--- title: "Ronnette Riley Architect — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/ronnette-riley-architect-pfvwus-pf~1828845825 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1828845825.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Ronnette Riley Architect" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/3173647503bc41fa_2063-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "494 Eighth Ave, 15th Floor, New York, New York 10001, United States" latitude: 40.7484 longitude: -73.9967 phone: "(212) 594-4015" website: http://www.ronnetteriley.com rating: 5 review_count: 6 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 218 last_updated: 2026-09-23 --- # Ronnette Riley Architect > NYC's Award-Winning Architect & Designer Original Houzz profile: [Ronnette Riley Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/ronnette-riley-architect-pfvwus-pf~1828845825) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** New York, NY - **Serves:** New York City, Queens, Manhattan, Eastchester, Harrison, Inwood, Astoria, Newark, Fairview, Lodi, Bloomfield, Hillside, Belleville, Bayonne, Borough of Bronx, Brookdale, Cliffside Park, Clifton, East Newark, East Rutherford, Edgewater, Englewood, Fort Lee, Ft Lee, Garfield, Guttenberg, Hackensack, Hasbrouck Heights, Hoboken, Jersey City, Kearny, Kew Gardens, Leonia, Little Ferry, Lyndhurst, North Arlington, North Bergen, Nutley, Palisades Park, Passaic, Ridgefield, Ridgefield Park, Rutherford, Secaucus, Teaneck, Union City, Wallington, Weehawken, West New York, Wood-Ridge - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (6 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2019), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Evening consultations - Woman owned - Award winning - Verified Hires ### Business highlights - Woman owned - Award winning - Evening consultations - 3 Verified Hires Ronnette Riley Architect is recognized for integrating both innovative and traditional materials and methods into intelligent and well-crafted spaces, and for her ability to manage the collaborative process of construction on time and on budget. The firm’s reputation for comfortable design and technical competence has led to many repeat clients and steady growth in institutional, retail, commercial and residential projects over the years. Founded in 1987, the firm has earned an enviable reputation among both large and small clients for the vigor of its architectural and design work, as well as the rigor of its follow-through. Ronnette Riley Architect, a 100% Woman-Owned Business Enterprise, has consistently excelled with projects ranging from private residences to large institutional facilities, from retail spaces to corporate environments, and from master plans to space programming. The quality of the firm’s work is reflected in the vitality of its portfolio as well as its many awards, not to mention the clients who’ve returned again and again or referred Ronnette Riley Architect to their friends and colleagues. Since its founding, the firm has won 95 design awards and has been published extensively worldwide. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Green Building - Bathroom Design - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Drafting - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Handicap-Accessible Design - Structural Engineering - Basement Remodeling - Mudroom Design - Basement Design - Attic Conversion - Laundry Room Design - Home Gym Design & Construction - Rooftop Deck Installation - Construction Drawings - Custom Home ### Areas Served - New York City - Queens - Manhattan - Eastchester - Harrison - Inwood - Astoria - Newark - Fairview - Lodi - Bloomfield - Hillside - Belleville - Bayonne - Borough of Bronx - Brookdale - Cliffside Park - Clifton - East Newark - East Rutherford - Edgewater - Englewood - Fort Lee - Ft Lee - Garfield - Guttenberg - Hackensack - Hasbrouck Heights - Hoboken - Jersey City - Kearny - Kew Gardens - Leonia - Little Ferry - Lyndhurst - North Arlington - North Bergen - Nutley - Palisades Park - Passaic - Ridgefield - Ridgefield Park - Rutherford - Secaucus - Teaneck - Union City - Wallington - Weehawken - West New York - Wood-Ridge ### Typical Job Cost $25,000 - $25,000,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Ronnette Riley Architect | | Address | 494 Eighth Ave, 15th Floor, New York, New York 10001, United States | | Phone | (212) 594-4015 | | Website | http://www.ronnetteriley.com | | License Number | NY, CA, CT, IA, MN, NJ, PA | | Followers on Houzz | 218 | **Social profiles:** - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/pub/ronnette-riley/8/924/716 - Blog — http://www.ronnetteriley.