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Luxury penthouse living room renovation in New York City featuring a white marble fireplace, modern spiral chandelier, and double-height ceilings with arched openings. design-build project by Chapter.
Luxury Penthouse Design-Build Renovation, NYC, New York
Luxury penthouse living room renovation in New York City featuring a white marble fireplace, modern spiral chandelier, and double-height ceilings with arched openings. design-build project by Chapter.
Luxury Penthouse Design-Build Renovation, NYC, New York

Design-build
services in NYC

Renovating in New York City requires more than just a contractor. It takes a coordinated team that understands co-op boards, condo alteration agreements, Department of Buildings (DOB) filings, the challenge of coordinating multiple vendors, and the logistics of renovations in NYC. Let’s face it: even simple renovations can quickly become overwhelming without the right partner.

Chapter is a trusted New York City design-build renovation company. We provide a builder-led design-build service that unites architects, interior designers, engineers, and project managers under one roof. Our builder-led process and model eliminates friction, shortens timelines, and ensures your renovation is delivered on schedule, on budget, and built to last.

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Why choose design-build for your NYC renovation?

Traditional home renovations in New York City often require hiring an architect, designer, and contractor separately. That means three contracts, three points of contact, and often three opportunities for miscommunication.

Design-build offers a smarter, more efficient renovation process that keeps everything under one roof:

Chapter's Design-Build Model

Chapter’s Design-Build Model

Traditional Model (Design-Bid-Build)

Traditional Model (Design-Bid-Build)

One dedicated team, one contract
Multiple vendors, multiple contracts
Collaborative design + build from the start
Architect designs, contractor bids
Budgets and schedules locked in earlier
Cost overruns and delays are common
Chapter manages everything in-house
Homeowner manages communication between vendors
Single point of responsibility
Limited accountability

With Chapter’s design-build renovation model, New York City homeowners gain clarity, accountability, and peace of mind from concept to completion.

Modern duplex apartment kitchen renovation in Tribeca, New York City, featuring light wood cabinetry, minimalist island, and open dining area. design-build project by Chapter.
Duplex Apartment Design-Build Renovation, Tribeca, NYC, New York

Why design-build is essential in NYC

Renovating in New York City is unlike anywhere else. Chapter’s team is deeply experienced in:

Building icon representing co-op and condo approval process

Co-op & condo approvals

We prepare alteration packages, present to boards, and manage communication with building management.

Permit document icon representing DOB filing and code compliance

DOB filing & compliance

From permits to inspections, we ensure everything is code-compliant and approved.

Historic building icon representing landmark and pre-war property renovations

Landmark & historic properties

We navigate LPC rules when working on brownstones, townhouses, and pre-war apartments.

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Building logistics

We coordinate trades and deliveries around strict work hours and elevator restrictions.

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Buildable design

Layouts that fit your style while meeting NYC codes and board rules, avoiding costly revisions.

This expertise allows us to deliver projects seamlessly in Manhattan neighborhoods like the Upper East Side, Tribeca, and SoHo, as well as Brooklyn brownstones in Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, and Brooklyn Heights.

Our design & build process in NYC

We follow a structured, proven process that removes guesswork and keeps your renovation moving.

1. Project set up

  • Kickoff call – Meet your project manager and designer, review workflows, and align on next steps.
  • Site visit – Assess existing conditions, gather measurements, and review your renovation goals.
  • Building requirements – For condos and co-ops, we collect all alteration agreement documents.
  • Architect introduction – When architectural drawings are needed, we bring in one of our vetted partners and oversee the process through city approval.
Chapter project team meeting with designers and project managers reviewing renovation plans in a modern conference room during project setup phase.
Chapter project team reviewing renovation plans and building approval process, writing notes on a glass board in a bright NYC office during pre-construction phase.

2. Building approval & pre-construction

Before construction can begin, every NYC renovation must secure approvals from both the building and the city. Chapter manages this entire process in-house.

  • Inspections & risk assessment – Electrical load tests, asbestos checks, and probes confirm safety and readiness.
  • Project coordinator oversight – Your Project Coordinator collects all required documents, prepares and submits the alteration package to the building, and manages communication until the building grants final approval.
  • Construction schedule – Your project manager creates a baseline schedule aligned with building requirements.
  • DOB filing & permits – Once final approval from the building is obtained, our team files with the Department of Buildings and secures all necessary permits.

