---
title: "Alexander Butler | Design Services, LLC — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/alexander-butler-design-services-llc-pfvwus-pf~1132473890
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1132473890.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Alexander Butler | Design Services, LLC"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/d42346ad0f74a91a_3025-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "368 Ninth Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, New York 10001, United States"
latitude: 40.7484
longitude: -73.9967
phone: "(917) 664-2870"
website: http://www.abdsnyc.com
rating: 5
review_count: 40
best_of_houzz_awards: 10
followers: 673
last_updated: 2026-09-07
---

# Alexander Butler \| Design Services, LLC

Original Houzz profile: [Alexander Butler \| Design Services, LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/alexander-butler-design-services-llc-pfvwus-pf~1132473890)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** New York, NY
- **Serves:** New York City, Manhattan
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (40 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2013–2025), for Service, Design.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- 5 Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 50,000 Ideabook Saves
- Best of Houzz winner
- References available
- Published nationally

Alexander Butler \| Design Services, LLC is a full-service design firm founded in 2010. The firm specializes in the creation of beautiful moments, livable spaces, and bespoke design, tailored to client &amp; context. We are unconstrained by style or aesthetic preferences and we achieve our success through an open, engaging &amp; collaborative process.

In the last sixteen years, AB\|DS has completed projects throughout New York City, Brooklyn, Westchester County &amp; San Francisco, for a wide range of amazing clients, in a variety of styles, and under budgets large and small. Highlights include a contemporary Pied-a-Terre on Park Avenue, a modern condo atop the Millennium Tower in the Upper West Side, and a 3000sf gut renovation of a Soho Loft Space.

Alex has Architectural Degrees from the University of Virginia and Yale University, and during the almost two decades of his professional career prior to founding AB\|DS, he worked both in New York &amp; London for some of the most elite and respected firms in the world, including Robert A.M. Stern Architects, Kohn Pedersen Fox, and GRADE New York. Professional, Personal, and Academic experiences abroad have also added meaningful layers to Alex’s architectural perspective.

We look forward to working together.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Home Remodeling
- Architectural Drawings
- Custom Homes
- House Plans
- New Home Construction
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Kitchen Design
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Floor Plans
- Bathroom Design
- Space Planning
- Mudroom Design
- Laundry Room Design
- Construction Drawings
- Interior Design

### Areas Served

- New York City
- Manhattan

### Typical Job Cost

$1 million - 5,000,000

$1 million - 5,000,000

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Alexander Butler \| Design Services, LLC |
| Address | 368 Ninth Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, New York 10001, United States |
| Phone | (917) 664-2870 |
| Website | http://www.abdsnyc.com |
| Followers on Houzz | 673 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/alex.butler.524596
- LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdsnyc?authType=NAME\_SEARCH&authToken=-1bn&locale=en\_US&trk=tyah&trkInf
- Blog — http://www.abdsnyc.com/new-page-56/

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Alexander Butler \| Design Services, LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/alexander-butler-design-services-llc-pfvwus-pf~1132473890)
- **Website:** http://www.abdsnyc.com
- **Phone:** (917) 664-2870

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Best of Houzz 2013 - Design
- Best of Houzz 2015 - Service
- Best of Houzz 2016 - Service
- Best of Houzz 2018 - Design
- Best of Houzz 2019 - Service
- Best of Houzz 2021 - Service
- Best of Houzz 2022 - Service
- Best of Houzz 2023 - Service
- Best of Houzz 2024 - Service
- Best of Houzz 2025 - Service

- **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2013–2025), for Service, Design.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 40 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 50.0
- Communication: 50.0
- Value: 48.0

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — Baiju Bhansali, June 2026**

> Can't say enough good things about Alex and Panmela.
>
> We did a full gut renovation of our apartment in a co-op in NYC and Alex was amazing, patient and so detail orientated.
> A few highlights -
> patience : listened to all our needs and worked through numerous floorplans and layouts till we got something really special.
> lighting: great instinct and ideas for lighting
> details: extremely detail orientated, working through the little things that one may not notice but makes a big difference in how the space functions and lives in.
> Panmela:  brings great interior design to the team and who found numerous unique stones and interior items to make the space our home.
>
> Overall could not have asked for a better team. Highly recommend

**★★★★★ — HU-126195185, June 2026**

> Alex helped to bring our dream home to a reality. We worked together on a full gut renovation of our 6,000 sq. ft. apartment. He was meticulous and thorough during every stage. The end result speaks for itself. The positive reaction of friends and family has been overwhelming. Beyond that he is just the nicest person and truly a pleasure to work with. We never felt the need to micro manage because the communication was tremendous. We felt extremely supported throughout this big milestone project by Alex and the entire team.

