op renovation on the Upper East Side. Located at Riverview South, a few blocks from Gracie Mansion, this two bedroom, two bathroom was a dated post-war home that hadn't been renovated for years. That’s when the client, a facial surgeon living with his dog, brought Gallery into the equation. Our full-service approach allowed us to hone in on his design objectives, execute the architectural plans accordingly and then work together to materialize the construction of his dream home. View the full Manhattan renovation before and after.
Full Renovation Of Pre-War Co-Op In Manhattan | 1035 5th Avenue
Our recent renovation at 1035 5th Avenue placed us in the heart of Manhattan. This stunning Italian Renaissance Palazzo co-op, located on Fifth and 85th street near The Met, overlooks Central Park. When our client purchased this 4,000 square foot pre-war property, it hadn't been updated in over 50 years. The renovation involved a complete design overhaul, incorporating prior architectural elements and elegant marble accents, while also creating an additional bathroom and powder room. The results speak for themselves, and the client's glowing praise for our full-service approach was especially gratifying. View the full Upper East Side renovation before and after and view the testimonial from our client Jennifer, below.
Helpful Articles About
NYC Design Build Renovations
Need more info on design build renovations in New York City? Make time for these priority articles from our Design & Reno blog, which lend further expertise about our full-service approach to NYC renovations.
Common FAQs About Our Approach As A New York City Design-Build Firm
Mainly the finish tier you choose and how much structural/systems work is required beyond cosmetic updates. A gut renovation relocating plumbing or combining apartments sits higher in the range. We firm up where your project lands during concept design and budgeting, before you sign.
Planning/scope of work is usually a few weeks to a signed proposal. Pre-construction (inspections, submissions, DOB approvals) tends to take the longest stretch before ground breaks. Production for most full-home renovations runs several months, landing within our 10–16 month range overall.
Beyond the initial site meeting and approving concept design/budget, your main job is making timely calls on material and finish selections, since custom orders on tight lead times can push back the schedule. Busy or out-of-town clients often manage their whole renovation through a handful of scheduled check-ins.
Schedule Your NYC Design-Build Consultation
If you work with Gallery, you can rest easy knowing we plan, design, and execute all of our NYC renovations with client care front and center. Learn why design-build is the best method for your NYC apartment renovation, explore more of our work, or contact us to see why our New York City apartment renovation and remodeling services are the most mindful choice when considering a residential renovation in Manhattan or Brooklyn.
let’s
Design-Build
together
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