NYC Townhouse Renovation

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. Built for the Way You Live.

In a city where every brick tells a story, your townhouse deserves an architect who understands both the history behind the façade, and the future you envision inside. At Wright Architects, we specialize in NYC townhouse renovations that honor the architectural soul of the past while bringing each space fully into the 21st century.

Whether you’re restoring a brownstone in Brooklyn, renovating a Federal-style townhouse in Manhattan, or converting a landmarked Harlem property into a multi-generational home, we bring over two decades of experience balancing preservation with performance.

We don’t just renovate, we reimagine. Our team guides clients through:

Full gut renovations that respect original character while reconfiguring for modern living
Façade restorations that meet LPC guidelines and enhance curb appeal
Energy-efficient upgrades that reduce operating costs without compromising design
Vertical and rear-yard expansions, conversions, and structural retrofits

We know the intricacies of working in NYC, from tight construction sites and shared party walls to Department of Buildings (DOB) compliance and Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) approvals. We manage these details with precision so you can focus on what matters: creating a home that’s elegant, functional, and enduring.

Why Choose Wright Architects for Your NYC Townhouse Renovation?

Experience That’s Grounded in the City

Renovating a townhouse in New York City is vastly different from building new. It requires deep respect for the structure’s original craftsmanship, an understanding of city infrastructure, and a strategic, creative approach to design and execution.

At Wright Architects, we’ve completed successful townhouse projects across the five boroughs. We know what it takes to move a renovation forward in:

Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Fort Greene – where we preserve brownstone charm while opening interiors for light and flow
Harlem, West Village, Upper West Side – where every window, cornice, and railing matters to the Landmarks Commission
Bed-Stuy, Clinton Hill, Crown Heights – where modern families need flexible layouts, upgraded systems, and outdoor access

We’ve worked on buildings that are:

Over 100 years old
Landmark-protected
Previously neglected or partially renovated
In need of structural reinforcement or gut rehab

We bring both surgical precision and big-picture thinking, understanding how to modernize without erasing the past.

We Know the Systems, and the City

Our process is built on fluency in:

DOB codes, including special inspections and energy reporting
LPC submission processes, including Certificate of No Effect and Certificate of Appropriateness
Landmarked property compliance, including exterior restoration and materials matching
Working within tight urban lots where access, logistics, and staging must be carefully planned

Sustainability + Beauty

At Wright Architects, sustainability is woven into the DNA of every townhouse we touch. We believe that preserving a building’s historic beauty and upgrading its performance go hand in hand.

We are among NYC’s few firms that specialize in:

Passive House retrofits for townhomes and brownstones
Net-Zero energy strategies in historic structures
High-performance envelopes, including air sealing, super-insulation, and advanced glazing
Ventilation systems that improve indoor air quality while conserving energy (ERV/HRV)
Smart HVAC planning, including VRF systems, radiant heat, and ducted mini-splits

A townhouse renovation isn’t just an upgrade, it’s an opportunity to create a home that’s better for your family and the environment.

Honoring the Past, Protecting the Future

When it comes to renovating a landmarked townhouse or brownstone in NYC, the difference between a good project and a great one often lies in the details, and the approvals. At Wright Architects, we specialize in navigating the complex landscape of historic preservation and Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) compliance, while delivering designs that blend timeless character with modern livability.

Whether you’re restoring a deteriorated façade, replacing windows, or planning a full gut renovation within a landmark district, we ensure that every design decision respects your building’s history, and meets NYC’s stringent preservation requirements.

Our Preservation Services Include:

LPC Application Preparation & Representation: We prepare all drawings, narratives, materials boards, and documentation needed for LPC review. We also represent your project during LPC presentations and revisions, helping you obtain Certificates of No Effect, Appropriateness, or Minor Work approvals.
Facade Restoration and Brownstone Re-pointing: From brickwork to carved lintels and cast-iron railings, we coordinate the careful cleaning, repair, and replacement of damaged elements using historically appropriate methods and materials.
Custom Window Replacement: We design and specify code-compliant, LPC-approved windows that preserve sightlines and aesthetics, often matching originals in profile, operation, and detail.
Recreation of Missing Details: In cases where original features have been lost or altered, we research period-appropriate precedents to recreate them accurately, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern fabrication techniques.

These upgrades aren’t just about performance, they’re about peace of mind, wellness, and long-term value. And our team ensures they’re executed with the discretion and detailing required by historic interiors.

Ready to Renovate Your NYC Townhouse?

Let’s Make History, Together.

Whether you’re restoring an 1890s brownstone, updating a pre-war walkup, or converting a multi-unit townhouse into a single-family home, Wright Architects brings the knowledge, sensitivity, and precision to do it right.

We combine award-worthy design with behind-the-scenes expertise, from LPC submissions to MEP coordination and contractor communication. With us, your home’s next chapter begins with purpose.

In a city where time is money and precision is everything, Wright Architects invests in tools that give our clients clarity and confidence from start to finish.

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.