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Ronnette Riley Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/ronnette-riley-architect-pfvwus-pf~1828845825) - **Website:** http://www.ronnetteriley.com - **Phone:** (212) 594-4015 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - NY, CT, NJ, CA, PA, IA - Licensed Architect & Certified Interior Designer - Fellow of the American Institute of Architecture - Harry B. Rutkins Award, New York Chapter AIA - AREW/Real Estate Weekly: Women Real Estate Leaders for the 21st Century - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2019), for Service. **Affiliations** - [Architecture For Humanity](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/architecture-for-humanity-pfvwus-pf~344158813) - [AIA Custom Residential Architects Network](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-custom-residential-architects-network-pfvwus-pf~629398549) - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 6 reviews** ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — Tara Sara M, Feb. 2018** > Ronnette Riley and Team (especially Makkiko) was absolutely instrumental in guiding and assisting us with our full gut renovation project of a 3500 square foot apartment that we transformed into 2 brand new apartments. We turned one apt into a 4 bed 4.5 bath and the other into a 1 bed 1.5 bath luxury condo. > > Ronnette was true mentor throughout the process from start to finish giving us top tier service and guidance. Her team created multiple design ideas for the project and incredibly detailed construction documents for our contractor. She advised us on design, fixtures & materials, project vendors & contractors, DOB & legal requirements and pitfalls to be aware of. Her team come on site to check on the construction often and made design changes where needed due to the building or construction requirements. Ronnette was readily available to us and her team was extremely professional & responsive to all our questions and needs for assistance. > > You could clearly see her knowledge and experience through every facet of the project from the initial walk though to the final construction walkthroughs. > > Ronnette is a great architect and mentor and her team is one of the best out there. With Ronnette you know you are getting quality & can be assured your project is in good hands. We would definitely work with Ronnette again & highly recommend her to anyone doing a large renovation. ### All 6 reviews **★★★★★ — Van Gogh Contracting, Oct. 2016** > I have worked with any architects and designers in NYC and consider Ronnette Riley one of the best. Very professional. Her plans are always complete and thorough. Ronnete and her team are always available to answer questions to help complete the project on time and on budget. **★★★★★ — espringer36, Oct. 2016** > As a structural engineer with architectural training and experience in many aspects of building and construction, I found Ronnette and her team to be very professional and extremely competent. We have been working together now for quit a few years. We have great communications and are always striving to provide the clients with quality projects that meet their budget constraints. We will continue to work with Ronnette's firm as consultants to her office. We have also brought her firm into our projects and will continue to do so. **★★★★★ — sfriedman48, Oct. 2016** > Wonderful, creative tear down of a one bedroom, 2. Bath apartment. She has. A great team but also accepts sobbing phone calls in the evening when an electrition took a whole wall for one tiny light switch. **★★★★★ — 41 West, Dec. 2015** > As a builder in Naples, Florida, we recommend Ronnette and her team at Ronnette Riley Architect to anyone in the New York Metro Area, as well as anyone who owns in Naples, Bonita Beach, or Marco Island, who wants to either design and build a custom home, or wants to remodel a luxury home or condo. > Ronnette understands that you want your own special place, that reflects your style and taste. It is imperative that you trust the team you have chosen to design your dream. Ronnette Riley Architect is a team you can trust and we highly recommend them. **★★★★★ — worldthatworks, July 2014** > It was a pleasure working with Ronnette Riley and her team. I had a budget in mind when first imagining the project. Ronnette was completely straightforward with me from the beginning about where my original budget and reality would soon diverge; as a result there were no financial surprises. She and here colleagues guided me through the design process, addressing the elements that I wanted and suggesting additional ways in which to achieve the overall atmosphere I had in mind. The space I purchased was dated and out of synch with the building’s iconic mid-century design by its internationally renowned architects; RRA guided its return to its architectural roots. With reconfigurations of door placements, a redesign of the kitchen and bathroom, and the creation of a wrap-around cantilevered bookcase, the space looks better and is far more functional. I also appreciated the fact that RRA handles all aspects of design, from its structure to the interior finishes. RRA helped me select through a wide variety of vendors mid-century furniture, window treatments, and rugs – assembled in a way that tied all of the spaces together. Having one firm handle the entire process was not only much easier to manage (relieving me of a lot of potential hassle), but it also resulted in a cohesive design. I am thrilled with my new home and I would recommend RRA to anyone. ## Selected projects - [Central Park West Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/central-park-west-residence-pj-vj~2426906) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 9 - Description: The homeowners had owned this 2,800sf apartment for many years but had never undertaken renovations as they lived in Washington D.C. The goal was to functionally update and renovate the spacious Classic 8 landmark apartment while preserving its pre-war character. With south and east exposures at 10 windows facing Central Park and downtown from a high floor, the apartment was light-filled and afforded significant views from the living room, dining room and library as well as two of the bedrooms.