--- title: "pulltab — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/pulltab-pfvwus-pf~562128007 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~562128007.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: pulltab category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/acf365c00cc84dd2_1344-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "10 East 23rd Street, New York, New York 10010, United States" latitude: 40.7375 longitude: -73.9813 phone: "(212) 727-9448" website: http://www.pulltabdesign.com rating: 5 review_count: 11 best_of_houzz_awards: 12 followers: 352 last_updated: 2026-08-13 --- # pulltab Original Houzz profile: [pulltab](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/pulltab-pfvwus-pf~562128007) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** New York, NY - **Serves:** New York City, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Rhinebeck, Maine, Millbrook, Amagansett, Connecticut - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (11 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 12 awards (2012–2024), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Published nationally - 19 years in business Founded in 2001, pulltab is an architectural firm located in the Flatiron District of Manhattan. Firm Description: Pulltab specializes in residential design including apartment renovations, townhomes, penthouse additions, roof gardens and furniture design. Approach to Residential Design: The studio creates warm environments using natural materials. While strident modernists, architects Melissa Baker and Jon Handley respect historical precedent and continually strive to look outside set perspectives. Pulltab’s finished designs fulfill the functional needs of a space and imbue sensory and emotive qualities. Distinguishing Characteristics: Pulltab creates open light-filled spaces with modern and inventive detailing, including project specific, custom-engineered and fabricated pieces. Their work is noted for its ingenuous and practical solutions, such as concealed storage systems, fold-down tables, built-in and freestanding furniture, display cabinets and custom hardware. Work Influences: The exchange of ideas with clients and their longstanding group of top-level contractors informs their work. "We also continually refer back to midcentury modern design from the amazingly talented designers and architects of the day, including Carlo Scarpa, Louis Kahn and Marcel Breuer," says Handley. "We're big fans of the modern architect poet Juhani Pallasmaa and the writer Leonard Koren, whose book on Wabi-Sabi is a constant inspiration. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Pool House Design & Construction - Historic Building Conservation - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Tiny House Construction - Deck Design - Rooftop Deck Installation ### Areas Served - New York City - Brooklyn - Manhattan - Rhinebeck - Maine - Millbrook - Amagansett - Connecticut ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | pulltab | | Address | 10 East 23rd Street, New York, New York 10010, United States | | Phone | (212) 727-9448 | | Website | http://www.pulltabdesign.com | | License Number | NY 032384, CT 12464, NY 032357 | | Followers on Houzz | 352 | **Social profiles:** - Blog — www.pulltabdesign.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [pulltab](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/pulltab-pfvwus-pf~562128007) - **Website:** http://www.pulltabdesign.com - **Phone:** (212) 727-9448 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Melissa Baker, AIA, NY 032384, CT 12464, Jon Handley, RA, NY 032357 - **Best of Houzz:** 12 awards (2012–2024), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [NCARB](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncarb-pfvwus-pf~1477640315) - [AIA New York \| Center for Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-new-york-center-for-architecture-pfvwus-pf~815067495) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 11 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### All 11 reviews **★★★★★ — Joyce Cho, April 2021** > We absolutely love Jon & Melissa and couldn't be happier to have worked with them for the whole year of 2019...and a little more :) We first met with them 2 years prior to discuss ideas for our Brooklyn apartment. I came across photos of their East Village rooftop project and wanted to do something similar. From the first meeting I could tell that their design aesthetic was impeccable, and when Jon mentioned about Jean Prouvé's pre-fab idea for our rooftop I was immediately sold. Sadly, due to the height restriction in my zone, we weren't able to achieve what we've envisioned and decided not to pursue with the reno. But funny how life works, I thought of our nice conversations when I purchased a house in Upstate and emailed Jon & Melissa right away. We had no idea but they found out that the house we purchased was an original midcentury pre-fab house built in 1970 and it was something special. Pre-fab destiny! They suggested that we respect and restore this home rather than change everything and that was the most important decision that set us off with the right foot. With their helpful guidance we focused on bringing back the original characters and updated areas where it made sense and compliments the design of the house. And we're so glad we did because not only the house looks amazing, it's respectful to the original mid-century design but also modern, practical, and functional . Jon & Melissa helped make important decisions every step of the way and I'm very grateful for their knowledge, passion, design direction that they provided. Absolutely loved our conversations about design and learned so much from them during the renovation process. I highly recommend Pulltab Design and can't wait to work with them again. **★★★★★ — cgnlm995, June 2020** > I just hired Jon and Melissa so I will add to this as work progresses but they are so kind and so prompt and professional they really stand out. I can’t wait to get started. On the expensive side but I did my homework and if you want something precise this is the way to go. **★★★★★ — N. Klein, July 2019** > We couldn’t be happier with Melissa and Jon’s work on our renovation. They came up with great ideas for our project. Their taste is impeccable—they really know how to achieve a clean, modern look that’s still warm and inviting. They are conscientious, organized and very generous with their time. They communicated well with both us and our contractor throughout the project. They were respectful of our