Paula McDonald Design Build & Interiors

This was our third renovation with Paula. Every time life forces us to move to a different Manhattan neighborhood, we call Paula to help make our new home beautiful and functional! As always, Paula was exceptionally detail oriented and on top of everything, including some unanticipated issues that popped up thanks to a neighboring apartment. She really makes sure that everything is perfect in her work. We love our new home, all thanks to Paula!

I hired Paula McDonald as a consulting architect for the gut, brick-to-brick renovation of a pre-war Manhattan co-op apartment. I am an amateur designer/renovator with three smaller-scale NYC projects under my belt. But, this apartment was in estate condition and needed more work than I had ever undertaken-- new electrical, plumbing, and walls. I had strong instincts about what I wanted to accomplish and had hired an experienced contractor, but I sought out Paula, a proven architectural expert, to evaluate whether my ideas were architecturally sound and feasible. She provided clear and affirming guidance that preserved my vision but steered it toward technical soundness. Rather than supervise construction, Paula recommended architectural-grade, high-performance materials and suggested product specifications and trusted sources. She flagged code and installation issues I needed to raise with my contractor. She is a good listener and was accessible when I had last minute questions. I give her my highest possible recommendation.

Working with Paula McDonald Design Build & Interiors was truly the best decision I could have made. From the very beginning, Paula and her team brought a rare combination of creativity, professionalism, and warmth that made the entire process enjoyable and stress-free. She has an incredible eye for design and detail. Her design sense is impeccable—elegant, timeless, and perfectly tailored to my lifestyle. Every space she touched feels both functional and beautiful, with smart solutions that make my home more livable and inspiring every day. Working with Paula McDonald Design Build & Interiors was truly the best decision I could have made. From the very beginning, Paula and her team brought a rare combination of creativity, professionalism, and warmth that made the entire process enjoyable and stress-free. What impressed me most was Paula’s ability to take my vision—even when it was just a vague idea—and bring it to life with stunning precision. She has an incredible eye for design and detail, but also a deep understanding of construction and project management, which meant everything was handled seamlessly from start to finish. Her design sense is impeccable—elegant, timeless, and perfectly tailored to my lifestyle. Every space she touched feels both functional and beautiful, with smart solutions that make my home more livable and inspiring every day. Paula also surrounds herself with a talented, reliable team. The craftsmanship and quality of the work were second to none, and the project stayed on track and on budget. She communicated with clarity at every step, making sure I always felt informed and involved. In the end, Paula didn’t just deliver a renovation —she transformed my home into a space that feels like me, only better than I ever imagined. I can honestly say she exceeded every expectation.

Paula and her team did a complete gut renovation of our NYC apartment, which included all new plumbing and upgraded electric. It was a challenging job that her team was more than capable of taking on. The plumbing and electric were especially difficult in our very unique space that had low water pressure, a crazy labyrinth of water pipes, and old electric that required scaffold on the outside of the building to bring the upgrade electric up 12 floors. The ceiling of our totally new kitchen was raised by nearly two feet and a wall eliminated which opened up the area letting light flow through the apartment. There is now ample room in the kitchen for more than one cook, cherry under-counter cabinets and drawers, and space for people to sit at the new counter/bar. They completely renovated our bathroom that now has a bathtub and rain shower, beautiful fireclay tiles, and much more storage. Storage was added in the master bedroom, and in the living room a gorgeous solid walnut built-in was made for our guitars, turntable, and records. Our wood-burning fireplace was completely redone with fireclay tiles, glass fireplace doors, and a natural walnut mantel. We had all new hardwood floors and new lighting installed throughout the apartment, as well. Our place is truly brand new from floor to ceiling. Paula and her team completed the project within the timeframe we’d discussed, and Paula’s attention to every detail was incredible. Lines of communication were always open, and to say she has all her ducks in a row before the design begins is an understatement. Paula is amazingly organized from start to finish. When the job was complete, she presented us with binders that include everything that was done to the apartment, all the paperwork and information on everything that was installed, and how to reach people for any problem that might arise—an invaluable, and rarely done, addition to a large and complicated project. We are grateful to Paula and her team for our wonderful and beautifully renovated space.

Combined newly bought apartment with previously renovated larger one. Project went very smoothly; followed the expected timeframe perfectly and was done well within budget. NYC and building regulations were handled professionally without any "hitches". New design matched the one done seamlessly so that final product doesn't look like an "add on". We're very satisfied with the results and recommend Paula highly

Paula was incredibly responsive, communicative and knowledgeable. My clients interviewed many different architects to renovate their 3,200 sf Fifth Avenue home and Paula was heads and shoulders above the rest! I will continue to recommend her to my clients in the future!

We contracted with Paula to do a complete reno of our primary bathroom. Second project with Paula. The first was a complete reno of our kitchen - a simply gorgeous result. We love our new kitchen and hoped Paula would deliver similar results with the bathroom work. She did not disappoint. The new bathroom is stunning - beautiful tiles, fixtures and cabinetry. Paula is the consummate professional. She delivers within budget, always on or before the projected timelines for the work and always handles the crew, the pesky coop board and demanding clients with aplomb. It was a true pleasure to work with her.