**★★★★★ — knl2811, July 2024**

> Alex and Pamela were truly amazing to work with from the very beginning consult to the very last in home styling visit.  They both worked very hard to make our design dreams come true, especially working within such a small space.  They were able to maximize every square foot to ensure our office and laundry room were functional yet gorgeous, and also child / dog friendly!  They were very responsive to requests or questions / concerns, and always made sure to respond quickly (or even real time) with a solution.  We loved working with ABDS and can't recommend them enough!  They exceeded our expectations and we are so happy with the finished result.  Thank you for making our home perfect!

**★★★★★ — m\_alan\_stein, Jan. 2024**

> Right from the start, working with Alex felt like having a pro on the team. His skills and dedication were top-notch, which was a big deal, especially with all the curveballs thrown our way thanks to the ongoing Covid situation. But you know what? Alex stayed cool, stayed adaptable, and made sure our project progressed as best as it could considering the situations we had to overcome as all renovations will. It's not every day you find someone so professional yet easygoing, and that made a world of difference for us.
>
> What initially caught my eye about Alex and his firm wasn't just the fantastic aesthetic they're known for, though that was definitely a major draw. It was something refreshingly different – his payment structure. I mean, I never understood why the brand of my fridge and faucets would have anything to do with an architect's fee? Alex's approach resonated with me; he aligns the cost with the size of the space he is working on, not the amount spent on fancy appliances and finishes. It's this kind of innovative thinking that made me confident in choosing him for our project.
>
> What truly stood out was how Alex handled unexpected changes – like when life or conditions behind the walls threw us a surprise, and we had to tweak our plans. It wasn't some overly polished process; Alex just made it work. He adjusted things seamlessly, as if he'd seen it all before. What I really appreciated was that, unlike some architects who can be rigid in their vision, Alex understood the need for function over aesthetics. When plans needed to change to fit our family's specific needs, he was flexible, realizing that a home should not just look good but also work well for those living in it. His willingness to prioritize functionality added a whole new layer of satisfaction to our project.
>
> Alex's attention to detail is seriously impressive. His drawings are like works of art, meticulously crafted and, I must say, invaluable during the chaos of the bidding process and construction phase. It's like he had a blueprint for success (no pun intended). What really blew me away was his experience with NYC co-ops shining through. Alex didn't just wait for issues to pop up; he anticipated potential objections like a seasoned chess player making strategic moves. The result? Plans that were not just aesthetically pleasing but ready for the nod of approval.
>
> In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Alex Butler to anyone in search of a skilled, detail-oriented, and adaptable architect. Working with Alex was a pleasure, and I'm sincerely grateful for the remarkable transformation he brought to my family's apartment. Choosing him was one of the best decisions I made for my home.

**★★★★★ — Nate Kirk, Jan. 2024**

> We discovered Alex Butler through his impressive portfolio, which showcased his remarkable attention to design and detail. Required to work closely with our local contractor, Alex, typically selective about project locations, made an exception for our project, situated two hours from his base.
>
> Initial Impression: Alex's thoroughness was evident from the start. His structured approach encompassed everything from layout planning to interiors, and even billing. His transparent and fair process was a refreshing deviation from market norms (which are often a winding/confusing path).
>
> Professionalism: Trained in prestigious firms (Sensitive Information Hidden) and Yale's architecture school (UVA undergrad), Alex's background justifies his premium. His professionalism and meticulousness were apparent in every aspect – from minor meetings to the project as a whole. He did this while being consistently approachable, always working to make time for us. We were consistently impressed.
>
> Project Management: Throughout our intensive project, which involved a complete overhaul (including the removal of all interior walls and a centrally located fireplace), Alex managed to keep everyone on budget and on schedule, and never lost cite of the client goals. He efficiently handled surprises (personally helping bridge communication and ordering gaps), thoughtfully incorporated various re-design options while returning reviewed documents promptly.
>
> Conclusion: Detail-oriented yet deeply understanding of our project's essence, Alex combined professionalism with a friendly demeanor. His resilience through the project's ups and downs was remarkable. We would eagerly collaborate with him again and recommend him without reservation.

