Search results for "Approval" in Home Design Ideas

Nestled within seven acres of sloping hickory and oak forest overlooking Berkshire Lake in Taghkanic, New York is a 4,000 square foot lake house designed by JZA+D. This registered LEED for Homes residence proved rather challenging due to wetlands requiring JZA+D to work through the permitting approval process with the NY Department of Conservation. The project also required the review and approval by the Community Board.
With impressive views of the lake the home is dynamic and modern with a rustic feeling featuring stone walls, a large open-air porch and a two story chimney with two high efficiency fireplaces. The main living spaces open up to dynamic views of the lake and surrounding hillside.
Utilizing sustainable geothermal and solar energy, this LEED home also features tankless water heaters and double pane low-E Argon filled windows. All sustainable systems utilize heat recovery applications.

The scope of work for this new custom home included Preliminary Design, Design Review submittal and approval, Architectural Design, Site Planning and Building Permit submittal and approval. Thayer Architecture Inc. worked closely with the Owner to create an aesthetically pleasing and functional design that fit the requirements of the Town, the Owner and the Site. Lighting and interior design were by others.

The scope of work for this major remodeling project in Mill Valley included Preliminary Design, Design Review submittal and approval, Architectural Design, and Building Permit submittal and approval. Thayer Architecture Inc. worked closely with the Owner to create an aesthetically pleasing and functional design that fit the requirements of the Town, the Owner and the Site. Lighting and interior design were by others.
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Elegant Residential Design in Chicago | KC Architects
Looking to build your dream home, expand your space, or undertake a major renovation? KC Architects brings exceptional residential design expertise, seamless project management, and a unique international perspective to homeowners throughout the Chicagoland area.
Led by licensed architect Katarzyna Cimoch, our full-service firm bridges the gap between old-world artistry and modern living. As a prominent Polish architect in Chicago, Katarzyna beautifully combines European craftsmanship and timeless design excellence with contemporary American sensibilities.
Why Choose KC Architects?
Exclusive Residential Focus: We specialize only in residential architecture—from custom new construction to high-end renovations and seamless additions.
Dual-State Licensing: Principal architect Katarzyna Cimoch holds active architectural licenses in both Illinois and Florida.
Full-Service Execution: We don't just hand over drawings; we guide you through every step of the journey, ensuring your vision is built to perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services do you provide?
We offer comprehensive, end-to-end architectural services. This includes initial custom design, navigating the municipal permitting and approval processes, and providing hands-on construction supervision throughout the build phase.
Do you handle additions and renovations?
Absolutely. Whether you want to build a custom estate from the ground up or design a beautiful home addition to accommodate a growing family, we tailor our designs to fit your lifestyle.
What areas do you serve?
We proudly serve the City of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs.
How do we get started, and how long does it take?
Every successful project begins with a comprehensive initial consultation to discuss your vision, budget, and scope. Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the design and local approval processes, which we will map out for you during our early planning phases.
Let’s Build Something Beautiful Together
We invite you to view our portfolio here on Houzz. Ready to discuss your project? Drop us a message or schedule your initial consultation today!
Contact KC Architects to bring European design excellence to your Chicago home.

This new, ground-up home was recently built atop the Richmond Hills.
Despite the beautiful site with its panoramic 270-degree view, the lot had been left undeveloped over the years due to its modest size and challenging approval issues. Saikley Architects handled the negotiations for County approvals, and worked closely with the owner-builder to create a 2,300 sq. ft., three bedroom, two-and-a-half bath family home that maximizes the site’s potential.
The first-time owner-builder is a landscape builder by trade, and Saikley Architects coordinated closely with for him on this spec home. Saikley Architects provided building design details which the owner then carried through in many unique interior design and furniture design details throughout the house.
Photo by Chi Chin Photography.
https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/hilltop-contemporary/

C&G A-Plus Interior Remodeling is remodeling general contractor that specializes in the renovation of apartments in New York City. Our areas of expertise lie in renovating bathrooms, kitchens, and complete renovations of apartments. We also have experience in horizontal and vertical combinations of spaces. We rely on knowledgeable office staff that will help get your project approved with building management and board. We act quickly upon building approval and contract. We can be ready to start a project in as little as three business days. Rest assured you will be guided by team all the way through until completion.

The scope of work for this major remodeling project in Mill Valley included Preliminary Design, Design Review submittal and approval, Architectural Design, and Building Permit submittal and approval. Thayer Architecture Inc. worked closely with the Owner to create an aesthetically pleasing and functional design that fit the requirements of the Town, the Owner and the Site. Lighting and interior design were by others.

