THE STORY
THE CHALLENGE: This 450 SF studio apartment in the fashionable Gramercy NYC neighborhood was small! The charming and large casement window was advantageous but only visible from half the apartment. There was insufficient closet space and outdated finishes. All of the solutions needed to be eco-friendly, cost-sensitive, and reuse what we could.
THE CLIENT: A chic bi-coastal businesswoman with a passion for art sought a Manhattan pied-à-terre. She craved a space that exuded comfort, felt like home, and allowed for seamless entertaining during her frequent visits to the city.
THE TRANSFORMATION: This 450sf studio acts bigger than it is. We maximized space and light and eliminated unnecessary elements. The large window now offers city views from every corner. We uncluttered the Kitchen, reused the cabinets, and moved everything below the counter. We carefully selected furniture to accommodate entertaining guests, and intimate dinners for two. We devised a spacious closet with a dressing room experience, a smart night-time configuration, and under-bed storage. Some new bathroom finishes and new art lighting elevated the studio to match its posh surroundings.
Bio AKA is a Boutique Architecture firm delivering exceptional residential gut renovations in NYC. We specialize in renovations that inspire and transform lives. Our process is designed to ensure that our clients enjoy this important project.
We are an NYC Pre-war expert, transforming spaces into light-view-experience-filled apartments with more usable space. We believe in fostering strong relationships with our clients, placing communication and their needs at the forefront. We create value and bring delight to clients' lives by turning spaces into extraordinary homes designed for celebration.
Other prizes 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] Kinne Travelling Fellowship Exhibit: Negotiation & Duration exhibit: Columbia University, NYC [Spring 2000] Waseda University Travelling Fellowship: Exchanging Views exhibit: Columbia University, NYC [Spring 1994] Waseda University Traveling Fellowship: Waseda University Studio Installation: Waseda University, Tokyo Campus [Summer 1993]