I cannot recommend Paula McDonald highly enough as I am brimming with a tremendous sense of gratitude for all that she accomplished with the gut renovation of our 3 bedroom/2 bathroom pre-war apartment, and the thoughtful manner in which she maneuvered me through the process. Paula opened up our galley kitchen, put in new wood flooring, removed a closet, created a closet, created a custom closet for my husband, moved doors, installed custom radiator and AC covers, as well as custom built desk. She also oversaw the replacement of windows and the installation of thru-wall AC's in lieu of window AC's. She addressed every single item on my wish list, including the installation of bathroom exhaust vents in both bathrooms. Prior to meeting with Paula, I was incredibly overwhelmed as I had begun the process with another contractor who had been recommended to me. I was confused because he wanted to do the demolition within 3 weeks without permits or a plan in place. Expressing my frustrations to my husband, I happened to mention that every time I looked at pictures of pre-war renovations that I liked online, they were inevitably the work of Paula McDonald. My husband immediately insisted that we reach out to her. That phone call changed everything for me. Her work ethic, attention to detail, and her aptitude for organization, all made the process as seamless as it could possibly be. The only issues we encountered were related to the building's management and the building's architect, and these Paula navigated with the utmost professionalism. My neighbor on the same floor as our apartment commented that Paula's crew was also highly professional and remarkably considerate, cleaning the common area on a daily basis. All of the staff that work in our building also praised her and her crew. Most of all, she is a gifted builder, with the natural ability to visualize in 3 dimensions, and she is passionate and proud of her work. I should also mention that my level of trust in her was so high that once demolition began, I did not visit the apartment once during the entirety of the renovation process and saw the result at the final walk-through. Paula kindly sent me pictures and videos to keep me updated on the progress. During that walk-through, she had placed blue tape on areas that she was not happy with. These included an area on the new wood flooring that she wanted redone and some of the wallpaper in the foyer that she also wanted redone. Truthfully, I may not have noticed any of those spots myself, but Paula is so meticulous that these did not pass her hawk-like scrutiny. Dreading the renovation process as I did, Paula was a godsend and I feel so enormously fortunate that she took our call, and accepted us as her clients.

Paula completed a total gut renovation of a 2 bedroom NYC apartment, including 2 baths and a kitchen in 2018. As the project neared completion, a major building ceiling leak creating much damage to the living room windows and living room ceiling. Paula and her team fixed the extensive damage in 2023 after a many years building delay. You would never know we had a leak. Her team was very professional. They arrived on time each day and left the apartment as clean as they could. Paula herself, led us by hand through the process. Together we picked cabinets, tile, fixtures, etc. I love everything she suggested. My apartment look like it was in a magazine. So livable yet so sleek. Paula has a way to get you to complete the tasks in a timely fashion. She is always on top of all the details..and believe me, there were so many details. Would I use Paula again…In a heartbeat!! After the repair delay, her team swiftly completed the repairs, knowing we had waited for the building to fix the roof for so many years and we eager to move on.

I recently decided to tackle a full apartment renovation project to my cooperative apartment which I knew would be an overwhelming endeavor unless I had the right person to navigate the process. I consider myself fortunate to have been connected to Paula and her extensive staff of professionals including architects, artisans and other professionals. Her company seamlessly tackles every aspect of the renovation process from initial design and aesthetics, to submitting building plans to both the City of New York and my Coop Board, dealing with Building management and staff, and through to completion. She captured my aesthetic, shopped products with me, provided invaluable input and her meticulous attention to detail is unparalleled. In the end, she provides a detailed catalogue of all materials used and appliances installed and includes all literature, such as instructions and warranties, to ensure that the end user can easily familiarize themselves with every element of the work performed and installations made. I am thrilled with my apartment's new design aesthetic which is now the peaceful retreat that I had been hoping for and am grateful that Paula undertook the project, inspired me and allowed me to achieve my goal. I highly recommend Paula to anyone considering a renovation project.

In 2016 Paula McDonald helped us with a major redesign and renovation of our one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan. Not only did she do a remarkable job of redesigning a dated and confining kitchen space, but she also transformed the tiny bathroom. Equally noteworthy was Paula’s ability to create valuable walk-in closet space in the bedroom and add high quality finishes throughout the apartment which elevated the look and feel of a decades-old space. Paula provided excellent subcontractors for the needed upgrades in our systems as well as all the resources for beautiful cabinetry, tile, countertops, etc. that now make the apartment feel both high-end and current. Paula’s years of experience, her creativity and her design sense were apparent immediately. Throughout the project we could see that she personally managed every detail and challenge and as a result the quality of work was truly impressive. A factor I value greatly was Paula’s thoroughness and follow-up post construction. The binder of plans and detailed sources we received when the project was completed has proved invaluable. In addition, she has been available to assist with issues more recently. Her dedication to her work is top notch.

We highly recommend Paula McDonald. We have completed our third project with her and continue to be impressed with the results. Her design sense, attention to detail and ability to overcome obstacles make the process easy for her clients.

Paula McDonald is the consummate professional who takes care of every possible detail on her jobs. Our company has worked with Paula on many projects. Our last collaboration was on a kitchen that Paula had remodeled in a high end apartment building in the Upper East Side. The owner who lives in Beverly Hills had rented out the apartment. The tenant had a flood and damaged all of the base molding. Paula's team replaced the molding and we primed and spray painted the existing cabinets with a matte finish restoring the kitchen to its original condition. Paula's client was so confident in her ability to rectify the problem that she paid in full without personally even seeing the final work. We work with many high end designers, architects and general contractors on projects in Manhattan, Paula is one of the few who can actually adhere to a schedule making her one of our favorite people to work with.

Paula and her team made a potentially VERY challenging coop apartment combination/gut renovation, as close to effortless as could be. Overall, Paula listened to our desires for the finished apartment and made them come to life in a way that was better than we could have imagined. She has been diligent in completing each step of the process with total attention to detail and pursuit of excellence. Our building has given us great feedback on the respect of her teams within the lobby and hallway areas, their excellent cleanliness and professionalism. Her custom built ins are a totally genius addition to our lifestyle. We now love our apartment! We would not hesitate to hire Paula again in the future.

