--- title: "TOLA architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/tola-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1006781705 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1006781705.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "TOLA architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/bb536f7701ed856b_6626-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "540 President Street-3rd Floor, Brooklyn, New York 11215, United States" latitude: 40.6669 longitude: -73.9828 phone: "(718) 499-4197" website: http://www.tola-architecture.com rating: 5 review_count: 18 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 106 last_updated: 2026-08-22 --- # TOLA architecture Original Houzz profile: [TOLA architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/tola-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1006781705) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Brooklyn, NY - **Serves:** New York City, Brooklyn, Manhattan, New York - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (18 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2017–2018), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves TOLA architecture is a full service architecture and design firm based in Brooklyn, with a satellite outpost in the Catskill hamlet of Big Indian. We are devoted to the creation of good clean design for projects of all scales. Founding partners Lisa Mann, RA, Certified Passive House Designer, LEED-AP BD+C and Keary K. Horiuchi, RA, AIA provide the expertise and leadership of over 40 years in the field. After honing their skills at Polshek Partnership Architects (now Ennead Architects LLP), Beyer Blinder Belle Architects, Bogdanow Partners Architects, Turino Kalberer Architects and in their own private practices, they have created TOLA. With TOLA you’ll benefit from years of on-the-ground experience, strong relationships throughout the industry, great communication skills, and a finely honed team. We are well versed in townhouse, loft, and apartment renovations in the NYC area and new construction / additions further afield. In addition we have extensive experience with historic homes and a keen interest in sustainable design. We excel in bringing projects from concept through construction to completion. From the first call, we will work with you to create a space that is uniquely suited to your needs. If you are looking to build your dream home, give us a call at (718) 499-4197 or click the "Contact Me" button to send us a message. We look forward to working with you! ### Services Provided - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - Green Building - Bathroom Design - Space Planning - Universal Design - Drafting - Historic Building Conservation - Construction Drawings ### Areas Served - New York City - Brooklyn - Manhattan - New York ### Typical Job Cost $125,000 - $2,500,000 We're interested in design projects of all scales. Our project fees reflect our close attention to detail in taking your project from inspiration through construction. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | TOLA architecture | | Address | 540 President Street-3rd Floor, Brooklyn, New York 11215, United States | | Phone | (718) 499-4197 | | Website | http://www.tola-architecture.com | | Followers on Houzz | 106 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TOLA-architecture-pllc-583278238391732/ - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-mann-b02555b/ - Blog — http://tola-architecture.com/blog/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [TOLA architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/tola-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1006781705) - **Website:** http://www.tola-architecture.com - **Phone:** (718) 499-4197 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - -Certified Passive House Designer - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2017–2018), for Service. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [LEED AP](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/leed-ap-pfvwus-pf~1386238498) - [New York Passive House](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/new-york-passive-house-pfvwus-pf~1135103162) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 18 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — David Gallagher, Dec. 2017** > Lisa of TOLA architecture helped us rethink our approach to a long exposed-brick wall spanning the living and dining areas in our Park Slope brownstone apartment. She took us well beyond our original ideas and created a design that included cabinets, a stone countertop, a redesigned fireplace, and hanging shelves. Her aesthetic choices were solid and she helped us work through cost issues and select the right materials. She also managed the project and paid great attention to detail when it came to the contracting work. Much of the work was done while we were out of town and we returned to what felt like a beautiful new apartment. We highly recommend Lisa's firm. **Comment from TOLA architecture:** > It was such a pleasure meeting and working with you through this project, and so glad you are pleased with the design! **★★★★★ — Blankenship Design, Nov. 2017** > I have worked with TOLA on multiple residential projects and find them to be excellent designers who are creative, thorough, and thoughtful. Their attention to detail gives each of their projects lasting qualities that exceed the expectations of their clients. Collaborating with Lisa and Keary is always a pleasure, and I look forward to the next project. **Comment from TOLA architecture:** > Thank you, we look forward to the next one, too! **★★★★★ — TM Roche-Kelly, Nov. 2017** > We hired TOLA architecture and Lisa Mann after beginning work to restore a Brooklyn rowhouse as a passive house. We met with TOLA on the