… - [Beekman Place New York, NY](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beekman-place-new-york-ny-pj-vj~2424848) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 6 - Description: The homeowner desired an all new, more functional kitchen with increased space for storage, new lighting and appliances. The existing kitchen was dark and out of date. The existing 90 square foot galley kitchen was small and narrow, with limited storage and counterspace. By utilizing the hallway and master closet opposite, we expanded the kitchen across the hall, creating a 5’-6”x 2’-0”x 7’-0” niche for the Subzero refrigerator and under counter wine storage unit. The existing kitchen doorway wa… - [25 Beekman](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/25-beekman-pj-vj~1538363) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 8 - [1200 Fifth Avenue Penthouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1200-fifth-avenue-penthouse-pj-vj~602098) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 7 - Description: Ronnette Riley Architects restored this 6,300sf triplex penthouse to the grandeur of the original 1928 Emory Roth design. Retained the pre-war feel of the building, but modernized the kitchen, pantries and 5 ½ baths. The penthouse has access to 5,000sf of private roof terraces on two of three floors, all of which RRA re-tiled with terra-cotta, and commanding views in all four directions. The original 3-story spiral staircase was rebuilt in the existing well, of which only a remnant remained. The… - [West 13th Street Loft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-13th-street-loft-pj-vj~602900) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 8 - Description: The client for this 1550sf residential apartment wanted to add a luxurious guest bathroom to his loft as well as enlarge the master bath. The new guest bath was created in an alcove with a concealed sticking panel with access to the master bath. The opening allows natural light into both baths and the ability to access the bathtub from either room. All features including a new 3’-6”x8’-6” walk-in-steam-shower are ADA compliant. The second floor terrace was also renovated into a lush tranquil ret… - [West 81st Street Townhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-81st-street-townhouse-pj-vj~602846) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 17 - Description: Ronnette Riley Architect was retained to renovate a landmarked brownstone at 117 W 81st Street into a modern family Pied de Terre. The 6,556 square foot building was originally built in the nineteenth century as a 10 family rooming house next to the famous Hotel Endicott. RRA recreated the original front stoop and façade details based on the historic image from 1921 and the neighboring buildings details. Ronnette Riley Architect’s design proposes to remove the existing ‘L’ shaped rear façade and… - [East 74th Street Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-74th-street-residence-pj-vj~602133) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 12 - Description: This 10,000 sf townhouse sits on one of Manhattan’s most beautiful Upper East Side streets and so the goal of the project was to return the house to its original grandeur. Previously a Kips Bay designer showcase house, the rooms were each designed in a differing style and therefore the lack of cohesion and flow made the house seem choppy. In addition, much of the interior was superficial in the sense that plumbing fixtures were not all connected, walls were “false walls” built in front of existi… - [West 77th Street Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-77th-street-residence-pj-vj~602076) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 12 - Description: The goal for this project was to reconfigure the spaces to accommodate the lifestyle of the client while maintaining the classic seven layout of this pre-war Upper West Side apartment. The large book collection was the driving force in the renovation. Excess doors in a long corridor were converted to bookshelves flanking the clients study. The renovation included a large master bedroom (combining two bedrooms), new fixtures and finishes in all three bathrooms and a more functional kitchen. All p… - [Fifth Avenue Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fifth-avenue-residence-pj-vj~1096397) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 10 - Description: Ronnette Riley Architect (RRA) was recently commissioned to revive the original character of a pre-war, 1930 Emory Roth building for a client with contemporary tastes. Located on Museum Mile, facing