We initially discovered Paula via her impressive library of YouTube videos walking through each project in great detail. We were immediately struck by her transparency, technical expertise and quality of work. Our project, a gut renovation of a pre-war co-op, was right in the strike zone of Paula’s work, and it became immediately apparent that we were in great hands after completing the initial walkthrough of the apartment pre-renovation. Paula presented us with a floorplan that truly maximized every inch of the space, allowing us to transform an outdated two-bedroom apartment into a highly functional three-bedroom layout with an open chef’s kitchen, endless storage space and modern functionality, all while staying true to the apartment’s pre-war design aesthetic. Our building's review process was quite extensive, but Paula was able to leverage her robust history of working with a broad range of building architects to make the process as smooth as possible. When we were faced with technical challenges during the review process, Paula was very quick to come up with creative solutions that enabled us to move forward expeditiously. Once approved, Paula's highly talented crew of longstanding subcontractors hit the ground running and stayed on schedule throughout the project. Of particular note is how complimentary the building's superintendent was of Paula and her crew. Paula's professionalism and knowledge were highly appreciated by the building staff, enabling us to carry out a very smooth renovation without complaint. What stood out to us throughout the process was Paula's extreme attention to detail, responsiveness and patience. With all order forms, agreements and change orders provided at the line-item level, it was very easy to track orders / changes and ask questions about anything. This level of transparency is not common in the construction world, and it also meant that as changes inevitably arose, they could be addressed in a very precise manner. Furthermore, Paula's full-service model enables her to serve as a one-stop-shop for all aspects of the renovation. This was particularly helpful when it came to making interior design decisions, as Paula was able to provide well-rounded guidance based on her complete knowledge of the project and our preferences. Paula is very versatile in this regard as she can either provide you with a point-of-view, or listen to your preferences and provide interior design guidance accordingly. The final result of Paula's work is truly exceptional and her experience really shows. Not only is Paula with you every step of the way during the renovation process, but even post-completion she has been highly communicative / responsive to ensure that any and all open items are addressed. We are beyond thrilled with our new home and highly recommend Paula to anybody seeking to renovate in NYC!

Paula's challenge was to remodel my tiny closet-sized kitchen. It was as dark as a cave and had only 18 inches of counter space, no storage – plus, there was barely enough room for me. I told her that I wanted a kitchen I could feel comfortable cooking in, for myself and guests, and I wanted some "wow" factor since it is the first room people see when they enter my apartment. Paula transformed it into an open concept kitchen that is elegant, spacious, and has miles of countertop with bar seating. Now there's plenty of light from the living room windows as well as dimmable overhead spots, and plenty of storage for any kitchen gadget I could ever need or want. And the “wow” factor, omg, includes a gorgeous tile mosaic from the backsplash up to the ceiling! I could not be happier with my new kitchen! As other reviewers have already mentioned, Paula is a master at transforming clients' dreams into reality on time and within budget. She is detailed, organized, smart, a creative problem solver and a dream to work with. With her in charge, I did not have to worry or stress. Not only is she a professional, she is also an artist!

Paula is professional, efficient and has fantastic taste. We were unsure of how to approach the design component to our project but Paula infused her elevated taste level with our eclectic style and the finished product is fantastic. It was delivered well within the timeframe discussed and I’m so happy with the result! I highly recommend working with Paula McDonald.

Paula was so helpful in walking us through process and was able to get everything done so quickly! The work is absolutely beautiful and looks/feels like we bought a new apartment!

Paula is very professional and thorough. She manages, designs, and builds. She’ll help you develop your rough remodeling ideas into actionable plans; she’ll give you a budget and you can go up or down as you like. She’ll guide you. She’ll give you a schedule and will live up to it. She’ll work with whatever homeowners association you have and develop a good relationship with it. She’ll get your job done and you’ll be very satisfied!

After living in the same apartment for 20 years, the time had come to bring it into the 21st century. I went to the AD Design Show and chatted with numerous designers, architects and contractors. Paula offered a design/build concept which appealed to me and she had a rich media library of her work on YouTube for review. From those videos, and my ensuing meetings with Paula, it became clear that her work was innovative, she would own the gut renovation process from start to finish, and that she had a crucial reservoir of experience with the idiosyncrasies of coop boards. We spent a lot of time negotiating a budget, but what sold me was when Paula took certain “dream” materials I had come across (such as a stunning mosaic tile from Artistic Tile) and from them created a dramatically unique and comprehensive vision that was magical and within my final budget. From there Paula made all the pieces fall seamlessly into place. Then, with mere weeks to go before demolition, NY hit the Covid Pause button. Paula’s extensive build experience proved invaluable, as well as her longstanding relationships with her subcontractors, so that when the board approved us restarting we lost no time in doing so and then completing the renovation on time and on budget. Paula recently handed me a comprehensive binder of all the work done, which has already proven invaluable. A job done well, especially during a challenging year!

When I met Paula for the first time, I knew she was the one. She exudes confidence in her work, is always available when questions come up and has a way with me as well as her subs detailing what needs to happen. I worked with Paula on a gut renovation for my 560 sq foot Manhattan condominium. Our design work was a breeze because she has full knowledge of space and materials and a knack in interpreting my wishes. Once the apartment remodel was planned, she lined up her subs to have all executed. It was clear as I met with her team that they too have a deep respect for her leadership and what their work is. As COVID-19 started and following the lockdown, she worked closely with the building and her subs to keep the work progressing with proper masking and 6’ apart. Paula is passionate, confident and will make sure everything and everyone are following through with a job well done to meet her (and her clients) high standards. Paula kept me apprised around all finances throughout. I would whole-heartily recommend her for any project.