recommendation of our previous architecture firm who was forced to close its doors shortly after our demolition phase began. It was challenging picking up work with someone else's drawings and entering already established relationships but Lisa and the office handled it very well. At times this required extensive research and reconstruction of long forgotten processes. Lisa has been invaluable in the managing of the logistics of the project, team relationships, timeline and permitting/building codes. She has been especially helpful in designing and implementing the passive details required for the project. She is detail oriented, organized and generally a pleasure to work with as are all other members of the office that I have come in contact with. Further, I trust her eye aesthetically. We won't hesitate to call TOLA for future phases of the project. **Comment from TOLA architecture:** > It's been such a pleasure to meet and work with you through this project. Your commitment to sustainability within a warm, welcoming home was the rudder for this ship! **★★★★★ — Leah S., Nov. 2017** > When we bought our 3-story house, it was like many older places in Brooklyn—all chopped up with lots of walls and doors that made no sense. We hired TOLA architects (Keary & Lisa) because we wanted them to create a warm space that flowed and met our desire to maximize light and allow us easy access to our backyard. Their designs completely opened up our middle floor so that our kitchen and family space blend. They designed two completely new bedrooms (with closets!) and a full bath for our kids on the lower level. As well, their designs took in to account our plans for additional renovations so while the walls and ceilings were open during construction, they created the necessary infrastructure for future work. This forward-thinking planning will make those renovations shorter in duration and lower in cost. We love how our house feels and are excited about the next phase of renovations. > > We found Keary to be highly responsive during the planning and construction phases. He had a great relationship with our general contractor so any questions or concerns were quickly remedied. Lastly, TOLA stayed mindful of and respected the firm budget we had for these renovations. **Comment from TOLA architecture:** > Thanks so much for your comments, Leah, and so glad the project worked well for you! **★★★★★ — sjsbrooklyn, June 2017** > We worked with Lisa and TOLA on a gut renovation of the garden level of our Park Slope home. Lisa is fantastic: very conscientious, great design sensibility, thoughtful towards the owner's concerns, super easy to work with. We completely reconfigured our garden level, adding a powder room and building a new kitchen and dining room. Lisa had excellent ideas on how to maximize space in our 15-foot wide house, and helped us refine our own ideas of what we wanted to ensure an excellent outcome. She did a great job managing the contractor relationship, and made sure all the details were perfectly attended to. We were so happy that we subsequently engaged TOLA for a second project, a complete overhaul of our building's exterior. **Comment from TOLA architecture:** > It was terrific working with you on the interior renovation and I look forward to the completion of the exterior this summer! **★★★★★ — Jennier Schultz, Dec. 2016** > Thorough and easy to work with. Great design ideas! Very good at managing the contractor/ owner relationship. I would hire them again for my next project! **★★★★★ — Ariella Lang, Dec. 2016** > We loved working with Lisa and TOLA architecture! Lisa has such a great eye for design, and she both maximized the usable space in our apartment and made it look beautiful. We feel lucky to have gotten to work with her! **★★★★★ — Susanna Yurick, Dec. 2016** > TOLA designed a brand new bathroom for us. There was no existing bathroom in the location so the project involved the design of the bathroom as well as placing the room in the existing space (which we will eventually turn into our bedroom.) It was tricky to create the room and make it fit with our brownstone and to preserve the existing space for a variety of uses. > The pictures are awkward because of the limitations of the camera, and don't do the project justice. We are very, very happy! > They did a great job, were honest and easy to work with! **Comment from TOLA architecture:** > Thanks for the kind words and so happy this worked out for you! **★★★★★ — Laura Sztejnberg, Dec. 2016** > I worked with TOLA Architecture (Lisa Mann specifically) to renovate my pre-war apartment. She managed to come up with good solutions to small spaces, kept the project moving and on budget, and made sure that all the specifications for every detail were met. **Comment from TOLA architecture:** > Thanks for your kind words and recent referral! > I hope you're continuing to enjoy your home. **★★★★★ — HU-5344827, July 2016** > We worked with Lisa Mann and TOLA architecture on two separate projects - the first for all rooms in our apartment except the kitchen and bathrooms, and two years later we asked her to help us with the kitchen and bathrooms too. As a family in a pre-war apartment, we needed Lisa to help make our space more contemporary, more open, and to maximize storage. She has an incredible vision and way with space and really took the time to understand our design aesthetic. The result is a beautiful, useable, airy apartment that is perfectly suited to our family, our style, and the way we live in our space. Lisa is a pleasure to work with and we have comfortably recommended her to both friends and family. She communicates well and interacts well with contractors and building staff. **Comment from TOLA architecture:** > It's been such a pleasure working with you on these projects. I love seeing you and