3. Design phase

(Happens in Parallel with Approvals)

While permits and approvals are moving forward, our design team develops your project simultaneously to save time and keep everything on track.

  • Programming - Your dedicated Chapter designer begins with a design questionnaire, walkthrough, and mood boards to establish your style, functional needs, and budget.
  • Development - We guide you through showroom visits, procure samples, and prepare drafted floor plans, elevations, and photorealistic renderings, refined through collaborative revisions.
  • Finalization – All materials, finishes, and fixtures are approved, and a complete set of technical drawings is delivered, ensuring your design is fully ready for construction.

At every step, our designers balance aesthetics with budget and timeline, so when approvals are complete, your materials are ready and construction can begin without delay

Chapter design team collaborating on material samples, color palettes, and floor plans during the design phase of a NYC renovation project.
Renovation project kick-off scene showing an empty apartment with new flooring materials, paint samples, and fixtures prepared for installation in a NYC home.

4. Kick-off

Once approvals are in place, we prepare the project for construction.

  • Material procurement – All finishes and fixtures are ordered in alignment with the construction schedule.
  • Pre-construction survey – Existing conditions in hallways and common areas are documented to protect the building.
  • Superintendent meeting – Your project manager and Project Coordinator meet with the building superintendent to review rules, logistics, and ensure a smooth construction phase.

5. Construction

Once approvals are in place, we prepare the project for construction.

  • Demolition to finishes – Chapter manages every trade: demolition, framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, millwork, and paint.
  • Daily oversight – Your project manager coordinates progress and quality control.
  • Renotech™ portal – You receive daily updates, photos, budgets, and schedules, all in one place.
Construction crew working on framing and interior build-out during a New York City apartment renovation, with exposed beams and scaffolding in progress.
Modern kitchen renovation in New York City featuring white shaker cabinets, herringbone tile backsplash, black fixtures, and a bright open layout by Chapter.

6. Closeout

  • Final walkthrough – A joint walkthrough ensures every detail is completed to your satisfaction.
  • Permit finalization – All DOB and building permits are officially closed out.
  • Handover – You receive professional project photos and a completed home, ready to enjoy.
  • Warranty – Every project includes a 3-year warranty for peace of mind.

Projects we deliver through design & build

Modern NYC apartment renovation with natural light, neutral tones, and contemporary furniture — full design-build project by Chapter. Modern NYC apartment renovation with natural light, neutral tones, and contemporary furniture — full design-build project by Chapter.

Full apartment renovations

From pre-war co-ops to modern condos

Custom kitchen renovation in New York featuring wood cabinetry, marble island, and built-in appliances — design-build by Chapter. Custom kitchen renovation in New York featuring wood cabinetry, marble island, and built-in appliances — design-build by Chapter.

Kitchen remodeling

Custom cabinetry, professional appliances, and premium finishes

Luxury bathroom renovation with marble walls, gold fixtures, and double vanity — spa-inspired design by Chapter. Luxury bathroom renovation with marble walls, gold fixtures, and double vanity — spa-inspired design by Chapter.

Bathroom renovations

Spa-inspired bathrooms with high-end fixtures and stone

Renovated NYC townhouse interior with modern staircase, bright hallway, and architectural details — structural and exterior work by Chapter. Renovated NYC townhouse interior with modern staircase, bright hallway, and architectural details — structural and exterior work by Chapter.

Townhouse renovations & extensions

Multi-level projects with structural and exterior work

Basement media room transformation with exposed brick walls, sectional sofa, and built-in entertainment unit — renovation by Chapter. Basement media room transformation with exposed brick walls, sectional sofa, and built-in entertainment unit — renovation by Chapter.

Basements & media rooms

Transforming underutilized areas into functional living spaces

Restored brownstone facade with detailed masonry and black-framed windows — exterior renovation by Chapter. Restored brownstone facade with detailed masonry and black-framed windows — exterior renovation by Chapter.

