Co-Op 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

Architecture That Works for You, and Your Building

Renovating in a New York City co-op requires more than design expertise, it demands a deep understanding of structure, regulations, and process. At Wright Architects, we bring over two decades of experience navigating co-op board approvals, DOB filings, and complex building constraints. From unit combinations and kitchen upgrades to landmark restorations and full-building improvements, we deliver elegant, efficient architecture that enhances both lifestyle and long-term value.

Why Co-Op Renovations in NYC Demand a Specialized Architect

Design Isn’t the Only Hurdle, Process Is Everything

Co-op buildings are among NYC’s most cherished residential assets, but renovating inside them is anything but simple. They often involve older construction, outdated systems, and stringent review processes that can stall a project if not handled properly.

At Wright Architects, we act as both your design lead and strategic advocate. We don’t just make your space beautiful, we get it built.

Here’s how we help you move forward, faster and smarter:

Co-op Board Approvals & Alteration Agreements: We understand what boards look for and prepare clear, comprehensive submission packages to streamline the process.
DOB Permits, Inspections & Sign-Offs: From ALT2 filings to energy code compliance, we handle all permit documentation with precision.
Shared Systems & Building Infrastructure: We work around plumbing stacks, risers, slab thicknesses, and joist limitations without compromising your goals.
Fire Rating, Acoustics & Code Compliance: From soundproofing to egress planning, we ensure every detail meets DOB and FDNY standards.
Construction Logistics & Building Etiquette: We coordinate with supers, elevator operators, and property managers to avoid disruption and maintain goodwill.
Landmark Buildings & LPC Compliance: In historic co-ops, we manage facade and interior submissions to NYC’s Landmarks Preservation Commission with accuracy and care.

What We Offer as Your Co-Op Architect in NYC

Full Architectural Services, Designed for Co-Op Success: We work seamlessly across scales, whether you’re upgrading a single apartment, redesigning common spaces, or converting an entire building.

Individual shareholders renovating or combining units
Co-op boards planning lobby or amenity upgrades
Property managers overseeing phased improvements
Developers converting multi-family properties into co-ops

Unit Renovations & Interior Design: We help residents and investors transform tired interiors into high-performance, customized homes.

Full and partial gut renovations
Layout reconfigurations to maximize light and space
Kitchen and bathroom redesigns with integrated storage
Smart home wiring and built-in AV
Custom lighting plans and millwork detailing
HVAC and ventilation integration (mini-splits, HRVs, ducted systems)
ADA-compliant and aging-in-place planning

Common Space & Amenity Upgrades : We partner with co-op boards and property managers to redesign shared spaces that enhance comfort, function, and property value. From modernizing lobbies and mailrooms to improving amenities, lighting, and accessibility, our designs bring cohesion, efficiency, and timeless appeal to the building’s collective identity.

Full-Building Retrofits & Co-Op Conversions: We help developers and boards reimagine older properties for today’s market demands.

Brownstone or multifamily-to-co-op conversions
Facade restorations and LPC filings
Envelope upgrades, insulation, and air sealing
Building-wide HVAC and plumbing coordination
Egress and zoning planning
Phased project execution with minimal disruption to residents

Whether you’re a shareholder, developer, or co-op board member, we can help you communicate your project clearly and professionally.

Let us know what you need, our team is here to make the complex simple, the process smooth, and the results exceptional.

Credentials, Tools & Professional Partnerships

More Than Designers, We’re Strategic Partners in Your Co-Op Success

Renovating in NYC requires more than a good eye, it takes technical fluency, proven experience, and a trusted network. Wright Architects brings all three.

What sets Wright Architects apart is the combination of technical expertise, sustainability leadership, and deep familiarity with NYC’s building ecosystem. As licensed New York State architects and Certified Passive House Consultants, we bring a scientific approach to design, balancing energy efficiency, comfort, and air quality with refined aesthetics. Our LEED-accredited team integrates environmental responsibility into every decision, ensuring that each project contributes to both long-term value and everyday livability.

We use advanced tools like Revit and BIM modeling to visualize designs in 3D, coordinate complex building systems, and minimize on-site conflicts. Our mastery of DOB eFiling, Hub Self-Service, and Landmarks Preservation Commission procedures allows us to handle permits and approvals seamlessly, removing the friction that often slows NYC co-op projects. With a strong network of engineers, expeditors, and contractors, we ensure that every project runs smoothly, aligned with building rules, logistics, and noise restrictions.

Beyond technology and credentials, our experience across dozens of New York City co-op buildings, from pre-war Upper West Side residences to modern Brooklyn conversions, gives us the insight to anticipate challenges and guide our clients confidently. We bring precision, collaboration, and accountability to every phase, turning even the most complex renovations into well-coordinated success stories.

Ready to Renovate Your NYC Co-Op Apartment or Building?

You don’t have to juggle designers, expeditors, engineers, and contractors on your own. At Wright Architects, we take the lead, coordinating every moving part of your renovation so you can focus on the results, not the red tape. Whether you’re combining apartments in a landmarked building, gut-renovating your home with sustainability and comfort in mind, or overseeing a capital improvement project with your co-op board, we bring clarity, structure, and creativity to every step.

From concept to completion, we manage design, permitting, approvals, and construction coordination with precision and transparency. Our process is built around communication, keeping you, your board, and your contractor informed and aligned at every milestone. With decades of experience working within the rules and nuances of NYC co-ops, we know how to anticipate challenges, minimize delays, and deliver exceptional results that respect both your building and your budget.

When you work with Wright Architects, you gain a trusted partner who advocates for your vision, protects your investment, and brings technical expertise and artistic insight to every decision. Let’s create a home, and a process, that’s as seamless and inspiring as the final design.

Let’s Transform Your Space – Without the Stress

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.