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 There was insufficient closet space and outdated finishes.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 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]
