10 Best Architects & Residential Designers in Brooklyn
10 Best Architects & Residential Designers in Brooklyn
By: AZ New York Editorial Team
Brooklyn’s diverse architectural landscape, from historic brownstones and industrial lofts to cutting-edge new developments, demands architects and designers with a unique blend of creativity, technical skill, and local expertise.
Whether restoring original details in Park Slope, maximizing space in a Williamsburg loft, or designing a modern townhouse, the right professional is key. Find the perfect partner for your Brooklyn project with our definitive guide:
10 Best Architects & Residential Designers in Brooklyn — featuring acclaimed firms known for innovative brownstone renovations, loft conversions, sustainable design, and navigating Brooklyn’s specific building codes and landmark regulations.
DUMBO & Gowanus: Brooklyn’s Creative Design Hubs
While design firms are spread throughout Brooklyn, neighborhoods like DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) and Gowanus have emerged as significant hubs for architectural and creative studios. These areas, under the jurisdiction of the City of New York, offer inspiring environments and proximity to the types of projects defining modern Brooklyn design.
DUMBO’s converted warehouses provide loft spaces ideal for design studios, fostering a community of architects and designers working on high-end residential and commercial projects. Gowanus, undergoing significant rezoning and development, attracts firms focused on adaptive reuse, sustainable design, and navigating the challenges of building in a dynamic urban landscape.
Firms based in Brooklyn specialize in the borough’s unique challenges: sensitively renovating historic brownstones (often requiring LPC approval), maximizing light and space in narrow row houses, converting industrial spaces, and designing context-sensitive new construction. They work closely with local general contractors and artisans.
Transit access varies but is generally strong: DUMBO is served by the F, A, C trains, while Gowanus relies on the F, G, R lines, facilitating site visits across Brooklyn and into Manhattan.
These neighborhoods are part of Brooklyn’s broader “Maker” ecosystem, close to fabrication resources in the Navy Yard and Industry City, allowing for seamless collaboration between design and construction.
| Project Type | Key Brooklyn Resources & Collaborators |
|---|---|
| Brownstone Renovation | Brooklyn architects often partner with Local Millworkers for historic details and Landmark Window Specialists. |
| Loft Conversion | Requires skilled Contractors experienced with industrial spaces, often involving new Electrical and Plumbing systems. |
| Modern Townhouse Design | Architects specify finishes from Wood Flooring and Tile Showrooms, integrated with Lighting and potentially Efficient AC Systems. |
| Kitchen & Bath Focus | Designers collaborate with K&B Showrooms and Appliance Suppliers, coordinating installation details with plumbers and electricians. |
3 Common Scenarios Involving Architects & Designers in Brooklyn
- The Brownstone Extension Approval
The Situation: A homeowner wants to add a rear extension to their brownstone for a larger kitchen, requiring DOB permits and potentially LPC approval if in a historic district.
The Solution: Hire a Brooklyn-based architect experienced with brownstone additions. They understand zoning regulations (FAR, lot coverage), structural requirements, LPC guidelines for rear façade alterations, and can navigate the permit process efficiently. - The Loft Space Optimization Challenge
The Situation: A couple buys a raw loft space in DUMBO with high ceilings but an awkward layout and wants to create defined living areas, bedrooms, and ample storage.
The Solution: Engage an interior designer or architect specializing in lofts. They excel at creative space planning, using partial walls, level changes, custom built-ins (from Brooklyn makers), and lighting strategies to define zones while maintaining the open, airy feel. - The Passive House Townhouse
The Situation: A client wants to build or renovate a townhouse to meet rigorous Passive House standards for energy efficiency, requiring specialized design and construction techniques.
The Solution: Select an architecture firm certified in Passive House design (like several based in Brooklyn). They possess the technical expertise in super-insulation, airtightness, high-performance windows, and energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems required to achieve certification.
Expert Tip: Understanding Brooklyn Landmarks
Brooklyn has numerous historic districts (Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Fort Greene, Cobble Hill, etc.). Any exterior alteration in these areas requires approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC). Experienced local architects understand LPC guidelines and can streamline the approval process, which often involves public hearings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Are architects/designers in Brooklyn different from those in Manhattan?
- While many firms work across boroughs, Brooklyn-based firms often have deeper expertise in brownstone renovations, loft conversions, and navigating local community boards and the specific nuances of Brooklyn’s building stock and zoning.
- What is FAR (Floor Area Ratio)?