**★★★★★ — Greg Rispler, Dec. 2023**

> Alex and his team did an amazing job in designing and delivering on a gut renovation of a 2000 sqft Madison Ave apartment.  He managed the project from inception to completion and was extremely detail oriented.  He also handled all procurement.  We actually found him thru Houzz and are happy we did.  NYC is not our primary residence so we needed someone who could be onsite and be our eyes and ears.  He was always available for a call or onsite visit and was onsite regularly.  Also, extremely patient and has continued to follow-up after project completion.

**★★★★★ — Tory Caputo, Feb. 2023**

> We worked with Alex on a gut renovation in NYC. He was a wonderful partner throughout the entire process. Before we had officially engaged Alex, he accompanied us on numerous visits to decide which apartment to purchase for our project. He was instrumental in helping us find the 'shell' for our future home. Alex was extremely quick in understanding our vision, and he was also great in pushing our boundaries a bit so we ended up with something design-forward and beautiful. He understood our lifestyle, and specifically our needs related to having a young and growing family. He was conscious of our budget, and very willing to help us understand tradeoffs we had to make to stay within our limits. He was also extremely creative when it comes to achieving a look we wanted for less money. We were extremely happy that our project did not go over budget. Alex managed our general contractor, and was our key point person across the entire process which made it feel seamless. Our super loved working with him, which made the entire process of working with our coop easier, too. Alex is incredibly responsive and also helpful when you run into any issues - he is an advocate for you as the client. We are so appreciative to Alex for helping us create our dream first home!

**★★★★★ — Scott Caputo, June 2022**

> While my wife was in charge of 99.9% of the project, in my interactions with Alex, I found him to have impeccable manners.  He was thoughtful, engaging and caring of our hopes and dreams for our apartment. He was trustworthy and honest.  He was so passionate about this project and his enthusiasm was palpable.  He miraculously stuck to budget during a global pandemic.  There were just so many setbacks and delays that were out of his control and yet he saw this through.
>
> We are incredibly proud and happy with our home.  The project exceeded our expectations.

**★★★★★ — Aaron Foster, June 2022**

> I worked with Alex for the design of my classic 8 apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. He was extremely thoughtful about the design and potential for the apartment. I highly recommend Alex!

**★★★★★ — Lara Stein, June 2022**

> We had a phenomenal experience working with Alex throughout our design phase. He was knowledgeable, patient, and creative! As we worked out different options for our layout, Alex not only was able to think outside the box, but incorporated our suggestions and preferences. Although our project remains ongoing (due to Covid-related delays), Alex continues to come to each meeting as both a sounding board and a person who offers objective, practical ideas. We feel so lucky to have worked with Alex throughout this process and will be reaching out to him again, for future projects!

**★★★★★ — Kathryn, Nov. 2021**

> We worked with Alex for the renovation of a 2-bedroom apartment in the Soho during the pandemic.  He was a joy to work with and helped make the very complicated process of plan approvals with a coop & the city feel easy and less stressful.
>
> He has great taste/vision and transformed the space from a closed in, oddly configured 1960s apartment to a bright, open and airy space. The biggest improvement was in the master bath where he recommended  reconfiguring the space to enlarge the bathroom and add double doors and a double vanity - you’d hardly believe the bathroom is in NYC!
>
> My favorite part of the experience was working with Alex on finishes and materials for the space - he was so detail oriented and always had great recommendations - from big choices like the flooring to little ones like knobs and door handles - we really enjoyed seeing how he’d designed the space and how the details came together creating a cohesive look. We’re so pleased with how the apartment turned out and encourage anyone considering Alex to work with him on their project.