Central Park, this doorman building has high-beamed ceilings and classic detailing. The owners of the 3,225 square foot apartment requested a bright space that highlighted the old-world craftsmanship of the apartment with new-world innovations to provide room for their growing family. RRA expanded th… - [1200 Fifth Avenue](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1200-fifth-avenue-pj-vj~602206) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 8 - Description: 1200 Fifth Avenue Associates LLC retained Ronnette Riley Architect to convert a 17-story 1928 Emory Roth apartment building to multimillion-dollar condominiums for sale. The building, situated on a 10,092 sq. ft. site along museum mile, consists of two cellar levels which contain electrical and mechanical equipment, storage, laundry and new recreational facilities, a ground floor level which will be used primarily for lobby, medical offices and a superintendent’s apartment plus seventeen floors… - [East 61st Street Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-61st-street-residence-pj-vj~602058) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 5 - Description: This 1,050 square foot one bedroom post war apartment was transformed into a sleek, contemporary living space, though several obstacles had to be overcome. The tight budget of $75,000 and short six-week construction schedule left little room for error. Dining, relaxing, and entertaining are the highlights of this apartment. The kitchen, was designed to be efficient, well-organized, and functional as well as being the center of activity. The entry, living room, and kitchen areas were opened up by… - [East Broadway Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-broadway-residence-pj-vj~602890) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 2 - [East 13th Street Loft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-13th-street-loft-pj-vj~602921) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 5 - Description: RRA transformed this 3,000sf raw loft and 1,600sf terrace into a three bedroom residence through a series of open and connected public spaces with the open mahogany, stone and stainless steel kitchen positioned at its center to give the client a flexible layout that was highly functional. Careful detailing of hidden, sliding pocket doors allow spaces to be adapted to the appropriate occasion, creating a den, guest room or vast entertainment space as well as a public powder room that seconds as a… - [1025 Fifth Avenue Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1025-fifth-avenue-residence-pj-vj~602115) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 6 - Description: Having a great affinity for fine art, the client purchased this converted 3-bedroom apartment across from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, on Fifth Avenue, which could not only accommodate the family comfortably, but also provide wall space for some of their prized pieces. Ronnette Riley Architect was given the task of changing the face of the apartment from top to bottom, creating a modern, open layout, with a comfortable, homely ambiance. The kitchen was vastly enlarged, and opened to the dinin… - [Riverside Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/riverside-residence-pj-vj~602249) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 5 - Description: We worked closely with the clients to update this 2,300 sf. apartment in a 1925 building on Riverside Drive with a modernist sensibility while preserving the integrity of the “Classic Seven” layout. A study and a larger kitchen were reconfigured from the former pantry, kitchen, maid’s room and bath. Taking inspiration from Aalto and Scarpa, clear forms, minimal ornament, a juxtaposition of different textures and attention to craftsmanship and detail create a home that animates not only the visua… - [260 Park Avenue Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/260-park-avenue-residence-pj-vj~602881) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 3 - Description: Ronnette Riley Architect, in collaboration with the interior design firm Studio GAIA and Shamir Shah, designed two penthouse apartments atop an 12 story pre-war building that is being converted into condominiums at 260 Park Avenue South. The first penthouse covers 8,000 square feet including a 4,000 square foot terrace. The second Penthouse is a duplex of similar size plus pool deck and terrace. RRA made changes to the building envelope, fire stair and penthouse terraces. The design included rai… - [Park Row Loft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/park-row-loft-pj-vj~1096454) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 9 - Description: The renovated loft is located within a Manhattan paper factory building constructed in 1886. With the client’s background in astrophysics, we referenced planetary orbits to create an elliptical layout using the 2 large Corinthian columns as our foci. Between these columns an open kitchen centers the space, highlighted above by a multi-colored LED elliptical cove. The 14 foot high ceilings allowed us to insert a mezzanine along the perimeter, increasing the square footage from 1,750 to 