--- title: "Emergent Form Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/emergent-form-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1577195968 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1577195968.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Emergent Form Architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/91e300a1058b0978_9274-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Sherman, Connecticut 06784, United States" latitude: 41.5714 longitude: -73.4947 phone: "(847) 826-9593" website: http://www.emergent-form.com rating: 5 review_count: 10 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 89 last_updated: 2026-09-01 --- # Emergent Form Architecture Original Houzz profile: [Emergent Form Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/emergent-form-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1577195968) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Sherman, CT - **Serves:** Connecticut, Dutchess County (NY), Fairfield County (CT), Hudson River Valley, Litchfield County (CT), New York, Upstate New York - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (10 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2017–2019), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Jessica Birnbaum, founder of Emergent Form Architecture p.c., is a licensed architect in New York, providing clients with services for architecture, interiors, and custom furniture. EF focuses its practice on a hyper-attention to environmental conditions, dedicated to the investigation of form as a result of existing forces, illustrating a very alive process in which the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. EF supports this site-specific design process by engaging in detailed research, and utilizing innovative digital modeling tools to create a clear visual map to share with clients as each project evolves. Under Jessica's leadership, EF goes the distance to deeply understand people, nature, health, and happiness as drivers for highly conscious design. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Green Building - Universal Design - Drafting - Home Restoration - Project Management - Landscape Plans ### Areas Served - Connecticut - Dutchess County (NY) - Fairfield County (CT) - Hudson River Valley - Litchfield County (CT) - New York - Upstate New York ### Typical Job Cost $100,000 - 2.5 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Emergent Form Architecture | | Address | Sherman, Connecticut 06784, United States | | Phone | (847) 826-9593 | | Website | http://www.emergent-form.com | | License Number | 038050 | | Followers on Houzz | 89 | **Social profiles:** - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/emergent\_form - Blog — www.emergent-form.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Emergent Form Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/emergent-form-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1577195968) - **Website:** http://www.emergent-form.com - **Phone:** (847) 826-9593 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Licensed Architect, Registered in New York State - LEED Accredited Professional - New York Department of Buildings Design Professional - Eileen Gray Thesis Prize - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2017–2019), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 10 reviews** ### All 10 reviews **★★★★★ — Stephen Vettorino, Feb. 2020** > We hired Jessica to help us with renovating two bathrooms and the kitchen in our 30's colonial home, and could not be happier with what she did for us! > She expertly worked within the parameters you face with a small (old-ish), house, and came up with designs that truly transformed our spaces. With her combination of skilled architect abilities and true sense of design, she could help us with questions big and small. > She was extremely professional, always responsive, and her calm personality really helped us get through what was major projects for us. > > We highly recommend Jessica and Emergent Form to anyone for your project! **★★★★★ — Jason Mitchell Kahn, Jan. 2020** > Hiring Jessica as the architect for my renovation was the best decision! Not only is she gifted and has incredible attention to detail, but she's extremely accommodating . She presented me with multiple options of plans, updated them as the project inevitably evolved, and also provided additional services such as sourcing and securing products. I can't recommend her enough! **★★★★★ — jeremy wolff, Jan. 2020** > Easy to work with and just the right balance of creativity and practicality. Worked well with contractor, who is not always the easiest... **★★★★★ — Frank B, Jan. 2018** > Jessica has been an excellent addition to my development team. She works great with our general contractor, is available when we need her, and is proactive. Most importantly, the projects get done in a timely fashion and they are done right. Very happy with her work. Highly recommend. **★★★★★ — Geowood Design, Aug. 2017** > We had a terrific experience working with Emergent Form Design Architects. Jessica's innovative and original design for a beautiful and functional space truly reflected a modern family's lifestyle, needs, and desires. The plans she developed made such brilliant use of space for city living. > Jessica's optimistic personality and her ability to respond resourcefully in any situation made working on this project enjoyable. Her ability to clearly and specifically articulate her vision resulted in a precise execution of cabinetry on our part, and consequently, highly satisfied homeowner clients. Jessica was open to suggestions and respected our professional expertise, working collaboratively to take her ideas from a vision to a reality. > It is noteworthy to mention that Jessica teaches design at a prestigious Parson's School for Art and Design! > We hope for an opportunity to work with EF Design Architects in the future! **★★★★★ — User, March 2017** > I found Jessica through Houzz last March for completely flipping our condo (2.5bed/2.5bath) from what it was a drab developer condo to a highly customized space for our small family (husband/wife and