By Karen Fisher
Rule #1: Use a Brownstone Design SpecialistI usually believe that a good architect can do any design project well; but the exception is Manhattan brownstones. In New York, renovating a brownstone calls for a very specialized skill set: knowledge of landmark law, the ability to get changes through the city and a very experienced office. New York Brownstone Specialists are a cross between the savviest commercial architect and the most tender interior designer: knowing how to get the job done and at the same time being able to detail the closets.
There’s too much at stake in renovating a brownstone not to use an architect who has walked through this at least once. What makes brownstones different than the usual architectural challenge is that the architect is completely responsible for all the plumbing, electrical and engineering portions of the job. Aesthetics sometimes feel like an afterthought, even though that’s the reason one hires an architect for a brownstone renovation. When a client is renovating a New York brownstone, I always show them experienced brownstone architects – and they all thank me afterwards!