Any apartment combination can be daunting under the best of circumstances. Add in a global pandemic, with state and local shutdowns, restrictions and supply chain issues, and you get a recipe for disaster. Fortunately, we had engaged the services of Paula McDonald to assists us with our apartment combination / renovation. Paula was by our side throughout the entire project. Her professionalism, trade relationships and years of experience were invaluable to us as we navigated the unpredictable construction environment brought on by COVID-19. Despite three months of forced delays from government shut downs, we moved into our new home on schedule, not a detail overlooked - pure perfection! We are so pleased with our finished product and would highly recommend Paula and her team to those looking to create a sanctuary tailored to your personal preferences. Thank you Paula!

I worked with Paula on a complete gut renovation combining two apartments in the Upper West Side of NYC. This was a large project and Paula and the team of craftsman that she has assembled all did exquisite work. The attention to detail is unsurpassed. We had a lot of setbacks that arose from my building but Paula was on top of it the whole time. She is very responsive and extremely organized. I am extremely happy with how it turned out and Paula has continued to answer any questions I have had months after completion.

Paula has been a cherished client of New York's Little Elves for over a decade. We work for many contractors and interior designers. Paula's projects are always on time, her job sites are orderly and clean, her staff are professional and respectful of our teams, and she pays her invoices promptly. In New York City where construction delays and last minute chaos can be the norm, she is a consistently reliable outlier in this field for always delivering such a professional job site on time with grace, calm and happy clients!

When we were looking for a contractor to help renovate our kitchen and outdoor patio, we found many people had some sort of mediocre or bad experience with the contractors they used. One friend raved about her contractor and said she loved her and her work - it was a glowing positive review amid many negative ones for others. Because she was so adamant about her work, we asked for the contact details and set up an appointment with Paula. I would have to agree that we had an absolutely positive experience in working with her - she did all the work, we just picked out what we wanted and she made it all happen. It was white glove service and we didn’t need to be involved with any of the details or paperwork - in fact, she handled all of the paperwork and filing directly with our co-op and the city. She tightly managed timeline and budget, and kept us informed of any budget changes, and she completed the entire project within the initial timeframe, which also seemed rare in the world of contractors and renovations. When the work ended, she handed us a binder of all of the details about our renovations - every paint color and instruction manual and architectural sketches, which was super helpful. She is a pleasure to work with and the quality of the finished product is exceptional. We are so pleased with how everything looks and regularly get complimented on it by our guests. We would highly recommend Paula - guaranteed you will not regret hiring her and you will not be disappointed with your finished product.

Complete gut renovation of master bath and updates to master bedroom. Paula and her team did such a great job on our kitchen/living room renovation that we did not hesitate to call her again when we needed to update our master bathroom/bedroom. Paula is an intuitive designer and knows how to make the most of your space. Her attention to detail is unmatched. Her team of skilled experts are professional, courteous and worked well with outbuilding staff.

I found Paula on Houzz after spending a lot of time deciding how to go about the gut renovation of an 800-ft one-bedroom pre-war apartment on the Upper West Side. I loved the photos I saw of other renovations she had done, which suit my taste perfectly. In my case, this renovation was not to combine an apartment but to divide a larger one into two spaces, the 800-ft one-bedroom and a 1200-ft two-bedroom. We started with the one-bedroom. Since I don't live in NYC full-time, I needed someone who could provide a soup-nuts operation. I interviewed four other design/build firms, none of whom impressed me. Paula is amazing. Experienced, knowledgable, efficient. It has, unfortunately, become much more difficult to deal with the requirements of the Department of Buildings than ever before and I realized, once we had begun the process, that I had made the right choice rather than separate the job into parts (architect, contractor, work crews) or try to oversee it all myself. Paula knows what she is doing and justifiably prides herself on delivering quality work. My apartment was a challenge. Both the bathroom and kitchen do not meet ADA requirements for size, so we had to keep the appliances and fixtures in the same location; nonetheless the result is absolutely gorgeous and functional, and both rooms seem much more spacious than before. Paula was able to move a wall and reposition a door to create a larger space in the entry area which can now also serve as a dining area, in effect creating another room. She made suggestions like a pocket door between the entry/dining area and living room that I would not have thought of myself and that were absolutely the right choice. The door is completely out of the way when not needed but provides privacy if anyone, such as an overnight guest, needs it. The stain she proposed for the wood floors - which I had considered replacing but Paula saw could be sanded and look as good as new - transformed them. She ripped out moldings and installed new, which makes the apartment look clean and sharp. All the hideous wires that were showing on top of the base moldings and around the doorways have disappeared into the wall. The crews - construction, woodworking, electrical, plumbing - Paula uses, and has used for years - are top notch; they are also very pleasant people. The quality of their work is superb. Those who worked in the apartment every day kept the common hallway very clean, which is important so as to avoid any conflicts with the building staff or neighbors. Paula was on site constantly to make sure the work progressed smoothly and sort out any details that needed attention along the way. Her estimate to get the job done was four months and it took about 4 1/2 months, the delay being caused factors outside of her control. So I consider her time estimate to have been pretty much exactly on target. Paula is efficient and works to get everything needed before the renovation starts so that when it does start, it moves quickly. I would hire her again and recommend her to anyone in a heartbeat. Actually, we are working on plans for the other part of the apartment - the two-bedroom - and hope to begin work soon. Photos of the one-bedroom are on her website. I love it!

I found Paula McDonald Designs in Luxe Interiors Magazine. Our 600 square foot NYC apartment needed more storage space and the most efficient way to expand storage was through built-ins. Paula’s company designed and installed the built-ins on time and on budget. Great work, easy and understanding. Would definitely recommend her company and would work with her again.