budget—it was always easy to have a thoughtful discussion with them on where to spend/where to save. They are also great people who we really enjoyed meeting and getting to know. We would not hesitate to use them again if we had another project. **★★★★★ — Sumeet Bal, May 2018** > If you are interested in remodeling your home in any way, PLEASE reach out to Pulltab. My husband and I had never had any personal experience with an architect or contractor, but the horror stories from our friends about everything from planning to cost were endless. We were reluctant to begin any kind of endeavor but unhappy with some elements of our floor plan. I finally just reached out to them and from our first phone conversation until our last, every moment was a true education and delight. Melissa and Jon were amazing collaborators: they heard our desires (and understood our budget!) and really delivered an amazing redesign that made our apartment seem like we had moved into a bigger, cooler space. Every detail was thought out carefully and explained. They are "design aficionados" so they can not only come up with practical new structure, but they help inject these spaces with beauty and light as well. Everybody who visited our apartment was in awe of what they accomplished. They were practical and really helped us maintain a balance of where we could afford a less expensive service or item and where we really needed something more sophisticated. Having moved and begun work in a different city, I can safely say they are truly hidden gems in their industry. **★★★★★ — Luke Mitchell, May 2018** > We would give them ten stars if we could. Melissa and Jon have a clear vision, but they were totally sensitive to our own hopes and dreams as we renovated our Brooklyn apartment. They brought the highest level of professionalism to the project and the results were even more beautiful than we had anticipated. Melissa and Jon helped us navigate a hundred hard choices, from contractor to materials to timing — and the whole project came in on budget. Over time, details that seemed trivial on paper have revealed themselves to be essential to flow; the whole space feels coherent and enveloping and alive. We couldn't imagine a better team for making a home. **★★★★★ — Oren Friedman, April 2018** > Jon & Melissa's eye for design is impeccable. They make it super easy for someone who has never renovated an apartment to feel confident that they are creating a beautiful space. Throughout every stage of the process, they clearly communicated expectations and next steps to me, and gave me only choices that I felt comfortable with. The output was incredibly high quality, and the long lasting impact on the space will pay for itself in no time. Couldn't recommend this team more! **★★★★★ — Stephanie Schmitt Grohe, April 2018** > pulltab designed two desks and some built in furniture for my apartment. The design is wonderful. The table top is oak (soap washed) and the chassis is steel. Both desk are quite long, over 86". The quality of the material and the skill and attention to detail of the contractors they work with is impeccable. I knew that this would be the case and this is why I had hoped they would be willing to take this job. The project was on schedule. When there was a problem pulltab resolved the issue immediately and to my full satisfaction. In the future if I had to do a rennovation (small or big) I would go back to Melissa and Jon any time and hope that they have time for my project. **★★★★★ — Anne Wall, April 2018** > We worked with Jon and Melissa on two very different large projects and have been happy with their work. I met them through a friend who had recommended them after their successful renovation. They are organized, detail oriented and care very much about creating a thoughtful design. Jon and Melissa are nice people and you would love working with them. **★★★★★ — J. Ma, Oct. 2016** > We have worked with Melissa and Jon at pulltab on two projects, and we have had a fantastic experience both times. The first project involved a kitchen and bath renovation at a pre-war coop in the West Village of Manhattan. They did a great job listening to us and drawing out what we wanted from a design perspective - they didn't impose their own vision, but did make very helpful suggestions all along the way to help bring out what we wanted. They are a very creative team, and have a great ability to come up with clever design touches such as built-ins or nooks that are both functional and look good. They have a modern, clean-looking, and elegant design sensibility, and yet their thoughtfulness about function and design help ensure everything is livable, practical, and has a warm and personal feel. Their modern design approach fit well with and was respectful of the pre-war apartment we lived in. We also used pulltab when we moved into our current Brooklyn apartment to design and install some built-ins. Again, they were creative, practical, and thoughtful in the designs they came up with for us. They also worked collaboratively to ensure that both our projects fit our budget - selecting materials and editing the scope of the work as necessary. They have high-quality, high-end standards and can guide you to the best stuff, but can also work within and are very respectful of your budget. > > We also really appreciated their ability to manage our projects on-time and on-budget. Melissa and Jon closely managed the project and were in close contact with the contractor throughout. They truly had close, collaborative relationships with the contractors they helped us select. They also paid very close attention to the detail and quality of the contractors work. Everything was finished on time - we were on a tight schedule - and Melissa and Jon made sure we had a comprehensive list of punch list items that the contractor promptly followed up on. > > Lastly, Melissa and Jon are really nice and professional to work with. We had not worked with architects before our first project with them, and had some apprehension about the process. But they have a terrific attitude - they seem to have that perfect balance of listening to the client, while providing their design input, modern perspective, and advice - again, without imposing their own opinions.. They really work collaboratively with you. > > We would certainly work again with them on another project if we had the opportunity. **★★★★★ — N. Luthra, Sept. 2016** > Melissa and Jon are an ideal team - creative, innovative, and also mindful of all the small details that make a renovation truly magnificent. pulltab renovated our