Brownstone Architect NYC

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

Historic Integrity. Modern Performance. Architecture That Lasts Generations.

New York City’s brownstones are more than just residences, they’re cultural landmarks. With carved facades, stoop entries, rich woodwork, and storied histories, each one tells a unique tale. At Wright Architects, we consider it an honor to continue that story, respectfully, intelligently, and beautifully. As a leading brownstone architect in NYC, we specialize in the restoration, renovation, and transformation of historic brownstones throughout Brooklyn, Manhattan, Harlem, and landmarked neighborhoods citywide. Our work bridges the best of the past with the performance demands of the future, combining classical craftsmanship with Passive House design, code compliance, and modern function.

What Makes Brownstone Renovation Unique?

Complexity. Character. Compliance.

Renovating a brownstone in New York is unlike any other architectural project. These 19th-century structures, often protected by preservation laws and full of hidden challenges, require a specialized approach that blends art, science, and code fluency.

Wright Architects brings deep experience navigating the intersection of preservation, performance, and modern lifestyle needs. We don’t treat your brownstone as a blank slate, we treat it as a living structure with layers of history and technical nuance.

Our expertise includes:

Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) approvals
We prepare and submit detailed proposals, attend hearings, and coordinate with city agencies to ensure your renovation is both compliant and inspired.
Façade restoration, brownstone patching, and cornice reconstruction
Using period-accurate tools and materials, we restore the character that makes your home iconic, while correcting decades of deferred maintenance.
Structural upgrades: joists, party walls, foundations
We assess, repair, and strengthen aging structural elements without compromising finishes or layout.
Interior reconfiguration with preservation sensibility
Open kitchens, added baths, home offices, and flexible family spaces, designed to fit today’s lifestyle while respecting historic proportions and features.

Fire separation, soundproofing, and egress code compliance
We ensure your renovation meets the latest safety, legal, and zoning standards, especially critical in multi-unit conversions or family unifications.
Envelope and energy retrofits using Passive House principles
We enhance insulation, airtightness, and ventilation to bring 100-year-old buildings into Net-Zero territory, without altering their charm.
Multi-unit conversions: co-op, condo, and single-family transitions
Whether you’re restoring your dream home or converting a brownstone for investment or resale, we help you maximize value, flexibility, and code compliance.

Your brownstone has soul. We bring the structure, science, and stewardship to protect it, while helping it thrive in the modern world.

Full Architectural Services. Total Project Stewardship.

Brownstone renovations involve more than design, they require leadership. As your architectural partner, Wright Architects provides full-scope services from pre-purchase feasibility and LPC submissions to site supervision and close-out.

We act as the central steward of your project, managing design, compliance, consultants, and construction with rigor and responsiveness, so you can focus on your vision.

Our Full-Service Capabilities:

Existing Conditions Documentation
We create a 3D model of your brownstone using BIM/Revit, capturing every stair tread, molding profile, and condition for accurate planning.
Schematic Design & Programming
We collaborate to define goals, layout opportunities, and material direction, balancing family needs, historic references, and spatial elegance.
Permitting, LPC, and DOB Approvals
Our team prepares all architectural documentation for DOB filing, LPC review, and board submission, navigating NYC bureaucracy on your behalf.

Why Choose Wright Architects for Your NYC Brownstone?

Technical Mastery. Design Integrity. Local Know-How.

Renovating a New York brownstone isn’t just about taste, it’s about trust. Our clients choose Wright Architects because we offer a rare blend of historic sensitivity, building science fluency, and decades of NYC-specific experience.

When you work with Wright Architects, you’re choosing a partner who is:

Licensed in NYC & NY State – Fully credentialed to lead complex renovations in all five boroughs

Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC) – Experts in making historic homes energy-efficient and future-ready

LEED-Accredited (LEED AP) – Leaders in sustainable strategies for urban buildings

Experienced in LPC, DOB & zoning – Skilled at managing approvals, filings, and permits with speed and accuracy

Fluent in Revit/BIM – Modeling your project in 3D to identify challenges before construction begins

Connected to top preservation contractors – Working with craftsmen who understand brownstones inside and out

Recognized by clients and press alike – Known for combining sensitivity with innovation in landmarked spaces

Ready to Renovate Your Brownstone in NYC?

Let’s design a home that respects your building’s past, elevates its performance, and reflects your lifestyle. Whether you’re opening up a parlor floor, restoring ornate plasterwork, or discreetly integrating modern systems behind century-old walls, Wright Architects brings the care, technical expertise, and design vision to make it seamless, from concept to construction. We believe every brownstone holds a story worth preserving, and our role is to help you continue that story beautifully, sustainably, and intelligently.

Our process is rooted in collaboration and precision. We guide you through each stage, from navigating LPC and DOB approvals to refining layouts, selecting materials, and overseeing construction, to ensure your renovation honors the craftsmanship of the past while embracing the standards of modern living. With deep local knowledge and a trusted network of preservation contractors, we deliver results that balance history, comfort, and long-term value.

We proudly serve clients across New York City, including:

Park Slope • Brooklyn Heights • Carroll Gardens • Fort Greene
Upper West Side • Harlem • Clinton Hill • West Village
Cobble Hill • Prospect Heights • Boerum Hill and beyond

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.