your family grow into the space in all the ways we imagined together. And many thanks for your ongoing support. **★★★★★ — Nancy Minty, June 2016** > We restored a pre-war apt. in Prospect Heights - lots of potential but it had been stripped of its character. The main living space had bee reduced to a large rectangle and the original moldings replaced by 2 x 4s. Enter Tola Architecture. With impeccable vision and attention to detail Lisa and Keary achieved what we had hoped for, and more (and tactfully talked us out of some bad choices). Their solutions yielded balance, proportion, harmony and elegance, through the considered reconfiguration of spaces, and the scrupulous design of structures - the depth of walls, the height and width of doors and the incorporation of existing windows. Furthermore, they included functional flexibility with the use of custom designed sliding doors. There is not a day that goes by when we do not take pleasure in the results of their vision. If we had to do it all again we would certainly choose Tola. **Comment from TOLA architecture:** > Creating flexible living spaces within the pre-war language is a specific NYC challenge. It was such a pleasure working through the options with you and we're so happy to hear that you continue to enjoy your home. **★★★★★ — Veena Mohandoss, June 2016** > We used TOLA architecture for the gut renovation of our brownstone. They were amazing. They had great ideas and we liked them both professionally and personally. We have always heard of bumpy renovations, but ours was a smooth, efficient and pleasurable process. We highly recommend them! **Comment from TOLA architecture:** > Your project still holds a special place for me. The warmth of materials, handcrafted elements, and clean lines really came together in a unique way. So glad you continue to enjoy it. ## Selected projects - [Historic Park Slope Renovation, Brooklyn, NY](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-park-slope-renovation-brooklyn-ny-pj-vj~3150783) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 5 - Description: Completed in 1891, this Park Slope gem included cutting-edge technologies of its day: electric lighting and steel beams, which at the time were reserved for commercial construction. TOLA proudly brought it into the 21 st century, reconfiguring for modern living and seamlessly inserting state of the art and sustainable systems. See more of this project here: https://tola-architecture.com/historic-park-slope-renovation/ Photo credit: Amy Barkow \| Barkow Photo - [Brooklyn Kitchen Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brooklyn-kitchen-renovation-pj-vj~3150840) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 7 - Description: Photo credit: Donnelly Marks - [Chelsea Loft, New York, NY](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chelsea-loft-new-york-ny-pj-vj~1663887) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 22 - Description: Our clients' love for an industrial esthetic tempered by color and texture, and their desire for a truly family-centric experience guided many of our team decisions for this spacious loft. Throughout old mixes with new: newly hand crafted glass globe pendant fixtures highlight the dining space, while century old subway tile discovered during construction created an opportunity for a decorative niche above the new buffet cabinet. In the Powder Room a reclaimed single leg sink offsets a much more… - [Park Slope Apartment in Brooklyn, NY](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/park-slope-apartment-in-brooklyn-ny-pj-vj~2052305) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 12 - Description: Photography: Raeford Dwyer Photography General Contractor: Bluestone Studio, Inc. - [House in the Woods](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/house-in-the-woods-pj-vj~1600349) - Location: Croton On Hudson, NY - Photos: 6 - Description: Sitting at the edge of a granite outcropping, this house addition was designed to adapt to evolving needs over time: family room, kids' room, future living space for an aging parent (with new adjacent accessible full bathroom next door). We maximized views to the woods while also maintaining sufficient wall space for furnishing and artwork created by our client and her friends. - [Gowanus Rowhouse, Brooklyn, NY](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gowanus-rowhouse-brooklyn-ny-pj-vj~668227) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 5 - Description: After several years in their house our clients decided it was time for a cleaner, fresher look, but still loved some of the original detail. We moved the kitchen upstairs, opened up the back wall of the house, and inserted a triple-glazed glass and aluminum window / door assembly to maximize light into the house. We also removed intermediate partitions to create a modern, open living space. The homeowners love the transformation and enjoy entertaining their friends and family frequently. - [Upper West Side Penthouse, New York, NY](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/upper-west-side-penthouse-new-york-ny-pj-vj~668233) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 6 - Description: This classic pre-war penthouse apartment (and childhood home of Henry Winkler) was in great disrepair having weathered many unchecked leaks over the years. With our clients we envisioned an open aerie that respected the great bones but brought light and air into the dark interior. By adjusting the entry sequence, we transformed a previously dim entry foyer into an invitation to step into the sunlit Living Room and out to the Terraces beyond. Expanded and new windows and custom French doors allow… - [Brooklyn Loft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brooklyn-loft-pj-vj~1627682) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 