We first discovered Paula’s work on Pinterest while looking for inspiration to remodel our apartment. Serendipitously we landed on a photo of a renovation from another unit in our co-op. Delighted, we followed the link back to Paula McDonald’s site where we found even more amazing examples of her talent at transforming pre-war apartments like our own. In a matter of days, Paula was in our home to meet us and discuss the project. She is a total pro with extensive design and build experience. We loved that she had worked with the same sub-contractors over the years. We had heard so many horror stories of contractors going out of business, disappearing or hiring sub-par workers. You can rest assured that will not happen if you hire Paula. Honestly, we were worried that we couldn’t afford her. But she worked patiently with us for weeks to properly align the potential scope of the project to fit our budget. This involved numerous, detailed estimates. Once we agreed on a budget and a start date, Paula and her team immediately jumped into action, quickly securing all of the necessary approvals and paperwork on our behalf. We didn’t have to worry about any of it. She also immediately gave us assignments of what materials we would need to select. She provided as many recommendations and as much guidance as we wanted, but she was also happy to take our suggestions and work them in as well. Paula and her team are meticulously organized. All anticipated costs were itemized and every purchase catalogued. She creates a comprehensive binder for all of the people on a project so that everyone is literally on the same page. This advance organization made for swift work once construction began. Throughout the project, Paula and her team replied immediately to any calls or emails we sent. It was wonderful that they were so reliable and available. The project stuck to the original budget. Really the only overruns were due to additions and upgrades we requested along the way. In the end we are so pleased with our beautiful new home.

Paula and her team recently completed a complete gut renovation of our 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom co-op apartment on Sutton Place South. We initially met Paula at the Architectural Digest Design Show and hired her after having several in-person meetings, and conducting reference calls and site visits to review recent work. We live full-time in NJ and were looking for a single point of contact for complete design-build services, from permitting to completion. We have previously undertaken large-scale home renovations, so we had a clear view of the type of individual/firm we were looking to work with. We are very pleased with the completed project. The quality of the work performed by all trades, and the craftsmanship of the custom made millwork and cabinetry was outstanding. The work was done within the 120 days mandated by the building, and within the budget agreed to with Paula at the start. There were no contracting or budgeting surprises. Several things distinguish Paula and her team. Paula is exacting, with outstanding attention to detail. Her team of carpenters, plumbers, electricians, tile workers, painters, etc...understand her expectations and are equally precise and detailed. The workmanship is outstanding. Paula is highly organized and very responsive. She was quite adept in working with us to make timely decisions to support the overall schedule. All calls and texts to Paula are returned promptly. We received very positive feedback from our building superintendant and staff regarding the professionalism of Paula and her team. Again, we are very pleased with the work performed by Paula and are happy to recommend her services.

We passed on our 3bd/2.5ba renovation project for a 1900-built Upper West Side condo to PMD Development LLC (“Paula”) after waiting a year from another company that did not deliver results. This was our first condo renovation project in NYC and we made our mistakes. We saw Paula's project portfolio online in YouTube and we believe she has the right experience to resume and ultimately finish our renovation. Upon our first contact with her, we were welcomed to her office space and she explained the renovation process to us in a level of detail understandable to us as first timers. We discussed Board and NYC Department of Building approvals (“approvals”) are obtained, forms we need to file, project timeline and other expected costs (asbestos, fees to use freight elevator, etc.), and sufficiently answered the many questions we had. She showed us images of her work, plans and other document samples from her ongoing projects to better see how the process works. We think what made us extremely confident at this early stage was that she was able to explain many of her past and current projects with us from how it was planned with her clients to building it since her work is hands-on. Her experience working on-site with subcontractors (plumbers, electricians, HVAC engineers, etc.) and with different building architects/management companies made it easier for us to change our original plans to get approvals quicker. Approvals are just the first step though; the value you can expect from Paula extends just beyond her technical knowledge of drawing/revising plans and complying with building codes. Paula is a full-fledged, one-stop shop design-build company. Even before the approvals, she tries to understand your taste (traditional? contemporary?) and incorporates it with her technical knowledge (for example, the design of the grilles for the central AC duct). Because the work of the architect/designer and contractor are all done by her, she is easily able to change major parts of the plans to what you are conceptualizing. This combo made it easier for us to expand and change room layouts after the demolition phase of the apartment since we saw hidden risers (pipes) and floor beams that were not on the original plans of the building. There was quite a change from the plans we had when we got her in contract to project completion, and I think if you have a separate architect/designer to create the plans and separate contractor to actually build the plans, then incorporating those changes may take forever due to the information asymmetry and lag in communication. On the note of suggestions, changes to the design agreed upon getting her in contract will need to be approved (signed) by the client through a Change Order. This form is created by her and lists what will be taken out line by line, the credit you receive by taking it out, the additions you select, and the additional cost associated with it. It is transparent, and you can always ask her a line item you want to know more about. It makes it easy to track what you are paying for and where you get your money back when removing things. In the end, we think you will get the maximum value of Paula's design-build business model if you take the time and effort to let her know what you want. She will invite you to tile, floor, paint, toilet, whatever showrooms around the city (most around Flatiron) and investing the time to be with her, looking at her suggestions and understanding why she suggested that will help her deliver the apartment that you want built. On the opposite extreme, you can let her have the autonomy and "pick for you" but we believe that you will best get the value from her when you be proactive. Again, we do not see her as just a home improvement contractor, but an artist and an engineer.

My wife and I had the pleasure of working with Paula and her team on the renovation of our master bathroom. Paula and her team were very professional, timely and came in on budget. While a smaller project, we appreciated the amount of personal attention Paula gave to the project - nothing was overlooked. We would absolutely engage Paula and her team on future projects and highly recommend her.