2,160. The… - [Columbus Avenue Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/columbus-avenue-residence-pj-vj~602896) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 6 - Description: Located in the Lincoln Center neighborhood, the 2,110sf apartment was completely renovated with new furniture, lighting and window treatments, so a young actor could live and work at home. The former dining room was changed to a music room with a grand piano. The living room was converted to a dance studio with a maple spring leaded dance floor and an enormous mirror so that he could practice tap dancing. The entry foyer was reconfigured and enlarged to double as the dining room. An office space… - [Bedrooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bedrooms-pj-vj~1183156) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 4 - [80 John Street Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/80-john-street-residence-pj-vj~5893761) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 9 [See all 22 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/ronnette-riley-architect-pfvwus-pf~1828845825) ## Frequently Asked Questions **Do you handle permitting, zoning, and regulatory approvals?** We, as licensed architects, are well-versed in navigating permitting, zoning, and regulatory approvals. Our project management services include handling these crucial steps to ensure your project complies with all local requirements, including specific regulations like LL97 in NYC, and accessibility design standards. **What types of projects do you specialize in (custom homes, remodels, additions)?** We specialize in a wide range of residential projects, including custom homes, new construction, renovations, home additions, and historic restorations. Our portfolio showcases diverse work from urban apartments and brownstones to barn conversions and accessory dwellings, always focusing on intelligent and well-crafted spaces. **How do you help clients design within their construction budget?** We are recognized for our ability to manage the collaborative construction process on time and on budget. We work closely with clients to explore options, adapt designs, and make careful decisions to ensure the project stays within financial parameters, meeting your needs effectively. **Do you provide full-service architectural services through construction?** Yes, we provide full-service architectural services, guiding you from initial concept through to construction completion. Our project management expertise ensures a collaborative process, including construction drawings and oversight, to deliver intelligent and well-crafted spaces efficiently and on budget. **Do you design fully custom homes?** Absolutely! We specialize in designing fully custom homes tailored to your unique vision and lifestyle. Our approach involves exploring your needs to create intelligent, well-crafted spaces, whether it's a new build, a brownstone, or an accessory dwelling. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Ideabooks - [Landscape inspiration](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49855317/list/landscape-inspiration) — 2 ideas - [Decor ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49855076/list/decor-ideas) — 2 ideas [See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/ronnetteriley) ## Community Q&A **Q: What brand is the fridge please? thanks** *(in Photo Questions)* A: It is a Sub-Zero. **Q: Question about subzero paneling** *(in Photo Questions)* Hello! We are finishing a kitchen renovation and our panels just arrived for our 36inch sub zero. We have a modern design and wanted clean sleek white - just one panel for the refrigerator door and one panel for the freezer door. The refrigerator door came with a line down the middle and the manufacturer (Cystal Cabinets) is telling us we need to sign a waiver accepting no warranty if we get a panel with no line down the middle. Does this make sense to you? This doesn't make sense to me. I think I'd see a lot more beautiful refrigerators like this with a line down the center of the gorgeous custom panels. TIA! Lauren A: Lauren, I have never seen a line down the center. You can call Sub-Zero directly and get their advice. If it is a flush overlay panel, the weight and thickness of the material must be considered. Too thin it will warp or crack and too thick may affect the door hinges over time. This is especially true when putting a panel on a dishwasher. **Q: how well does the water drain in the shower area?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The water drains perfectly as we designed the floor to slope towards the linear drain. **Q: Wallpaper** *(in Photo Questions)* Flabbergasting wallpaper, wauw! Without it, this bathroom would be so boring. Bravo! A: Thank you, we wanted something fun for the children. **Q: Counter top** *(in Photo Questions)* What kind of stone is the counter top A: The marble is a honed 1 1/4" Calacatta with an eased edge. **Q: Please,who is the maker of the medicine cabinet?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: These are from Urban Archeology. http://www.urbanarchaeology.com/mirrors/All.html --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-23.*