**★★★★★ — laurahollod, Oct. 2021**

> Alex helped me with some early scoping for a large project in my home. In addition to being impeccably responsive and professional from the beginning, he was warm and human with me throughout. He walked me through what to expect in the process, and provided some very valuable frameworks for approaching the work. While we didn't end up going with him (as the timing didn't work out), he added immense value to our thinking for this project, which we'll certainly be carrying forward.

## Selected projects

- [East 77th St. Residence - 3BR/2.5B Gut Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-77th-st-residence-3br-2-5b-gut-renovation-pj-vj~5950015)
  - Location: New York, NY
  - Photos: 31
  - Description: A gut renovation of a 2000sf 3BR/2.5B into a Modern Classic in the Upper East Side. Architecture, FF&E & Interior Design by ABDS
- [East 80th Street - 3BR/3B Gut Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-80th-street-3br-3b-gut-renovation-pj-vj~7337029)
  - Location: New York, NY
  - Photos: 23
  - Description: A transformation of an outdated 2000sf 3BR/3B into a fresh new Madison Avenue home, seamlessly balancing Contemporary & Transitional styles Architecture, FF&E & Interior Design by ABDS
- [Sovereign House Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sovereign-house-residence-pj-vj~7829077)
  - Location: New York, NY
  - Photos: 41
- [Barclay Street Residence - Office & Laundry Gut Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/barclay-street-residence-office-and-laundry-gut-renovation-pj-vj~7326093)
  - Location: New York, NY
  - Photos: 27
  - Description: A small but complex renovation of an Office Space & Laundry Room in an existing building in Tribeca. For this Phase 1 Renovation, the homeowners were interested in developing a more contemporary aesthetic from their existing Art-Deco inspired transitional apartment. For both Office & Laundry, we crafted a simple black & white motif which is embodied in both the architectural elements, like Millwork & Tile, as well as the soft goods, such as the furnishings and custom upholstery & rug.
- [Grand St. Residence - 4BR/3B Gut Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/grand-st-residence-4br-3b-gut-renovation-pj-vj~2797192)
  - Location: New York, NY
  - Photos: 77
  - Description: A complete gut renovation of a 3000sf Loft Space in the heart of Manhattan's gritty Soho neighborhood
- [Bedford Modern - 4BR/4B Speculative House Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bedford-modern-4br-4b-speculative-house-design-pj-vj~6204662)
  - Location: Bedford, NY
  - Photos: 16
  - Description: Speculative House Design in Westchester County
- [Park Avenue Residence - 3BR/3B Gut Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/park-avenue-residence-3br-3b-gut-renovation-pj-vj~6715978)
  - Location: New York, NY
  - Photos: 24
- [West 67th St. Residence - 2BR/2.5B Gut Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-67th-st-residence-2br-2-5b-gut-renovation-pj-vj~42257)
  - Location: New York, NY
  - Photos: 29
  - Description: More transformation than renovation, this project reimagined a 1500sf traditional apartment, with galley kitchen and view-impairing built-ins into a stunning, light-filled loft. Particular attention was paid to material selection in order to maximize design value while keeping a realistic budget in mind for the client's eventual resale.
- [Lincoln Square Residence - 6BR/6.5B Combination & Gut Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lincoln-square-residence-6br-6-5b-combination-and-gut-renovation-pj-vj~7326116)
  - Location: New York, NY
  - Photos: 38
- [Urban Tea House - 2BR/1.5B Gut Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/urban-tea-house-2br-1-5b-gut-renovation-pj-vj~5824416)
  - Location: New York, NY
  - Photos: 27
- [East 66th St. Residence - 1BR/1.5B Gut Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-66th-st-residence-1br-1-5b-gut-renovation-pj-vj~578657)
  - Location: New York, NY
  - Photos: 33
  - Description: This 700sf Park Avenue Pied-A-Terre went from a good apartment to a great one. Clean, contemporary design and classic furnishings & details come together to result in the perfect home-away-from-home.
- [Hudson Sq. Residence 2BR/2B Gut Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hudson-sq-residence-2br-2b-gut-renovation-pj-vj~6614498)
  - Location: New York, NY
  - Photos: 80
- [TriBeCa Residence - Primary Suite Gut Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tribeca-residence-primary-suite-gut-renovation-pj-vj~2200393)
  - Location: New York, NY
  - Photos: 51
- [Bedford, NY Residence - Kitchen & Family Room Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bedford-ny-residence-kitchen-and-family-room-renovation-pj-vj~901807)
  - Location: Bedford, NY
  - Photos: 19
  - Description: The perfect cross between contemporary and traditional aesthetics, this design finds a successful middle ground in the clean, calm and soothing transitional realm. Designed for a large, wonderful and growing family, with professional cooking in mind, this project served to unite several spaces together and strengthen its place as the center of the home
- [River Road Residence - Kitchen Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/river-road-residence-kitchen-renovation-pj-vj~6901635)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 9
- [Lenox Hill Residence - 3BR/3.5B Gut Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lenox-hill-residence-3br-3-5b-gut-renovation-pj-vj~1488184)
  - Location: New York, NY
  - Photos: 36
- [Riverside Residence - 4BR/3B Gut Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/riverside-residence-4br-3b-gut-renovation-pj-vj~5824367)
  - Location: New York, NY
  - Photos: 12
- [Bedford Midcentury - Interior Decoration](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bedford-midcentury-interior-decoration-pj-vj~6901642)
  - Location: Bedford, NY
  - Photos: 24
- [California Modern - Kitchen Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/california-modern-kitchen-renovation-pj-vj~6762983)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 12
- [Salisbury Lake House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/salisbury-lake-house-pj-vj~7340431)
  - Location: Salisbury, CT
  - Photos: 10

