Mid-sized arts and crafts blue three-story mixed siding exterior home photo in DC Metro with a shingle roof

Exterior from south. Photo by Randy O'Rourke
Inspiration for a large country red two-story wood gable roof remodel in Other

This client came to me requesting a concept rather than a style. After living in his home for 15 years, he wanted it to have a “beach-poolside vibe”. This made for a fun approach. Styles can have so many names and nuances that clients don’t always know exactly what style they are looking at or requesting. With a request for a concept, I just needed to determine if my approach should be literal or figurative. I came to the initial consultation with concept boards with both approaches, and it was determined that figurative was the desired approach. As the project unfolded, playfulness did too, and some literal elements were added—particularly for the pleasure of his future guests.

For our full gut renovation of this Manhattan loft penthouse, we partnered with architecture firm Todd Zwigard Architects. Many of our clients know us as experts in the full design-build approach, where we handle every aspect of the project. But in this case, architectural plans were already drawn, the full schedule was finished, and our clients needed a partner to execute on the architectural plans – enter Gallery. Construction management is as vital to a project as the design phase, so we’re happy to offer our expertise in this type of scenario. A DIFFERENT APPROACH Construction and design are often the face of most renovations, but the planning and follow-through are naturally just as necessary to make it all come together. The project itself was a fairly straightforward gut renovation of the loft. Everything was included: new floors, a new kitchen, new bathrooms, new lighting. Our task was to manage every aspect of the construction, ensuring that the planning work of Todd Zwigard Architects was executed to the exact vision imagined for this Manhattan loft renovation. CONTEMPORARY GOES ECLECTIC Although we didn’t contribute to the aesthetic of the interior design in this project, we did carry out the plans that brought it life. The tone was very modern, with some eclectic touches. The kitchen, featuring an island with a baby blue lacquered finish, blends contemporary clean lines into an industrial-tinged, almost futuristic aesthetic. Reclaimed wooden doors and art pieces collected throughout the years are an ode to the client's travels, an artistic touch from Todd Zwigard Architects. LET’S TALK Quality of work is of course important, but there are several components of construction management that are equally vital: communication; processes that make sure you're able to adhere to schedules; protocols with both safety and communication. You might say this is the nerding out of the construction process. It’s not often the face of a project, but it’s absolutely massive in terms of carrying out a successful renovation, whether it’s a penthouse loft in Manhattan, a condo in Prospect Heights, or a kitchen in a Brooklyn brownstone. Quality construction management is probably one of the biggest ways to separate professional contractors from those who aren’t. ART FROM CHAOS This was such a large project, so our ability to procure and source all the finishes and fixtures was hugely important to our clients. The sheer number of floors, tiles, and plumbing fixtures alone that need to be ordered, in addition to everything else, plus figuring out lead times, shipments, deliveries, and inspections. It can quickly become chaotic, but there’s an art to the planning and organization, and we’ve mastered it. The larger a project is, the more likely that havoc will rear its head. The antidote is not only really proper planning and construction management, as we achieved in this Manhattan loft penthouse renovation, but also a great working relationship with everyone else involved in the project: contractors, architect, and clients alike. GET IN TOUCH Is a loft renovation in New York in your future? We’re experts in renovating New York homes, from apartment combinations in managed buildings to kitchens and bathrooms in co-ops and condos to gut renovations of historic spaces and landmark renovations. ‍ Contact us to learn more about our approach as a design-and-build firm, where all aspects of your project are handled under the same roof. In addition to construction management, you’ll get our in-house architect in-house and the added renovation benefits of experts in design, material selection, and paperwork.

Jim Kruger, LandMark Photography '13
Inspiration for a timeless gray exterior home remodel in Minneapolis

This project was ground-up new construction - where we designed, specified and managed thru construction - every aspect of the finishes and layout for interiors, exterior, site work, and landscape.

Bret Gum for Cottages and Bungalows
Large eclectic u-shaped painted wood floor and multicolored floor open concept kitchen photo in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, colored appliances and white cabinets

Karuna Passive House designed by Holst Architecture and built by Hammer & Hand. This high performance home meets the world's most demanding green building certifications. Photo by Jeremy Bittermann.

www.sqftphotography.com
Inspiration for a timeless living room remodel in Nashville with brown walls

Beach style carpeted and multicolored floor enclosed dining room photo in New York with white walls

Photo: Jessica Cain © 2017 Houzz
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless l-shaped kitchen remodel in Kansas City with open cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, no island, white cabinets and wood countertops

This bedroom is simple and light. The large window brings in a lot of natural light. The modern four-poster bed feels just perfect for the space.
Mid-sized farmhouse master light wood floor, brown floor and vaulted ceiling bedroom photo in Denver with gray walls and no fireplace

Design and photo: Jordana Nicholson © 2016 Houzz
Eclectic dining room photo in Nashville

Art Gray
Rustic one-story wood flat roof idea in Austin with a green roof

Elegant home design photo in Chicago

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for a 1960s concrete floor bedroom remodel in Dallas with white walls

http://mollywinphotography.com
Mid-sized cottage brick floor double front door photo in Austin with white walls and a glass front door

Picture Perfect House
Inspiration for a contemporary master white tile marble floor and gray floor freestanding bathtub remodel in Chicago with flat-panel cabinets, an undermount sink and yellow countertops

Farshid Assassi
Contemporary mixed siding exterior home idea in Cedar Rapids