My client hired Paula McDonald Design to completely 'gut and renovate' the entire property before I was to list the property in the late Fall 2017. When I visited the finished renovation, I was stunned. After selling more than 100 properties in this building, I was very surprised to see the detailed, elegant transformation...and completed in less than three months! Amazing. Yes. I would confidently recommend Paula McDonald Design. Amazing! (The property was quickly snapped up in one-week!)

Paula McDonald did a professional, thorough job. She kept the job moving forward, dealt with setbacks as they inevitably arose including asbestos, and made a real effort to keep me happy, including making small changes even after she had been fully paid.

As owner of a Brooklyn-based custom cabinet making company, I have established my long-standing partnership with Paula McDonald Design for the past 6 years. On annual basis, we receive multiple new projects from PMD, and on every single one of them, Paula always put her clients' best interest first. She is a perfectionist by nature and expects to be supported by a perfectionist team to help her deliver her vision; "good" is never part of her standards, she always strives for excellence. She pours all her energy and creativity into every project, she strives to solve all arising challenges and does not rest until the end result is "flawlessly impeccable". We are very glad to be Paula's favorite custom millworker shop and we love to work with her and her team. For many more years to come ... PROWOOD INC + CABINET MAKER NYC

After living in the same pre-war apartment for over 18 years i decided to do a complete renovation. I found Paula's ad in Luxe magazine. How lucky was i! Paula took over the project and completely gut renovated the apartment. Electrical, plumbing, adding a washer dryer, dealing with the condo board and buildings department, they even provided the mover! The apartment is fantastic, and all the work was completed on time and within the budget. Exceptional! When people say what torture a renovation is I say mine was a pleasure! Just call Paula!

I found Paula on Houzz. After interviewing and walking through the apartment with her and three other architects and design/build firms, I chose Paula. Throughout the time that we worked with her, I never regretted my choice. From that very first meeting, Paula paid attention to every single detail, every single thing that I mentioned that we wanted or needed. If you want someone to care about your renovation as much as you do, choose Paula and her team. We took what was essentially a one bedroom pied-à-terre in a 1989 doorman building and transformed into a three bedroom apartment with an office space, laundry room, and as much storage space as humanly possible. We maximized every square inch of our apartment to turn it into the most functional space for a family of four. Paula understood my vision and our needs. She worked with me before we closed on the apartment to get everything ready to file for permits. We were able to start the work quickly, and she managed to get the huge job started in July and finished in October before our rental lease was up. (Everyone else had told me to expect the work to take until January/February!) She has excellent contacts in the industry and knows who to work with for each portion of the project, while she oversees every detail. She has worked with me after completion of the project to answer any questions that I have and immediately assist with any issues we encounter as we settle into the new space. Aesthetically, the space is beautiful. Paula has great taste and listens to you, understands your taste. We could not be happier with how it turned out. In summary, if you want superb attention to detail, a job done quickly but with the highest quality, and really beautiful results, you need Paula McDonald Design Build & Interiors. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am writing this update to my review a year after we moved into the apartment... because we still LOVE it. I am grateful every day to live in such a beautiful home, thanks to Paula. Every visitor we have comments on how lovely the space is. Additionally, Paula has been immediately responsive to any minor issues that we have encountered over the past year, either taking care of the issue herself or pointing me in the right direction for high quality service providers. She still continues to care about us and about our home, and that is invaluable. I have heard horror stories about jobs only getting 95% completed and then left as such. Our experience with Paula has been the exact opposite: even when it is no longer really her responsibility, she is still on top of everything. I really cannot say enough good things about working with Paula McDonald Design Build & Interiors - certainly one of the best decisions that we have ever made!

Renovating an apartment in NYC is a daunting task and we were grateful to work with Paula and her team Her experience and attention to detail were crucial as she guided us every step of the way. The workmanship of her team is excellent. Paula stands behind her work and is always accessible even after the project is done. We love our new home, it's everything we dreamed of and more!

Paula and her team did a relatively small job for me this summer. As part of the building's project to replace windows in the entire building, I had 2 windows replaced in my den, added an in wall air conditioner and redecorated the room. Paula had to empty the room, cover all built ins because of huge amounts of dust and for the air conditioning had to update the wiring. As usual, her staff was super professional and super nice.

After seeing first hand the beautiful work done on our neighbors' apartment, we hired Paula and her team to completely renovate our kitchen and update our living/dining space. We couldn't be happier with the results. Paula is a creative problem solver and knows how to get the most out of every inch of space. Her team is reliable, professional and delivers on time.

I have had the pleasure of working with Paula on numerous projects. I have also worked with many designers and contractors over the years assisting with their moving and storage needs and the detail of Paula's designs, quality of the finishes and the workmanship are exceptional. Every project I have been involved with for Paula has been completed on time and to perfection. I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THE COMPANY AND THE ATTENTION TO DETAIL GIVEN TO EVERY ROOM SHE DESIGNS AND RENOVATES.

I selected Paula for a near gut renovation of our pre-war apartment because I wanted high-quality work and someone who was on top of every detail from start to finish, and that's exactly what I got. Paula capably handled all the design questions as well as the structural issues we encountered - and there were plenty of those. She is knowledgeable about what features to use for historically accurate renovations as well as when and how to deviate. This project included reflooring, a complete bathroom remodel, new wall and room configurations, custom shelving, and a completely new full kitchen. We incorporated a range of customizations that work fantastically. Her team was very conscientious, competent at coping with myriad building restrictions, and flexible when required. I always knew that Paula was completely on the case, aware of and following up with every issue that arose. Even though my end vision was not a typical 'Paula apartment' look, I knew could use her expertise and professionalism to create a fantastic end result!