- A zoning regulation that limits the total buildable square footage on a property relative to the lot size. Architects use FAR calculations to determine how much you can legally build or extend.
- Do I always need an architect for a Brooklyn renovation?
- If you are moving walls, changing plumbing/electrical locations, altering the building exterior, or making structural changes, you legally need a Registered Architect (RA) or Professional Engineer (PE) to file plans with the DOB. For cosmetic updates, an interior designer or design-build contractor might suffice.
- How important is sustainability in Brooklyn design?
- Very. Brooklyn is a hub for green building practices. Many clients and architects prioritize energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and techniques like Passive House, especially for townhouse renovations and new construction.
Ranking: 10 Best Architects & Residential Designers in Brooklyn
The AZ New York selection highlights acclaimed and highly sought-after firms based in or doing significant work in Brooklyn, known for exceptional residential projects, particularly brownstone and loft renovations, and innovative design.
1. Elizabeth Roberts Architects
Address: 168 7th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Phone: (718) 858-2080
Website: elizabethroberts.com
Specialty: Architecture & Interior Design, Brownstone Renovation, Historic Modern
Justification: Widely celebrated for her transformative brownstone renovations, Elizabeth Roberts masterfully blends historic details with clean, modern insertions. A go-to firm for high-end Brooklyn residential projects.
2. CWB Architects (formerly CWB Architecture & Design)
Address: 44 Court St, Suite 1007, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (718) 596-0290
Website: cwbarchitects.com
Specialty: Architecture & Interior Design, Historic Townhouse Renovation, Passive House
Justification: A leading Brooklyn firm with deep expertise in sensitive townhouse renovations, landmark approvals, and sustainable design, including certified Passive House projects.
3. Baxt Ingui Architects, P.C.
Address: 254 36th St, Suite C552, Brooklyn, NY 11232 (Industry City)
Phone: (718) 237-2700
Website: baxtingui.com
Specialty: Architecture, Townhouse Renovation, Passive House, Sustainable Design
Justification: Highly respected firm known for meticulous brownstone renovations and a strong commitment to energy-efficient design, with numerous Passive House projects completed.
4. BFDO Architects (Barker Freeman Design Office)
Address: 139 7th Ave #199, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Phone: (718) 783-0533
Website: bfdoarchitects.com
Specialty: Architecture, Residential Renovations, Creative Space Planning, Playful Modernism
Justification: Known for inventive solutions for maximizing space and light in NYC apartments and townhouses, often incorporating bold colors and custom details.
5. Studio Nato
Address: 1000 Dean St, Suite 323, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Phone: (718) 488-8480
Website: studionato.com
Specialty: Architecture & Interior Design, Residential & Hospitality, Warm Minimalism
Justification: Creates thoughtfully designed spaces known for their warm minimalism, material richness, and custom details, working on both residential and boutique commercial projects.
6. Ben Herzog Architect, PC
Address: 196 6th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: (718) 789-2150
Website: herzogarch.com
Specialty: Architecture, Brownstone Renovation, Additions, Historic Districts
Justification: Focused primarily on Brooklyn brownstone renovations and additions, with extensive experience navigating LPC approvals and creating functional, modern living spaces within historic shells.
7. The Brooklyn Studio
Address: 18 Bridge St #4i, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (718) 858-9538
Website: thebrooklynstudio.com
Specialty: Architecture & Interior Design, Historic Restoration, Adaptive Reuse
Justification: DUMBO-based firm with expertise in both high-end residential work and adaptive reuse projects, known for respecting historic context while creating contemporary spaces.
8. Etelamaki Architecture
Address: 33 Flatbush Ave, 5th Fl, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: (718) 797-0980
Website: etela.us
Specialty: Architecture, Residential Renovations, Modern Design, Custom Fabrication
Justification: Creates clean, modern, and highly functional spaces, often incorporating custom fabricated elements. Known for apartment combinations and thoughtful renovations.
9. General Assembly
Address: 35 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Phone: (347) 987-3533
Website: genassembly.com
Specialty: Interior Design, Residential & Commercial, Modern Aesthetics
Justification: Williamsburg-based interior design firm known for creating stylish, contemporary spaces for both residential clients and trendy commercial brands.
10. Harper Design + Build
Address: 25 Dean St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (718) 260-8488
Website: harperdb.com
Specialty: Design-Build, Brownstone & Townhouse Renovation
Justification: A reputable design-build firm specializing in Brooklyn townhouse renovations, offering integrated design and construction services under one roof.
Renovating in Brooklyn? What neighborhood and style are you working with? Share below!
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