[See all 36 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/alexander-butler-design-services-llc-pfvwus-pf~1132473890)

## Ideabooks

- [157 Mianus](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/130645044/list/157-mianus) — 57 ideas
- [Addie’s Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/130647324/list/addie-s-ideas) — 12 ideas
- [Battery Park](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/70722180/list/battery-park) — 11 ideas
- [Parker Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17808320/list/parker-residence) — 2 ideas

[See all 4 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/abdsnyc)

## Community Q&A

**Q: what color are the white cabinets** *(in Photo Questions)*

What color are the white cabinets? Thanks!

A: Thank you!
This is Madre Perola which is slightly different than Taj Mahal, in case that changes anything for you!

**Q: Beautiful space! Can you share information about the wall moulding?** *(in Photo Questions)*

We are renovating our master bath, and we love the profile of the wall moulding next to the mirror. Would you be willing to share any details (dimensions, where you bought it)? I've been looking through local lumber company catalogs and I can't find any profiles like this one. The whole space is stunning! Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

A: Hi @michelleathome. Thank you for the kind words! Would you be able to email me at abutler@abdsnyc.com and we can discuss more? Thanks again! -Alex

**Q: black and white wallpaper** *(in Photo Questions)*

Would you happen to know the wallpaper? Thanks!

A: Hi @beckaroo70
Yes, this is a custom colorway of one of Susan Harter's Muralpapers. Check her out, you'll be glad you did!  https://www.susanharter.com/ 

Hope that helps, and let us know if we can be of service! -Alex

**Q: How much did the whole setup cost?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Hi Sherill-
Happy New Year, and thanks for your question.

The whole setup would include this elevation as well as the rear elevation (which I've inserted here), and was around $65k, inclusive of the custom metal ladder &amp; rod, and custom millwork bed. 

Keep in mind., though, this was 2014 though, so the same work would cost more today. 

Hope this answers your question, and if I can be of service, please feel free to reach out! Thanks again, -Alex

**Q: Where is the mirror from?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Hi-
Thanks for your question. The mirror was a custom job by my contractor LW Construction, to match the Waterworks faucet finish. As you can see, they nailed it. You were probably hoping for something off the shelf, so sorry about that, but if you ever need a quality GC, please look them up and tell them I sent you. Let me know if I can help further. Thanks again, -Alex

**Q: Bedroom** *(in Photo Questions)*

Where did you buy the bed and nightstands?

A: Hi there-
The nightstand is a Wade Logan 'Marley' 2 Drawer version we bought on Wayfair for around $250/piece. The bed we custom designed and our GC had it upholstered and fabricated. We used a fabric from Odaka (Georgia Silver Mist) for both the headboard and the frame. Hope this helps, and let us know if we can be of service. Thanks! -Alex

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-07.*
