THE STORY
THE CHALLENGE: Modernize a dark, cramped three-bedroom, one-bathroom bungalow within the existing footprint. And create a light-filled vacation retreat for a family that loves to cook and entertain.
THE CLIENT: An experienced and cost-sensitive real estate developer wanted a home that would welcome four adult children and lots of friends.
THE TRANSFORMATION: We added a ribbon of windows to bring the outside in and created a prime bedroom suite in part of the attic and opened up the rest. The new open plan optimizes indoor-outdoor entertaining with the option for a very expandable dining area to fit 24. Guests can choose between 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.
Bio AKA Insight is an award-winning Manhattan architecture firm transforming pre-war apartments into celebration-ready homes. We reveal hidden spatial potential by orchestrating light, views, and flow — preserving elegant proportions while creating seamless sequences for contemporary life. Strategic openings frame views, selective demolition creates sightlines, and thoughtful materials honor history while introducing modern luxury.
Founder Allegra Kochman, AIA, brings 30 years of NYC experience. We deliver full services from concept through move-in.
Other prizes Design awards recognize our commitment to revealing hidden potential in Manhattan homes and creating spaces that inspire celebration. Fire Island Bungalow Winner: GOLD WINNER Houzee Awards [2024]: Space Transformation in Architecture and WINNER BLT Design Awards [2023]: Interior Design / Residential Gramercy Pied à Terre: GOLD WINNER Houzee Awards [2024]: Compact Living Design – Interior and Honorable Mention: BLT Design Awards [2023]: Interior Design / Residential Upper West Side Townhouse: Honorable Mention BLT Design Awards [2023]: Architectural Design / Residential Post Graduate William Kinne Traveling Fellowship Prize: Columbia University [1996] Lowenfish Memorial Prize: Columbia University [1996] Kinne Summer Traveling Fellowship: Columbia University [1993] Honors Thesis: Dartmouth College [1992] Winner of Great Bear III Cabin Design: Dartmouth College [1990] AIA Annual Subway Exhibit: West 4th Street subway station, NYC [October 2010; 2011; 2012; 2013] Negotiation + Duration exhibit: Columbia University, NYC [Spring 2000] Exchanging Views exhibit: Columbia University, NYC [Spring 1994] Waseda University Studio Installation: Waseda University, Tokyo Campus [Summer 1993]
