Notes from the Studio, Vol. 15

We have a few things to share this month — a new way to connect with us, an honest guide to navigating a New York City renovation, and six products and materials that have our attention heading into fall.

01. We're Now on TALD

We recently joined TALD, a curated marketplace that connects homeowners with interior designers, architects, and builders across the US. Our profile is live, and for the first time, you can book time with us directly through the platform. Here's what's available:

A free 15-minute intro call. If you have a project in mind and want to get a sense of how we work, this is the place to start.
A 30- or 60-minute consultation. Focused working time — ideal if you're mid-decision on a layout, material, or design direction and want a professional set of eyes on it before you commit. Consultations are available virtually or in-home.
A full-service project inquiry. If you're ready to hand it off and want us involved from concept through construction, this is where that conversation starts.

TALD also makes it easier for people actively looking for design help to find us. If you know someone in that position, sending them our profile is one of the most useful things you can do.

Visit our TALD profile →

02. Buying in New York City and Thinking About a Renovation? A Q&A Guide.

We get a version of this call at least once a month: someone is under contract—or about to be—on an apartment or townhouse in New York, and they realize they have no idea who they need to hire, or in what order. Here’s a quick Q&A guide to renovating in the New York market:

Do I need an interior designer, an architect, or both?
It depends on the scope. If you're reconfiguring the layout (e.g., moving walls, changing the location of a kitchen or bathroom, adding or removing doorways), you need a licensed architect who will produce “stamped” drawings for the Department of Buildings (DOB). An interior designer handles the look, feel, and specifications of the space: materials, finishes, furniture, and details. On most meaningful renovations, you need both. We work alongside architects regularly and can make introductions to the ones we trust.
When should I bring in an interior designer — before or after I buy?
Before, if at all possible! We can walk a space with you during the due diligence period and give you a realistic read on what a renovation will cost, what's feasible, and what the building may or may not allow. That information should factor into your offer. Buying first and asking questions later is how people end up surprised by the real numbers.
What's the co-op and condo board process for renovations?
Every building is different, but most co-ops and many condos require board approval before any work begins. That typically means submitting architectural drawings, a detailed scope of work, contractor insurance certificates, and sometimes a renovation deposit. The process can take weeks to months. We've been through it enough times to know what boards want to see and how to put together an approval-ready submission.
Do I need a general contractor, or can I hire trades directly?
For anything beyond cosmetic work (which means painting, new hardware, or swapping light fixtures), you want a general contractor managing the build. Hiring trades directly as an owner sounds like a way to save money. In practice, it means you're the one coordinating and calling the plumber, electrician, tile & stone fabricators, and carpenter; fielding calls when they conflict; and making scheduling decisions you're likely not equipped to make. A good GC is worth every dollar. They honestly can make or break the experience of a project. We’re happy to recommend ones we've worked with and trust.
What about structural or MEP work? When does an engineer come in?
If you're touching anything structural—moving a load-bearing wall, changing the floor system, adding stairs—you need a structural engineer. If you're significantly reconfiguring the plumbing or HVAC system, an MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) engineer may be required by the building or the DOB. An architect will typically coordinate this, but it's worth knowing upfront that these are separate consultants with separate fees.
What's the most common mistake buyers make?
Underestimating the budget and the timeline. In New York, renovation costs are significant given the cost of construction labor, requirements from the DOB that lead to required consultants, and generally complicated, older buildings. There are layers of process that don't exist elsewhere. We'd rather have the honest conversation with you before you're committed than help you figure out what got cut after the fact.

If you're in the middle of a search for a new home, under contract, or starting to think about what a renovation would take, we're happy to help you navigate.

03. Six Things We're Loving for Fall

Feel that chill in the air? It’s the arrival of new fall collections. Here are six items on our radar right now from lighting and textiles to hardware, furniture, and wallcoverings.