--- title: "Virtus Design — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/virtus-design-pfvwus-pf~1350783231 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1350783231.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Virtus Design" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/403317910ffb0a73_2275-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "We look forward to your inquiry, New York, New York 10023, United States" latitude: 40.7764 longitude: -73.9827 phone: "(212) 580-0314" website: http://www.virtusdesign.com rating: 5 review_count: 7 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 852 last_updated: 2026-09-07 --- # Virtus Design Original Houzz profile: [Virtus Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/virtus-design-pfvwus-pf~1350783231) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** New York, NY - **Serves:** Manhattan - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (7 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2014), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves Virtus Design is a New York City based interior design and architecture firm founded by Frederick Wildfoerster. For more than thirty years, Mr. Wildfoerster has been designing exceptionally beautiful home environments that reflect distinctly Manhattan lifestyles. Combining a passion for European classical design traditions with contemporary sensibilities, he takes pride in creating the perfect interior ambiance for refined city living. To compliment his own skills and talents, Frederick Wildfoerster has assembled around him a strong team of architects, technical specialists, artisans and craftsmen. These professionals all contribute to the Virtus Design creative process. Each design mission is carried out with a perfect synergy of imagination, expertise, and exacting attention to aesthetic detail, all while remaining dedicated to the client's needs and the architectural integrity of the project. ### Services Provided - At Virtus Design we understand that the realm of “never-ending design possibilities” can be overwhelming. That’s why we accompany clients from start to finish - as we want your interior design or renovation to be a natural expression of who you are. We aim at creating an interior design vocabulary that matches your personality and preferences. ### Areas Served - Manhattan ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Virtus Design | | Address | We look forward to your inquiry, New York, New York 10023, United States | | Phone | (212) 580-0314 | | Website | http://www.virtusdesign.com | | Followers on Houzz | 852 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/pages/virtus-design/353710278059074 - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/virtusdesignnyc - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/pub/frederick-wildfoerster/25/923/a63/ - Blog — https://pinterest.com/virtusdesign/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Virtus Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/virtus-design-pfvwus-pf~1350783231) - **Website:** http://www.virtusdesign.com - **Phone:** (212) 580-0314 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2014), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 7 reviews** ### All 7 reviews **★★★★★ — mjues, Aug. 2014** > This is the second project I have used Caroline Mihaleck and Virtus Design for a major home renovation, kitchen and BR. The last project was a kitchen reno; a galley kitchen which was dark, drab and cramped. Virtus design transformed it to a sleek, functional and well lit room. They are professional and couteous. I would highly recommend them to friends and would hire them again for any other projects. **★★★★★ — Christian Duvernois Landscape/Studio, Jan. 2014** > We recently had the pleasure to work with Frederick and the Virtus team on a townhouse renovation. They were an absolute delight to work with and the results that they achieve are top notch. Not only do they have a smart eye for design, but their organization and client relations were fantastic as well. > > We highly recommend Virtus' services and we look forward to working with them in the future. **★★★★★ — The Source Home Theater Installation & Design Corp, Jan. 2014** > I worked with Virtus Design on a 5 story town home in NYC. I prefer to work with Designers who share my passion for customer service and perfection and this company exceeded my expectations. Not only did they design a beautiful home for the client, but they were very easy to work side by side with. Harmonious collaboration is extremely important when completely reconstructed someones home as all pieces need to flow together in the end. Virtus Design was great because they were always available to discuss plans and solutions so that the client never had to feel a thing and could just enjoy the end result > > I don't usually like to refer other business or partnerships but I have been and will continue to refer them based on their level of professionalism. **★★★★★ — Itsy Bitsy Ritsy Shop, Dec. 2013** > We worked with Virtus on a Manhattan town home project and have only the most positive things to say about them. They have an extraordinary sense of design and are extraordinary people as well. > The project was challenging, yet Virtus developed a wonderful, elegant solution on how to work within the confines of New York City space limitations. All the while they retained the unique character of the property and did a spectacular job. > > Virtus Design is a find. **★★★★★ — jjohnsonny1, April 2013** > When my partner and I decided to relocate to the upper west side of Manhattan with our young daughter, we were fortunate to find a junior 4 unit in a full service building. The downside was the apartment had not been touched since the early 1970s and was in appalling condition. It needed a complete renovation--from the walls to the fixtures to the windows. > > We were impressed by Virtus Design's reviews on Angie’s List and met with them. They explained the process (building permission, DOB filing, etc.). Since Virtus is a full service design company, they took care of all aspects of the sometimes daunting project. > > The design was just what we wanted; they enlarged and modernized the bathroom, gave us more closet space, transformed the kitchen from a dark cavern into a light filled space with more cabinets than we thought possible, designed millwork and storage units in every room, and found beautiful flooring. The effect is calm and harmonious. > > Chris Leahy, the contractor Virtus works with, has a first-class team and was very responsive to any questions. We had weekly meetings throughout the renovation. Frederick Wildfoerster, the president of Virtus, designed the apartment and sourced the material taking all of our requirements into consideration. Caroline Mihalek, the project director, was a great help in organizing the team and taking care of all the building and city requirements, which was a task in itself. > > We have moved in and could not be happier. We enthusiastically recommend Virtus Design to anyone planning a renovation. **★★★★★ — laurent1, Feb. 2013** > Virtus Design designed, planned and installed a new kitchen and bathroom in my apartment. > I was referred to Virtus Design by a client of mine and was very happy with the entire experience. The design was just what I was looking for for both the kitchen and the bathroom--traditional but timeless and classical. Virtus handled all the building requirements, provided and supervised the contractor, millworkers, installation and final clean up. Frederick and Caroline were always available to answer questions and their staff kept me informed during all phases of the process. The contractor did his best to make the experience as smooth as possible. I love the result and recommend Virtus Design to my clients. **★★★★★ — hadster, Dec. 