apartment, transforming it into a beautiful home. We recommend them both as professionals and also as people you would enjoy working with for the length of your project. **★★★★★ — Natalie Danford, July 2016** > I cannot recommend Melissa and Jon of pulltab highly enough. They gut-renovated a loft for us, and not only are the results aesthetically beautiful, but the apartment fits us and the way we live and functions beautifully as well. Having lived here for a few years now, we can really appreciate how carefully and skillfully they analyzed our needs and met them. During the process, we received an extraordinary amount of personal attention. (They answer their own phones.) The renovation was expensive for us, but far from their biggest project, yet they always had time (and patience) for us. They really excelled at keeping our budget in mind and helping us to determine where money would best be spent. They possess that rare combination of talent and practical ability in equal measure. Additionally, they are two of the kindest, most conscientious people I have ever met in any field, and they treat everyone with respect and appreciation, which is reflected back not only on them, but on the project as a whole. They are really special, and working with them is a pleasure. We felt very lucky to have found them. ## Selected projects - [Highline Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/highline-residence-pj-vj~5853400) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 39 - Description: Apartment renovation of a residence located on the Highline in Manhattan. Photographer - Fran Parente - [West Village Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-village-residence-pj-vj~5494856) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 33 - [5th Avenue Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/5th-avenue-residence-pj-vj~1633886) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 38 - Description: Apartment combination and full trade renovation of a residence located on lower Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. - [White Street Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/white-street-residence-pj-vj~936960) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 36 - Description: A full trade renovation with penthouse and rooftop garden addition located in Tribeca. - [7th Street Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/7th-street-residence-pj-vj~39971) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 10 - Description: A full trade renovation of an East Village residence. Featured in the New York Times: \click here\ - [East Village Roof Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-village-roof-garden-pj-vj~39969) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 11 - Description: A rooftop garden addition located in the East Village, NYC. - [East Village Penthouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-village-penthouse-pj-vj~39976) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 10 - Description: A rooftop addition located in the East Village. Featured in Metropolis: \click here\ - [West 70th Street Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-70th-street-residence-pj-vj~55861) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 15 - Description: A full trade renovation located in the UWS. Project includes a custom fold down dining table, custom credenza and concealed storage throughout the 600 square foot apartment. Featured in Dwell: \click here\ - [Brooklyn Townhome](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brooklyn-townhome-pj-vj~6643980) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 1 - [Flowerbox Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/flowerbox-residence-pj-vj~6350120) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 4 - [Hand Lane Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hand-lane-residence-pj-vj~6370662) - Location: Amagansett, NY - Photos: 12 - Description: Second floor addition and renovations to an original fishing shack that had been lovingly added to over the years. - [Mill Road Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mill-road-residence-pj-vj~6369479) - Location: Rhinebeck, NY - Photos: 1 - [Chelsea Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chelsea-residence-pj-vj~6369339) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 [See all 13 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/pulltab-pfvwus-pf~562128007) ## Ideabooks - [Sponsored Photos](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/70309016/list/sponsored-photos) — 5 ideas - [industrial design](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/69781484/list/industrial-design) — 1 idea [See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/pulltabdesign) ## Community Q&A **Q: I love this desk! Can you please tell me the manufacturer? Thank you!** *(in Photo Questions)* This desk is fabulous! A: Hi Amy, Thank you! We designed this desk and had it custom built for our client. I'm afraid it's not available from a manufacturer. **Q: Backsplash info** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi, the color of the backsplash is beautiful!! Could you pls tell me the manufacturer & color of backsplash? Thank you!! A: Hello, Thank you for your interest. The tile was made by Vermeere Ceramics - Color Light Ocean Breeze Gloss. **Q: where is the dining room table from?** *(in Photo Questions)* Dining room A: Hi Courtenay, Thank you for your interest. The table is vintage, a Milo Baughman design, if that helps. **Q: Where are the blue/teal bar stools from?** *(in Photo Questions)* We love the bar stools! Do you know where they came from? A: Hi, Thank you for writing. These are Solo barstools designed by Neri & Hu, fabricated by De La Espada and purchased from The Future Perfect in NYC. The fabric was a custom selection - Knoll Textiles, Hourglass pattern and the color is Aegean. **Q: Do you have information about the under sink cabinet?** *(in Photo Questions)* Thank you! A: Thank you for your interest - we designed the cabinet at the sink and it was constructed by the millworker on the project. It's made of Corian and has a custom flip up shelf on the side, which also conceals an outlet. **Q: Is the vanity itself custom?** *(in Photo Questions)* This bathroom is gorgeous, and I am trying to approximate it in my house as a bath/laundry combo. Thank you! A: Thank you, Anna. The vanity was custom built by the millworker on the project. The fronts are walnut and the surround is Corian. Good luck with your project! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-13.*