We entrusted Paula McDonald with the totality of our project, the complete renovation of a two bedroom Manhattan apartment, to a degree far greater than most people might. We live on the West Coast and were unable to be on the premises at any time during the process. So that we first saw the "new" apartment only after its completion. The completed apartment, both for its quality and its aesthetics, far exceeded even our own expectations. Paula had understood our vision and had delivered lock, stock and barrel. There was nothing of consequence we would have done differently. She had even dealt with the co-op board and the landmark commission on our behalf; no small issues. Throughout this project, Paula sent us samples and/or photos and otherwise kept us informed of every detail. Working with her was an exemplary experience; we couldn't possibly recommend her more highly.

Paula did a wonderful transformation of our home, and we are truly glad that we chose her to do our renovation. We hired Paula to gut renovate a 2 bedroom apartment in a 1920's building that had never been updated. The kitchen and bath were to be entirely new, plumbing and electrical had to be updated, floors refinished, one closet reconfigured and a master closet added. We needed someone who could manage the whole project without our having to oversee every subcontractor, as we were having our first child and knew we would not have the time (or energy) to oversee all of the required elements ourselves. Paula was the absolute right choice for us, as she guided us through the design aspect and actually ran the bulk of the renovation while we were working out of town. As our new apartment was a coop, her knowledge of all the required paperwork/permits/licenses/insurance, etc., was absolutely invaluable, and we know that our super was very pleased with all their interactions. Our new apartment is beautiful and exactly what we'd hoped for. Paula was also amazing about having her people return after our move-in to address any problems that arose after we were living in the space. She is highly organized and meticulous in making sure that every detail turns out as it should. Hiring a design-build firm is absolutely an asset, and we couldn't be happier with our decision to use Paula McDonald's company. We highly recommend Paula and her work.

The idea of fully gutting out an apartment on my own was a scary one. I had a vision of what I ultimately wanted, but needed the right person to get me there within the confines of a budget. I met Paula Mcdonald at a friends housewarming party. Seeing my friends vision firsthand come to life through Paula and listening to how seamless her experience was made my decision an easy one. PMD was there every step of the way through my entire process- from visiting the site with me before purchase to ensure my vision could be achieved in this space AND at my price to the very final walk through. Paula's unique background merging her artistic abilities with a business degree (Marc Jacobs meets Warren Buffet) shines through in her projects. Her acute attention to detail is unmatchable and her eye for colors, shapes and dimensions kept me from making bad design decisions (saving me a lot of time and money). What stood out to me the most about my experience with Paula is that she keeps her word. If you give her a "realistic" budget she will stick to it (and if it's not realistic she will immediately tell you) and she defies the common stereotype that many NYC designers are labeled with. If she gives you a timeline on completion of your project, you can rest assured that's when it will be done (no need to tag on that extra three month window most do when dealing with contractors). She only deals with workers she trusts and has had ample experience with so she knows what they're capable of and how quickly they can complete a task. Her focus on quality and detail are what she prides her reputation on and she leaves no stone unturned. What she does leave behind is a detailed binder with everything you need to know about your project (from product selection to warranties to how to clean your tiles, floors, etc). Overall, you get the full package with PMD. Acting as contractor and designer, Paula not only has the ability to see your vision, but she also knows how to fully execute it within your parameters.

We used Paula's design-build services to join our one bedroom apartment with the studio next door. This involved breaking through the adjoining wall between the units, a complete kitchen and bathroom renovation, refinishing floors and baseboards to match, and altering a gallery kitchen into a studio work space. We couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. The workmanship was of the highest quality and the aesthetic/design was just what we were looking for. The super in our co-op indicated that he'd never seen a better team than Paula and her crew!

Paula McDonald was both the designer and general contractor for the renovation of our apartment. Our co-op apartment is in a 100 year old building and needed extensive work. The kitchen and bathrooms required “gut” renovation and all the plumbing and electrical wiring in the apartment needed upgrading. During the design phase, Paula was sensitive to our wishes and provided valuable ideas and guidance. She always provided us with options and as the process progressed we relied more and more on her input. At the conclusion of the design phase, we had very detailed schedules covering the entire cost of the project. Paula took care of securing all the permits we needed and gaining co-op board approval of our plans. Once construction was started, the work was completed on schedule in three and a half months. We were regularly updated on progress and any issues that arose that might impact the timing or cost were quickly brought a to our attention and addressed in an effective manner. We were very impressed with the quality of the work of all the contractors Paula used on the project. She has very high standards and everything from the millwork and tile work to the painting was impressive. The follow-up on the few items we identified once we moved in was also very impressive. These items were addressed quickly and without objection. The building super stated “I have worked with a lot of general contractors over the years and she is one of the best.” All in all, we couldn’t be more pleased with the result and Paula made the whole process relatively stress free. We would recommend her without reservation.

After many years of procrastinating, I finally committed to renovating my one bedroom prewar apartment. I chose PMD based on the photos I saw on Houzz as well as positive customer comments. Paula did the kitchen, consolidation of three closets into one in the bedroom, new doors and moldings throughout, many thoughtful, creative touches, i.e. covering the bricks on the front of the fireplace with caesarstone from the kitchen counters, decorative accent wall in the kitchen as well as entryway ceiling ... she and her team performed magic! She took a dated, dark, 800 square foot apartment, and transformed it into a bright, open three rooms that maximize all available space. In addition to being extremely creative, a great problem solver, and detail oriented, Paula handled all Managing Agent's requests efficiently, which resulted in a very smooth, on-time renovation. I couldn't be more pleased ... she exceeded my expectations (and they were pretty high) ... !

Paula not only did a great job, she was fun to work with. We redid our kitchen, and floors. We also did built-ins for a study area. Our project came out on time and on budget. Paula knows the City and how to get things done here. She has a superb team of skilled office staff and craftsman working for her. Paula's default is quality and attention to detail. She has a refined sense of design. You end up with more than a simple renovation.....you get lasting quality and comfort. I was very pleased to have Paula do this. I highly recommend her.