Exterior work

Roofing, siding, decks, and outdoor living spaces

Why choose chapter for your
New York City design-build renovation

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NYC credibility

Decades of experience in New York City renovations across Manhattan and Brooklyn.

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Hundreds of happy clients

Proven track record of successful projects and satisfied homeowners.

Star icon representing top-rated renovation services and client reviews

5-Star reviews

Consistently rated 5 stars across Google, Houzz, and other platforms.

Shield icon representing trust and professional reputation in the renovation industry

Trusted by the industry

Recommended contractor by the top 3 brokerages in NYC.

Contractor icon symbolizing builder-led design-build expertise and technical knowledge

Builder-led expertise

Founded by builders with deep technical knowledge to anticipate and solve challenges.

Arrows icon representing collaboration among architects, designers, and builders

All services in-house

Architects, designers, engineers, and builders working as one integrated team.

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Technology-driven

Daily updates, photos, and financial tracking through Renotech™.

Award badge icon representing recognition as a top NYC design-build firm

Proven recognition

Name a top 3 NYC renovation firm by Architectural Digest and ranked the #1 design-build firm in NYC by Lord Decor.

Calm symbol icon representing reliability and warranty assurance

Peace of mind

Every Chapter project backed by a 3-year warranty.

Modern apartment kitchen renovation in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, featuring wood cabinetry, built-in shelving with arch detail, and minimalist design — design-build project by Chapter.
Apartment Design-Build Renovation, Williamsburg, Brooklyn

FAQs

What is the difference between design-build and traditional contracting?

In a traditional model, you hire separate professionals, an architect for plans, a designer for interior design, and then a general contractor to execute them. This can lead to miscommunication, delays, and budget discrepancies as each party works independently.

The design-build approach eliminates that friction. Chapter’s vetted architects, in-house designers, and builders work together from day one. This creates a smoother workflow, ensures accurate cost estimates early in the process, and keeps accountability with one team responsible for both design and construction.

Do you handle co-op and condo approvals?

Yes, absolutely. Chapter manages every step of the approval process required by your building and the city. Our Project Coordinator oversees all paperwork, alteration agreements, and communication with the board or managing agent. We also handle Department of Buildings (DOB) filings once building approval is secured.

Because co-op and condo renovations in NYC require strict adherence to noise, scheduling, and insurance requirements, having a team that has worked with hundreds of boards helps prevent delays and ensures your project moves forward smoothly.

How much does a design-build renovation cost in NYC?

Pricing depends on the size, scope, and level of finish of your renovation. On average, NYC design-build projects range from $250 to $600+ per square foot.

Smaller renovations, like kitchens or bathrooms, tend to fall on the lower end, while full apartment or townhouse remodels with custom millwork and high-end materials can be higher.

Because Chapter handles design and construction together, we can establish accurate budgets earlier in the process and minimize the unexpected costs that often occur when design and build are separated.

How long does the process take?

Every project is unique, but most design-build renovations in NYC take 6 to 12 months from start to finish. The timeline includes building approvals, design, permitting, and construction. Smaller projects like single bathrooms or kitchens can take a few months, while full-home renovations or townhouse remodels take longer, especially when structural work or multiple approvals are required.

Our Renotech™ Client Portal keeps you informed throughout the process with real-time schedules, milestone tracking, and photo updates so you always know what phase your project is in.

Do you offer a warranty?

Yes. Every Chapter renovation includes a 3-year warranty on workmanship, one of the most comprehensive in the industry.

Our warranty covers construction-related craftsmanship and ensures that any issues discovered after completion are promptly addressed by our team. We stand behind the quality of our work long after your renovation is complete, giving you confidence that your investment is protected.

Work with Chapter. NYC’s premier design & build firm

Design-build is more than a project delivery method, it is the key to efficient, transparent, and stress-free renovations in New York City.

With decades of NYC experience, hundreds of happy clients, five-star reviews across all platforms, and trust from top brokerages, Chapter is the partner you can rely on.

From the first sketch to the final inspection, our integrated team handles everything, so you can enjoy the process and love the result.

Start your design & build renovation
Chapter design-build team collaborating in the New York City office, seated in front of a wood-paneled wall with the illuminated Chapter logo.
Chapter Design-Build Team