Brownstone Architect

Widely Recognized Hudson Valley Architects Specializing in Sustainable, Luxury Design Creating Inspired Homes and Commercial Spaces That Elevate Lifestyles and Honor the Environment

Elegant Restoration. Smart Renovation. Timeless Architecture Built to Last.

At Wright Architects, we specialize in the restoration, renovation, and reimagination of New York City brownstones, the architectural jewels of neighborhoods like the Upper East Side, and the Upper West Side. These 19th and early 20th century homes are more than structures, they are cultural artifacts, expressions of craftsmanship, and beloved icons of New York’s historic fabric. As a seasoned brownstone architect with over two decades of experience, we approach each project with a balance of technical mastery, regulatory insight, and deep respect for original architecture. Whether you’re restoring a single-family residence, converting a multi-unit property, or navigating a full landmark renovation, we’re here to help you protect what matters, and reimagine what’s possible.

What Makes Brownstone Renovation Unique?

Historic Character Meets Modern Complexity

Brownstone renovation is unlike any other form of residential architecture. Each home carries a rich history, often layered with decades of interventions, original materials, and city-specific quirks. These homes may appear similar from the street, but no two are truly alike.

Our brownstone renovation expertise includes:

Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) navigation: We guide clients through NYC’s complex landmark review process, preparing submission packages, presenting to boards, and securing Certificates of Appropriateness for exterior changes.
DOB permitting, zoning, and code compliance: From floor-area calculations to egress requirements, we ensure your renovation meets NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) standards and unlocks your property’s full potential.
Façade restoration and brownstone repair: We work with expert masons and historic materials to patch, rebuild, and preserve cornices, lintels, stoops, and decorative elements.
Interior preservation and reinterpretation: Whether you’re restoring parlor floor moldings, original fireplaces, or curved staircases, we know how to respect the soul of the home while improving flow and functionality.
Modern system integration: HVAC, radiant floors, smart lighting, and energy-efficient upgrades are thoughtfully integrated into existing spaces, without compromising aesthetics.
Structural reinforcement: Many brownstones require upgrades to joists, foundations, and party walls. We assess and address these needs with minimal disruption.
Sustainability strategies: We adapt Passive House and green building principles to brownstones, dramatically improving comfort, efficiency, and air quality.

What Wright Architects Offers

We offer comprehensive architectural services for brownstone homeowners, developers, and preservation-conscious families seeking to renovate with intention and integrity.

Whether you’re converting a multi-unit to single-family, updating a worn-out layout, or restoring a landmarked façade, we provide the experience, technical insight, and craftsmanship collaboration needed to do it right.

Our Services Include:

Facade Restoration & Landmark Compliance

Brownstone patching, cleaning, and full resurfacing
Cornice, lintel, stoop, and railing restoration or recreation
Historically accurate window replacement (LPC-approved)
Transom, entry door, and ironwork detailing
LPC documentation, submissions, and board presentations

Interior Renovation & Modernization

Reconfiguration of historic layouts for contemporary living
Open-plan kitchens, flexible family spaces, and new bathrooms
Parlor floor restoration, custom woodwork, and built-ins
Basement and cellar excavation or finishing for extra square footage
Attic conversions and rooftop level expansions (zoning dependent)

Sustainability & Building Science

Passive House-inspired strategies adapted for existing structures
HRV/ERV ventilation systems that preserve interior finishes
High-performance insulation and air sealing in party wall conditions
Solar readiness and EV charging planning (when zoning allows)
All-electric systems for future-forward energy resilience

Structural & System Integration

Joist sistering, steel reinforcement, and subfloor leveling
New plumbing stacks and electrical paneling
Fire-rated wall assemblies for multi-unit conversions
Flood zone planning and waterproofing for garden-level units
Smart home integration (lighting, AV, climate)

Credentials, Tools & Collaboration

Brownstone renovation requires precision, patience, and a team fluent in every aspect of building science, historic detailing, and New York City bureaucracy. At Wright Architects, we bring together industry-leading certifications, advanced digital tools, and long-standing professional relationships to help your project succeed, from the first concept to the final walkthrough.

Our Credentials & Capabilities:

Licensed Architects – New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut:
Fully credentialed with deep experience navigating NYC zoning, DOB filings, and residential construction complexity.

Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC):
Expertise in integrating high-performance building strategies into historic envelopes with minimal disruption to existing aesthetics.

Revit + BIM Modeling for Existing Conditions:
We use advanced software to model existing brownstones down to the joist, ensuring precise coordination, better contractor bids, and fewer surprises.

Energy Modeling & Envelope Strategy:
Our simulations help you plan for long-term performance improvements in comfort, efficiency, and operating costs.

Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) & DOB Coordination:
We manage every step of the permitting and approval process so you don’t have to, submitting, presenting, and advocating for your home at every review.

Relationships with NYC Preservation Contractors:
We work regularly with respected masons, millworkers, ironworkers, and interior trades who specialize in brownstones and landmarked homes.