Our client recently purchased a newly-constructed home in order to downsize and have a low- maintenance home and yard. The existing side yard/back yard was undeveloped by the builder, leaving the homeowner with the huge challenge of creating a great outdoor entertaining space for family and friends, while creating privacy and overcoming the over 8-foot steep drop from the existing back porch down to the alley.
The grade was the largest challenge because the space was so narrow with such a large fall from existing porch to the property line. The second largest challenge is that this residence is located in a semi-private community where HOA approval of plans and materials is difficult, as all the residences here share a similar look and feel with a very clean and contemporary aesthetic.
We had to precisely shoot grades to know what kinds of retaining walls would need to be constructed along with how much backfill soil and dirt movement would need to be done. After that the design had to carefully consider the space with maximum functionality for outdoor entertainment with newly constructed walls to ensure it would last for many years to come. All of this was done with multiple meetings with the homeowners who are a retired engineer and active architect themselves. Once a design was settled upon, then submission to the HOA board of approval had to be completed and signed off on with all questions and concerns answered for the community by-laws.
The two biggest difficulties within the construction phase were that the neighbor next to the back yard had a large retaining wall not properly backfilled up to the property line. That neighbor wouldn’t allow us proper access and control to help alleviate the issues, so we had to skillfully work around this to ensure what we constructed would last, despite their property not being properly addressed. We also had to go through multiple shipments from the manufacturer due to large variances in the material’s appearance on the steps and another shipment that was broken during shipping. These two things delayed the project we were working to complete before the spring so the homeowner could have the maximum use of the space this year.
Topping off this challenging construction was a beautiful palette of native grasses, rosemary, groundcover, granite walkways, and synthetic grass to ensure year-round, practically effortless beauty.

We helped Vishal and Ishita renovate their 1,300-square-foot home in the prime Upper West Side location. The original layout included separate living room and dining rooms, and a long narrow hallway throughout the apartment.
The clients wanted to complete a full apartment renovation and make the layout more functional by combining the living room with a dining room and part of the hallway to create a large open living space.
The design challenge was to deliver a modern yet classic aesthetic for the entire apartment that combined the existing design elements with the proposed upgrades.
The goal was to combine the dining and living room areas creating a harmonious flow of natural light and air and increase the living space for entertainment. The design solution offered a modernized living room with recessed lighting, custom built-in shelving and an open layout, new flooring, lighting and painting for the entire apartment. The design and architectural teams collaborated to create the best layout to cater to the clients’ preferences. Finally, the choice was made and the clients felt confident in their decision.
Before the building stage began, the architect and project planning teams worked together to create and approve the architectural drawings with the building board and the Department of Buildings.
After the new layout was approved, the construction team completed a full apartment renovation including the removal of walls, refinishing of the entire apartment, including walls, ceilings, doors, and windows, replacement of the floors, and installation of the light fixtures and recessed lighting.
In a matter of several weeks, Ishita and Vishal had a newly-remodeled home that expressed their style, vision and improved functionality.

Matt McCourtney, McCourtney Photographics
The scope of work for this new custom home included Preliminary Design, Design Review submittal and approval, Architectural Design, Site Planning and Building Permit submittal and approval. Thayer Architecture Inc. worked closely with the Owner to create an aesthetically pleasing and functional design that fit the requirements of the Town, the Owner and the Site. Lighting and interior design were by others.