a young daughter). From the first meeting on, I was impressed in how meticulous she is. I chose her out of the three other architects I had shortlisted. > > Jessica is on time, comes prepared to every meeting with materials, drawings, a project plan and takes notes diligently. She has a warm, pleasant demeanor that you will love as soon as you meet her. We hired a GC who was very challenging to work with and Jessica maneuvered systematically and went above and beyond to save us at every point. Without her, we would have gone insane and lost a lot of $$. > > With a design background, I am often very involved in the design phase and Jessica was great to work with and collaborated at every phase. We had shared documents to collaborate on design, color palette, problems that I need to solve in the space and nifty ideas for a small space and she would come up with design solutions that would be on-point. I was always surprised in her ability to listen so keenly and to translate that into design. She has the ability to understand your needs/wants and help you make a precise decision with pros and cons for each and with ample resources to support. With Jessica, you not only get a talented architect but also a great detail-oriented Project Manager. She helped us in all the paperwork, interior design, shopping recommendations, and sometimes even picking up pieces directly from the warehouse for us. > > I have worked with her now for almost a year now even though the project ended in 6 months, Jessica has been checking in to make sure everything is going alright and has helped us in SO many ways to make sure the rest of the build is going smoothly. You're always at ease in her presence, and I miss working with her! **★★★★★ — Nicholas Doyle Photography, June 2016** > I've worked with Jessica several projects, and in that time I've got a see a lot behind the scenes of her business - how well she works with clients, how excited she is about every project, and how she plans out in minute detail every step to make sure you go from day 1 to dream home as quickly and smoothly as possible. The work she does will keep a smile on your face for years to come. **★★★★★ — susannahlbm, May 2016** > I'd highly recommend Jessica. She's incredibly professional, well-prepared and smart. She put great thought and preparation into every phase of our meeting with her, and she clearly knows so much about what she does, as her resume shows. > > I really like that she offers plentiful ideas and is ready to look for creative solutions rather than just executing in a workman-like way. At the same time she's really receptive and willing to listen. She's highly skilled and I think understands how to make the process of renovation as pleasant and exciting as possible. **★★★★★ — Sheryl P, Feb. 2016** > We worked closely with Jessica at Emergent Form to completely redesign and restructure our kitchen and living room. I can't stress enough what a pleasure it was to work with her. > > First, she completely synched in to our taste and how we wanted to use our space, and came up with multiple options for every major decision--all which we loved. From the biggest restructuring issue to the smallest design tweak, from paint colors to building a kitchen island, to picking fixtures, to redoing flooring, she was always there with options about what would work best for our style and space and advice on what she thought was the ideal option. > > Second, logistically, Jessica was super-easy to work with. She was always on time and always available to answer questions. Her regular on-site visits gave us assurance that our contractor was on schedule and all issues big and small were being handled. She maintained constant contact with our contractor about all logistics, and her careful eye always picked up the tiniest issues as the project went on. We barely had to lift a finger, and never once had anything less that 100% that she was along for the project every step of the way. > > Finally, It's lovely to work with someone whose taste you trust and love! Jessica designed a kitchen and living room for us that are beautiful, functional, and interesting. > > We couldn't have had a more ideal experience! **★★★★★ — astrov, Feb. 2016** > Jessica was a key member of the design team and site management of the gut renovation of our apartment in the East Village. Besides her great aesthetic sense, design insight and creativity, which were invaluable, she has a comprehensive understanding of construction methods, which is an essential part of working with contractors, of making sure that the renderings become reality. She's a pleasure to work with--diplomatic, savvy, prompt for meetings, firm with contractors and subs when necessary, and has a knack for finding the best solutions for tricky problems. She's also deft with finding the most cost-effective approach to great design. I couldn't recommend her more highly. ## Selected projects - [West Village Apartment](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-village-apartment-pj-vj~7237307) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 25 - Description: Faced with the challenge of combining two worn-out apartment units into one updated family-friendly home, EF took this renovation by storm. The layout expanded to include a generous entryway, living/dining space, primary bedroom with walk-in closets and ensuite bath, galley kitchen (now more open to the living area), office with en-suite powder room, secondary full bathroom, kids' room and closet, and laundry closet. The ceilings were lifted, accentuating the structure above. The typical NYC par… - [Barnaby's Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/barnaby-s-bungalow-pj-vj~6693065) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 14 - Description: With a few simple moves, this NYC apartment was completely transformed from worn to WONDERFUL! The once-tight galley kitchen is now open to the living space, with its new eat-in peninsula. It boasts a wide quartz countertop, ending in a beautifully detailed waterfall panel, with wine refrigerator and deep drawers. The MC Escher inspired cement tiles give the kitchen some added funk. New