Historic Materials Research & Period-Appropriate Sourcing:
From reclaimed pine flooring to slate roofing and salvaged hardware, we help source materials that match your home’s original era and elevate its story.

American Institute of Architects (AIA) Member:
Our profession is always evolving; we are proud to be part of the AIA which keeps us up to date not only on design trends but also the legalities of our profession..

Sustainable Building Advisors:
We are well versed in different sustainable strategies and technologies applicable to create energy efficient and healthy buildings.

We collaborate closely with interior designers, lighting consultants, landscape architects, and MEP engineers to ensure that your home functions just as beautifully as it looks.

Ready to Renovate Your Brownstone?

Your brownstone deserves more than a quick fix or cookie-cutter solution. It deserves a team that understands the architectural language of these historic homes, knows how to navigate New York City’s complex approval systems, and brings your ideas to life with honesty and precision.

At Wright Architects, we treat every brownstone with care, and every client with respect. Whether you’re looking to restore, reconfigure, or renew, we’re ready to be your trusted guide.

Let’s design a home that celebrates its heritage, and reflects your future.

WRIGHT ARCHITECTS

Words We Live By

We believe a company is only as good as its last project. Our clients’ satisfaction speaks for the quality of our work, and we’re proud to offer references upon request.

The design and construction process is a journey of discovery, allowing you to express your inner voice through thoughtfully crafted spaces and meaningful use of color.

The best designs evolve through multiple iterations, ultimately becoming a thoughtful blend of ideas refined along the way.

Anything is possible with design—it's simply a matter of time, resources, and thoughtful planning.

We design architecture that enriches everyday life, blending functionality with meaningful experience.

Sustainability isn’t an afterthought—it’s integrated into every aspect of our design and decision-making process.

Sustainability exists on many levels, each with its own impact on quality of life and cost. We help our clients find the right balance for their goals and budget.

A project's cost is influenced not just by its size, but also by the level of detail and complexity involved in its design and execution.

We design with sustainable principles at the core, without compromising the beauty of the structure or the quality of the spaces within.

Even in the Northeast, the sun can generate a significant amount of electricity during the winter months. The most effective approach is to first reduce a building's energy load through proper insulation and strategic orientation. Solar power, combined with battery backup, then becomes the icing on the cake—enhancing efficiency and resilience.

Our Promise to You

At WRIGHT ARCHITECTS, we’re not interested in cookie-cutter designs or short-term solutions. Our mission is to create spaces that last, architecturally, functionally, and emotionally. We are passionate about sustainability, but we’re also passionate about the people who live, work, and gather in the spaces we design.

When you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to help you:

Explore the possibilities of your property
Design something unique, thoughtful, and efficient
Navigate regulatory and logistical hurdles with ease
Achieve a final product that’s as inspiring as your initial vision

Whether you’re at the dreaming stage or ready to build tomorrow, let’s talk. Let us show you why so many clients across Ulster County, the Hudson Valley, and NYC trust WRIGHT ARCHITECTS to bring their vision to life with creativity, integrity, and care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are you licensed and certified to design energy-efficient buildings?

Absolutely. Our firm is fully licensed in New York State, and our architects carry certifications in Passive House design, LEED accreditation, and various NYSERDA Clean Energy initiatives. We continue to pursue advanced education in building science, energy modeling, and emerging technologies to stay on the cutting edge of performance architecture.

Q: Do you only serve Ulster County?

No. While we are proudly headquartered in Ulster County, we serve clients across the entire Hudson Valley, including Dutchess, Columbia, Orange, and Westchester counties, as well as select projects in New York City. Our regional expertise ensures familiarity with various building departments, zoning requirements, and community design boards.

Q: Can you help with permitting and contractor selection?

Yes. We assist with every administrative and logistical step of your project. This includes:
- Preparing and submitting permit drawings
- Zoning variance and planning board presentations
- Bidding packages and contractor interviews
- Project scheduling and construction administration
We have strong working relationships with reliable builders, engineers, and local consultants, and we advocate for our clients at every stage of construction.

Q: How do you ensure energy efficiency in your designs?

We take a multi-pronged approach:
1. Site and climate analysis to optimize orientation and shading.
2. Building envelope design focused on insulation, airtightness, and ventilation.
3. Mechanical system selection for optimal heating, cooling, and ventilation.
4. Energy modeling to simulate and optimize building performance.
5. Material selection based on environmental impact and durability.
Whether it’s Passive House, Net-Zero, or simply high-efficiency design, we help clients achieve exceptional performance.

Q: What kinds of projects do you specialize in?

Our core specialties include:
- Custom homes and estates
- Passive House and Net-Zero buildings
- Energy-efficient commercial developments
- Historic preservation and adaptive reuse
- Sustainable renovations and additions
We welcome projects of all sizes that align with our mission of thoughtful, environmentally responsible design.