We were excited when the homeowners of this project approached us to help them with their whole house remodel as this is a historic preservation project. The historical society has approved this remodel. As part of that distinction we had to honor the original look of the home; keeping the façade updated but intact. For example the doors and windows are new but they were made as replicas to the originals. The homeowners were relocating from the Inland Empire to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. One of their requests was additional living space. In order to achieve this we added a second story to the home while ensuring that it was in character with the original structure. The interior of the home is all new. It features all new plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Although the home is a Spanish Revival the homeowners style on the interior of the home is very traditional. The project features a home gym as it is important to the homeowners to stay healthy and fit. The kitchen / great room was designed so that the homewoners could spend time with their daughter and her children. The home features two master bedroom suites. One is upstairs and the other one is down stairs. The homeowners prefer to use the downstairs version as they are not forced to use the stairs. They have left the upstairs master suite as a guest suite.
Enjoy some of the before and after images of this project:
http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3549200/old-garage-office-turned-gym-in-los-angeles
http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3558821/la-face-lift-for-the-patio
http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3569717/la-kitchen-remodel
http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3579013/los-angeles-entry-hall
http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3592549/exterior-shots-of-a-whole-house-remodel-in-la
http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3607481/living-dining-rooms-become-a-library-and-formal-dining-room-in-la
http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3628842/bathroom-makeover-in-los-angeles-ca
http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3640770/sweet-dreams-la-bedroom-remodels
Exterior: Approved by the historical society as a Spanish Revival, the second story of this home was an addition. All of the windows and doors were replicated to match the original styling of the house. The roof is a combination of Gable and Hip and is made of red clay tile. The arched door and windows are typical of Spanish Revival. The home also features a Juliette Balcony and window.
Library / Living Room: The library offers Pocket Doors and custom bookcases.
Powder Room: This powder room has a black toilet and Herringbone travertine.
Kitchen: This kitchen was designed for someone who likes to cook! It features a Pot Filler, a peninsula and an island, a prep sink in the island, and cookbook storage on the end of the peninsula. The homeowners opted for a mix of stainless and paneled appliances. Although they have a formal dining room they wanted a casual breakfast area to enjoy informal meals with their grandchildren. The kitchen also utilizes a mix of recessed lighting and pendant lights. A wine refrigerator and outlets conveniently located on the island and around the backsplash are the modern updates that were important to the homeowners.
Master bath: The master bath enjoys both a soaking tub and a large shower with body sprayers and hand held. For privacy, the bidet was placed in a water closet next to the shower. There is plenty of counter space in this bathroom which even includes a makeup table.
Staircase: The staircase features a decorative niche
Upstairs master suite: The upstairs master suite features the Juliette balcony
Outside: Wanting to take advantage of southern California living the homeowners requested an outdoor kitchen complete with retractable awning. The fountain and lounging furniture keep it light.
Home gym: This gym comes completed with rubberized floor covering and dedicated bathroom. It also features its own HVAC system and wall mounted TV.

Matt McCourtney, McCourtney Photographics
The scope of work for this new custom home included Preliminary Design, Design Review submittal and approval, Architectural Design, Site Planning and Building Permit submittal and approval. Thayer Architecture Inc. worked closely with the Owner to create an aesthetically pleasing and functional design that fit the requirements of the Town, the Owner and the Site. Lighting and interior design were by others.

For this Victorian-era home in the Albany historic district, it was essential for us to maintain historic design guidelines. This required a historic design review and approval by the Historic Landmarks Commission before we could start the project. Once approved, we replicated the existing porch design while removing the poor framing details supporting the porch. Almost everything out of view was in dangerous disrepair and required complete reconstruction. In addition to restoring the porch in accordance with historic design guidelines, we repaired the wood windows and installed matching storm windows. Our clients now enjoy the stunning curb appeal of their historic home and peace of mind knowing the structure is solid.
Funny Story: Halfway through this project, someone lost control of their vehicle as it headed in the direction of the home. Luckily, they regained control of their vehicle 4 feet from the project, avoiding a huge disaster!

A job of this scope always starts by having our client meet with our architect, designer and project manager to go over what their vision is. Once the project is understood drawings are made and submitted to the client and the city for approval.
Once everything is submitted and approved we had to have perimeter fencing, a container for all the debris, a secure gate, and a portable restroom facility for our workers.
After the site has been prepped and is ready for work we disconnected all the electrical and main water line to begin the demolition. For this project, we had to demolish most of the walls in the kitchen.
In addition, this is what we did:
Demo all vinyl tile and carpet from the living room, kitchen, hallway, and bathroom.
Block outlet above the stove
Install in the kitchen faucet and garbage disposal- customer to supply
Demo the shower and install a new faucet
New outlet above vanity
New hot mop, new wood stud as necessary, new fan and install new shower door
Install tile in the shower
Install 2 LED fluorescent light above the garage
Remove 1 heater
Install 12-foot walls, drywall both sides
Replace LED lights
There were many, many details in this project that we don’t have the space to go into here.

The scope of work for this major remodeling project in Mill Valley included Preliminary Design, Design Review submittal and approval, Architectural Design, and Building Permit submittal and approval. Thayer Architecture Inc. worked closely with the Owner to create an aesthetically pleasing and functional design that fit the requirements of the Town, the Owner and the Site. Lighting and interior design were by others.

Most of the effort in this small flat for a couple in Brooklyn’s Prospect Heights neighborhood was characterized by the removal of walls and finishes to reveal the space that was hidden behind multiple renovations. The exposed brick and concrete were supplemented with wood and steel to create a raw but elegant palette. Built-in and custom storage make clever use of valuable Brooklyn real estate, where mere inches count for everything.
Full architectural design services, regulatory approvals, HOA approvals, construction administration.

The scope of work for this new custom home included Preliminary Design, Design Review submittal and approval, Architectural Design, Site Planning and Building Permit submittal and approval. Thayer Architecture Inc. worked closely with the Owner to create an aesthetically pleasing and functional design that fit the requirements of the Town, the Owner and the Site. Lighting and interior design were by others.