6 - Description: This 1980's condominium conversion was long overdue for a new look. Our clients entertain often and wanted a comfortable yet tailored centerpiece for their living space. The monochromatic palette highlights the display of colorful dishware and dramatizes the new red range. The touch and feel of the soapstone countertops provide tactile sophistication and warmth. - [DUMBO Loft, Brooklyn, NY](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dumbo-loft-brooklyn-ny-pj-vj~668225) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 5 - Description: The great challenge of this triplex loft renovation in the historic Eagle Warehouse & Storage Building was limited natural light. The massive bearing walls meant that little natural light filtered into the interior of the space. We focused instead on new lighting and thoughtful placement of artwork, tactile yet modern finishes, and a warm but streamlined esthetic. We reorganized the kitchen to engage more completely with the Dining area, unified the main living spaces with a new cork floor, and… - [Boerum Hill Rowhouse, Brooklyn, NY](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/boerum-hill-rowhouse-brooklyn-ny-pj-vj~1627644) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 7 - Description: In our first meeting our client's outlined their shared goals: a modern open living space that felt warm and rich, a desire for sustainable materials building practices, and a space that would accommodate not only their growing and local family, but also long term guests from abroad. Their love texture and color, perhaps born of their South Asian heritage, influenced many of our material selections, including bamboo cabinetry and a combination of Paperstone and stainless steel countertops. Conce… - [Historic Roof Restoration, Brooklyn, NY](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-roof-restoration-brooklyn-ny-pj-vj~1627739) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 7 - Description: Completed in 1891, this Park Slope gem included cutting-edge technologies of its day: electric lighting and steel beams, which at the time were reserved for commercial construction. TOLA proudly brought it into the 21 st century, reconfiguring for modern living and seamlessly inserting state of the art and sustainable systems. See more of this project here: https://tola-architecture.com/historic-park-slope-renovation/ Photo Credit: Daniel Paterna - [Feature Wall](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/feature-wall-pj-vj~5560192) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 4 - [Facade and Garden Floor Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/facade-and-garden-floor-renovation-pj-vj~5560182) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 7 - [Windsor Terrace Rowhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/windsor-terrace-rowhouse-pj-vj~5560093) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 13 [See all 14 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/tola-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1006781705) ## Ideabooks - [666 Concept Images](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/119410392/list/666-concept-images) — 8 ideas - [474 In House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107839550/list/474-in-house) — 1 idea - [TOLA highlights](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/98473695/list/tola-highlights) — 1 idea [See all 3 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/lmannarchitect) ## Community Q&A **Q: Hi! Where are the industrial styled wood/piping shelving system from?** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the shelving system! And I'm curious to know if it was custom made or if it was fabricated from a specific vendor? Definitely love the thickness of the wood shelving! A: The shelving system was a custom design by our office; we specified industrial pipe fittings with 2 1/2" thick reclaimed wood shelving, sealed only with oil. We had a great GC http://www.constructomics.com/home.html and they in turn employed a fabulous millwork team responsible for fabrication and installation http://4daughters.net/facility.html Thanks for your interest! **Q: What material is this counter top?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thanks for your question about this kitchen. The countertop is natural Soapstone. **Q: What is the countertop material?** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi! LOVE the countertops. what material are you using and do you have a contact for sourcing it? Thanks!! A: Hi Lisa and thanks for your question! These are custom copper countertops with an integral sink and backsplash. They were fabricated by the team at Brooks Custom and they did a fabulous job. https://www.brookscustom.com/ **Q: sink/backsplash** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the material and source for the backsplash/sink? A: Hi Lori and thanks for your interest. The countertops and backsplash are copper, custom designed by TOLA and executed to perfection by Brooks Custom in Mt. Kisco, New York. www.brookscustom.com **Q: where did you get the wall tiles? I love the size and the color!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thanks for your question, Grace! There are two tiles, both available at Nemo Tile. At the vanity we used Nemo's Sandglass Waveline Mini Collection in Pure Silk. At the shower we used Nemo's Viscaya Glass Collection in Clear Bright Sky, 8" x 16". Good luck with your project. **Q: What color are the floors? Are they Marmoleum sheet in Real?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Yes - they are the Marmoleum Real sheet material: the field is Sahara / 3174 and the inset detail is Red Copper / 3870. Thanks for your question! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-22.*