2012** > I bought at classic 5 that needed just about everything: new wiring throughout, telephone & cable wiring, new bathrooms, new kitchen, refinished floors, skim coating the walls, moving a door, changing a closet... > > I interviewed Virtus Design first, and loved them. I felt I owned to myself to interview others, which I did, but I went back to Frederick at Vitrus. > > Basically, I told him what I wanted and he made my dreams come true. I told him once, and only once, what my end goal was. He was on the same page right away. His suggestions were always on target, and many of them are now incorporated into my apartment. > > Frederick introduced me to Chris Leahy at Major Renovations. Between the two of them, my stress level was as low as it could possibly be. There were surprises and challenges, but I never had to worry about any of them. The guys actually doing the work are artists. The tile work is perfect, the wood trim is perfect, the skim coating on the walls is perfect, the cabinetry is perfect... > > I simply cannot say enough good things about Vitrus Design and Major Renovations. ## Selected projects - [West Side Townhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-side-townhouse-pj-vj~158570) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 34 - Description: This noble family townhouse had undergone a complete renovation in the 90's, which left none of its original details. It is our ambition to reinterpret the aesthetic of a bygone era while at the same time providing all the conveniences required for an active and modern family. The street facade will be restored to its classic splendor, while the garden side will be completely remodeled using glass and steel to allow for more light and to incorporate a contemporary look & feel. We will also take… - [Ladies Mile Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ladies-mile-residence-pj-vj~91453) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 8 - Description: When combining two apartments in an early 20th century department store-turned condo, we unified the existing spaces to create an appealing flow and a new dialogue between the rooms. We conceived a dramatic entry to set a distinctive tone for this residence. The entry opens into an expansive living area, which balances a large bay window with the clients’ striking collection of Indonesian art. The bathrooms and kitchen express sophisticated simplicity, with elegant materials and neutral colors.… - [Upper West Side Apartment](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/upper-west-side-apartment-pj-vj~197818) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 9 - Description: This Manhattan high rise apartment has been brought up to date in a minimalist Zen style for a couple and their young daughter. The fumed oak floors provide an interesting contrast to the white walls and millwork. The major points in this renovation were to open up and expand the kitchen as well as the bathroom. The existing space within the bedroom closet and bathroom was reconfigured to expand the bathroom while keeping the same amount of closet space in the bedroom. Custom built-ins were done… - [Three Italian Residences](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/three-italian-residences-pj-vj~241044) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: When I was living in Italy I had the good fortune to be involved with some renovation projects in Milan, Venice and the Chianti region outside of Florence. These photos, which are part of a service by AD Italia, show a few of the rooms and the exterior of the Florentine villa--which was once an orphanage. The challenge was to retain the rustic character of the place while making it comfortable and welcoming to a large, busy family. The venetian apartment is part of one of the four Mocenigo palac… - [Manhattan Loft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/manhattan-loft-pj-vj~91444) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 8 - Description: We created distinct spaces for an artist’s studio and living area within this Chelsea loft. With clean lines, gallery lighting, and hidden doors and hardware, the apartment becomes a serene backdrop for the clients’ art and mineral collections. Innovative fenestration brings natural light into all areas of this residence. The elegant and contemporary bathrooms and cook’s kitchen reinforce the overall coherence of this home, without sacrificing practicality. - [Pre-War Apartment](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pre-war-apartment-pj-vj~98560) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 8 - Description: In this total renovation project we put a particular focus on the redesign of the kitchen, the two bathrooms, and the reconfiguration of all the spaces for optimal usage and better overall flow. The highlight of the renovation of this Upper West Side pre-war apartment was the unique solution of providing access to the shower from both the Master Bath and the Guest Bath. By reconfiguring a hallway and Master Bedroom closets, we were able to create a new walk-in closet within the new Master Bath.… - [East Side Townhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-side-townhouse-pj-vj~110944) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 13 - Description: In this elegant 1905 townhouse, we united 3 separate floors to create one majestic residence. In keeping with the Beaux Arts style, we created unique spaces: a refined staircase, an inviting and high tech projection room and a chic wine cellar in the basement. We also incorporated a new HVAC system, updating the lighting and audio/visual systems throughout the house, in order to create a seamless blend of traditional and contemporary design. Leather floors, custom plaster work and scrupulous arc… - [Before and After](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/before-and-after-pj-vj~566897) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 20 [See all 8 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/virtus-design-pfvwus-pf~1350783231) ## Ideabooks - [color](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5073101/list/color) — 14 ideas - [bathroom ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/31711726/list/bathroom-ideas) — 1 idea - [Virtus Design press features](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22427410/list/virtus-design-press-features) — 5 ideas - [Products we love!](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/9838869/list/products-we-love) — 8 ideas - [uptown townhouse](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/27433173/list/uptown-townhouse) — 3 ideas [See all 5 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/virtusdesign) ## Community Q&A **Q: Floors.** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the brand, material, and color of chevron patterned flooring. Please and Thank you. A: The floors are from Siberian Floors http://www.siberianfloors.com/ **Q: What are the dimensions?** *(in Photo Questions)* Not just the walkway space... cabinets included if you know. Thanks A: 60" from finished wall to finished wall. **Q: What size door?** *(in Photo Questions)* If you know, what is the width of the door here? Or, what is the width of the space between left and right cabinets? A: The pocket door is 30" wide. **Q: What is the brand name for the door please.** *(in Photo Questions)* A: the shower door is custom made by our glass supplier **Q: What is the dimension between the vanity and the shower** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The space is 36" between vanity and shower. **Q: What are the dimensions of the glass partition? Does it keep the water** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The glass partition is 30" (1/2 the length of the tub) and there is no splash back. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-07.*