The owner of this historic and landmarked town-home renovation in Hudson Square, originally built in 1826, hired Gallery Kitchen and Bath to fully gut-renovate this 3-unit row-home. The scope of work included a full-scale renovation of the owners unit, including the renovation of the kitchen, one 4-piece master ensuite bathroom, one 3-piece bathroom with a walk-in steam shower, and a beautiful powder room. Additional work in the owners unit also included flooring, electrical upgrade, major plumbing work, new HVAC system, restoration of a fireplace, installation of a fully integrated smart home system and landmarked approved windows.
CELLAR RENOVATION IN NYC LANDMARKED TOWN-HOME
Rounding out the owners unit we renovated the cellar, which was converted into an entertainment space and featured a custom glass curtain wall, along with a custom staircase with an exposed brick wall. During the demolition phase of the cellar, our team discovered 56 wine jugs filled with wine from the prohibition era, leading us to name this project the prohibition house. For the two tenant units, Gallery Kitchen and Bath undertook the renovation of 2 kitchens, 4 bathrooms, new hardwood flooring throughout, along with detailed carpentry work in the entire home.
WHY GALLERY KITCHEN AND BATH
After interviewing multiple contractors, our client decided on Gallery Kitchen and Bath primarily because of our turnkey design, selection, and build process. In a renovation of this magnitude it is crucial to have a centralized full service contractor under one roof to handle all of the aspects and simultaneous moving parts of the project. Decentralizing the entire process by having multiple unaffiliated vendors handle various parts of the process can easily become chaotic, time consuming, and costly.
Because Gallery Kitchen and Bath undertook the entire process, from the design of the entire space to the selection and procurement of all finishes and fixtures, down to the procurement of all permits and LPC filings, it made a seemingly chaotic project a’lot more manageable.
PHASE 1: DESIGN, SELECTION, PROCUREMENT
Our client wanted the renovation to incorporate a fully modern design into his Hudson Square town-house. Being that this is a landmarked property, the exterior facade had to be restored and kept with the original aesthetic, the interior of the home however was a whole different story.
In keeping up with the modern aesthetic, our designers went to work to design a custom kitchen that included fully custom flat panel base cabinets in a white high gloss finish and an absolute matte black appliance/pantry wall. The kitchen design also included a white quartz countertop and backsplash with a waterfall edge island. To bring warmth to the modern kitchen, our designers incorporated a rifted and quartered select oak wood floor in a herringbone pattern, and custom blended stain with matte polyurethane finish. For continuity, the wood floor was also extended throughout the entire owners unit.
In the ensuite bathroom we created a “wet area” which houses a standalone soaking tub as well as a beautiful rainfall shower, completely leveled with the rest of the floor in the bathroom. Some highlights within this space include a tiled square drain, large niche cutouts with a carrera marble accents. Once again, to bring warmth to this modern bathroom, our designers incorporated a floating rustic oak vanity and carrera marble mosaic floor tile.
Last on the list on the owners unit floor was the cellar, which our client wanted to utilize as an entertainment space for his friends and family. During the design phase, we incorporated an open concept layout, wedding the indoor and outdoor space with a custom glass curtain wall. The design also included custom walnut built-ins that serve as a custom wet bar and storage piece.
With the design approved and selections made our office liaisons moved to procure all of the material selections and finishes.
PHASE 2: DEMO
Because this home is almost two centuries old, we had to take extra precaution during the interior demolition phase of the project. One specific area that we had to pay special attention to was the existing brick. Over time the mortar in old brick homes deteriorates and turns into dust – for this reason it was extremely important that a thorough and ongoing inspection of the exteriors and interior walls took place during the demolition of the space.
After 14 30-yard debris containers and 56 wine filled jugs from the prohibition era later , the demolition of this historic Hudson Square town-home came to an end. If you are wondering whether we tried the wine? After notifying the owner we agreed to open one of the jugs and try them together – nothing but vinegar.
PHASE 3: BUILD
One of the challenges in a renovation project of this scope is nailing down the logistics and delivery of fixtures and finish material. Adding to this challenge was a narrow entry door that required us to use a boom truck in order to deliver some of the larger materials on site. To ensure a succinct time schedule, we boomed all of the materials through the 3rd floor for the entire project and worked our renovation work from top floor to cellar. This technique also insured that any unexpected water issues during the renovation process would not damage a finished floor.
With all roughing and framing complete, the Gallery KBNY team proceeded to execute on the design plan.
THE REVEAL
From what was once a dilapidated town-home with nothing but potential, to a glamorous and luxurious modern interior space – the prohibition house was complete. Ready to speak with us about your renovation project? Contact us to schedule your free consultation and let Gallery KBNY show you why our all-inclusive approach to your renovation is the smartest way to renovating in NYC.
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