wide-plank distressed oak floors replaced the dated parquet throughout. The exposed brick wall is highlighted… - [Goodhue House Apartment](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/goodhue-house-apartment-pj-vj~5616163) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 18 - Description: When the owner purchased this apartment in a classic, NYC prewar building (c. 1937), she knew it would need some updates to make it her own. We quickly took to planning, offering budget-friendly solutions to make the space brighter, and more open, merging modern lines with the existing classic details. The apartment includes a gracious entry foyer, sunken living room, beamed ceilings, and east-facing windows. The revised layout celebrates these existing conditions. We stretched the kitchen footp… - [Harlem Duplex](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/harlem-duplex-pj-vj~2638674) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 21 - Description: This project was designed for a young, modern family in Harlem. In six months, we gutted a drab, developer spec'd duplex condo and transformed it into a bright, personalized home with several unique highlights, speckled with plant life. EF managed all aspects of the process from concept phase through construction administration, designing custom furniture pieces and cabinetry, specifying lighting, furnishings, finishes, rear yard hardscaping and landscaping. Considering the tight footprint of th… - [Orange Street Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/orange-street-residence-pj-vj~1810832) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 10 - Description: Steps away from the Brooklyn Bridge, the entry level of this hip family's duplex was in desperate need of a makeover. EF removed all interior partitions to create a bright and cheery open-plan kitchen/living/office space. Pops of yellows and dessiner porcelain tile bring personality. - [Montclair Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/montclair-residence-pj-vj~1253903) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [East Village Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-village-residence-pj-vj~1425810) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 17 - Description: The renovation of this floor-through space completely transformed its interactions with natural light. With a more efficient open layout and modern white oak millwork spanning the entire length of the space, the apartment boasts long continuous lines, highlighting the homeowners' playful collection of books, art, coveted objects, and color. Completed in conjunction with Architect Carmen Lenzi. [See all 7 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/emergent-form-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1577195968) ## Ideabooks - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/157710756/list/wish-list) — 1 idea - [2Brookside](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/153553378/list/2brookside) — 12 ideas - [105W13\_walnut](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/147855613/list/105w13-walnut) — 17 ideas - [Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57469766/list/kitchen) — 2 ideas - [Pawling House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/136716766/list/pawling-house) — 1 idea - [Basebd](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127551876/list/basebd) — 2 ideas - [75 Willow Lake Rd](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/121279441/list/75-willow-lake-rd) — 14 ideas - [Dutchess County Home](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/121319749/list/dutchess-county-home) — 1 idea - [44ClintonKitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/110158391/list/44clintonkitchen) — 3 ideas - [LouisbergGreen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/109685966/list/louisberggreen) — 7 ideas - [Kitchen Islands](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/52756869/list/kitchen-islands) — 4 ideas - [20 E 35](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/101929467/list/20-e-35) — 7 ideas - [Green](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/62478037/list/green) — 22 ideas [See all 13 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/emergentform) ## Community Q&A **Q: What type of cabinets are these?** *(in Photo Questions)* Love these cabinets! Are they prefabricated? A: Hi, These cabinets were all made by a custom millworker based just north of New York City. **Q: Love the wall color in the Office, can you tell me what it is?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi Molly! It’s Benjamin Moore - Light Salmon 2175-60. **Q: what was budget and length of time for this? amazing job!** *(in Photo Questions)* Thanks A: Hi Lisa, This job was on a budget in terms of both time and money. We finished in about 6mos (the family moved in in 4 mos). I can send you a private message about costs, as I'd prefer not to have that information posted publicly. Thanks! **Q: where can I source this table?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi Jennifer. There is an amazing shop who's warehouse/workshop used to be right next to my office here in Brooklyn. They are called From The Source (https://www.ftsny.com/). They import many one-of-a-kind wood slabs and have a lot of different legs you can pair with. Each piece is unique. **Q: Nobody wants to know where the amazing planter light is from?** *(in Photo Questions)* I'm smitten! Please share, if possible! A: Hi, Jen! Thanks for the much welcomed question... I too LOVE this fixture, and the Canadian based designer Object/Interface. Here is a link to their site: https://www.objectinterface.ca/shop/babylon-light <3 **Q: Fence color** *(in Photo Questions)* What a dynamic outdoor space! Did the fence come in that color? If so, what is the material, color and source? Alternately, did you paint it? What is the color? Is this wood or vinyl? Many many thanks! A: Hi. I just checked in with the homeowner, and she says that the vinyl paint is good. No peeling. Best of luck with your fence face-lift, and thanks for the project love! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-01.*