We hired Paula to renovate an upper west side pre-war apartment in Manhattan. I was very impressed with her professionalism, attention to detail and commitment to schedule. Her design ideas were very good and she engaged quality craft people to perform the work. This was an approximate 8 week project and included demolition/renovation of ceilings to uncover the original pre-war archticture, removal and replacement of all old baseboards, painting of all surfaces, entry way wallpaper and special ceiling details, upgrade and enhancement of electrical, design/build of built-in media/bookcase and banquet, striping of old doors/hinges/windows, minor enhancements to existing kitchen remodel. I found Paula to be a very good and timely comunicator which was important as a number of the decisions were done long distance as we do not live in New York and this was being done for our daughter. We are very pleased with the results - what a difference!

We hired Paula McDonald to renovate our living and dining room on the eastside of Manhattan. She and her team were amazing. She is the ultimate professional contractor. Her estimate of the time to complete the project was on target. Paula was on top of every aspect of the job and it came out terrific. We can't thank her enough.

I highly recommend PMD based on high quality design and craftsmanship, accurate estimates, timely performance, attention to detail and good communication. Paula designed and oversaw work on an apartment facelift that included new doors, hinges and hardware, radiator covers and custom shelving. She brought in people who are true artisans. I have worked with architects and contractors on several renovations, and none have come close to Paula. No surprises, no unforeseen costs, great work that looks beautiful and a pleasure to work with. Love the results!

Paula and her team completed an extensive renovation of our apartment. This included a new kitchen and two new bathrooms. We had a very tight deadline to meet and she ensured this deadline was met with time to spare. We are thrilled with the result and find it both aesthetically pleasing and of the highest quality workmanship. In addition, Paula's crew was delightful. They exhibited professionalism and obviously took great pride in their product.

We hired Paula for a kitchen renovation that grew to encompass new floors, partial update of the bathroom, new closets, custom built-ins. The project exceeded our expectations and Paula and her team were wonderful to work with. Unlike many (or most) NYC projects, Paula delivered in the time frame promised despite some "surprises" along the way and additional items we added to the project as it progressed. Paula's team is incredibly professional, timely, thorough and it's obvious they respect her and like working with her. I would hire Paula again in a heartbeat and she made the daunting process of a Manhattan renovation manageable and even pleasurable!

I hired PMD Development to do a gut renovation for a kitchen and bathroom in addition to building 2 radiator covers, refinishing floors and painting my apartment. Paula worked well with my board, met all their demands, completed all paperwork and finished my project on time. I walked into an immaculate apartment. In the 2 years I have lived here I required 2 adjustments. I called Paula, she responded immediately and sent over workmen to make the repairs at no cost. She is a perfectionist, cares about the quality of work her crew does and works ceaselessly for her clients. She also has an excellent sense of design. I could not be more pleased with her integrity, craftsmanship and professionalism.

Paula provided the role of total manager for both design and construction, saving us the challenge of working with and overseeing multiple people during our gut renovation of a 2-bedroom, 2-bath Greenwich Village Coop. Paula has a great eye for design including color and period, and keeps function and practicality in the picture. One of her much appreciated qualities is her immediate response to calls, emails, or texts.

Working with Paula McDonald has been a complete joy. She is a true professional with a very efficient staff. The work done in our apartment is being completed in a timely fashion (maybe even early), and we have almost stayed within budget. I would use her again anytime and recommend her highly to anyone who is considering minor or major work in their own home.

Working with Paula was an extremely positive experience. Both she and her staff are very professional and, important to me, most responsive every step of the way. She has great pride and integrity. We required a good deal of additional storage space in our master bedroom. After discussing our needs at length, Paula designed two separate floor to ceiling units with various closed shelves and drawers that were "spot on", one of them being a difficult window surround with a marble sill. Her craftsmen did a spectacular job in carrying out her vision. We love the architectural detail. The workmanship is flawless. The interiors of the units are as beautiful as the exterior. We had a specific wood stain in mind - they matched it exactly. There were several issues regarding the uneven levels of our floor and ceiling. Additionally, our heating/cooling unit under the window required special venting. Paula was both inventive and successful in addressing the situation and providing a more than satisfactory solution. We are most grateful!

We hired Paula McDonald for a difficult project --- to supervise and execute the replacement of 20 old windows in our land-marked building. This required ripping out original molding in some rooms and minor architectural changes in the kitchen. Asbestos abatement was necessary and because the demolition was so extreme, we had to repaint and re-paper in most rooms. Paula had to synchronize with the building management because we were away, hire the subcontractors and oversee the work. She was careful and timely in the execution of the job. Also, she was a good listener regarding the redecoration and pleasant to work with. I would heartily recommend her to someone needing a complex renovation. Though expensive, her fees seemed fair given the fine quality of the work. required ripping out original molding in some rooms and minor architectural changes in the kitchen. Asbestos abatement was necessary and because the demolition was so extreme, we had to repaint and re-paper in most rooms. Paula had to synchronize with the building management because we were away, hire the subcontractors and oversee the work. She was careful and timely in the execution of the job. Also, she was a good listener regarding the redecoration and pleasant to work with. I would heartily recommend her to someone needing a complex renovation. Though expensive, her fees seemed fair given the fine quality of the work.

Paula is a professional at every level of her business and in every situation. She is not just smart and savvy about her designs, she is committed to the client's vision from start to finish and can work through every problem and change and unexpected issue. I was pleased with the final product in my apartment and would highly recommend Paula for any project .

Paula is attentive to the client and detail oriented. She manages the project daily to make sure no problems arise and that you stay on track with the deadline. She made our first experience renovating a NYC apartment in Co-Op building an easy one.