The XX House: a unique space for creative leadership
Before the coronavirus outbreak we were working on a multi-phased, private members’ club project in Williamsburg, Brooklyn: a one-of-a-kind venue designed to bring together a community of women and men who share a common desire to pursue parity through creativity and innovation. The XX House is a progressive organization that strives to cultivate a unique perspective into the world of benevolent leadership – focusing particularly on establishing balance between masculine and feminine leadership attributes.
Read MoreConversion Consultancy: Building a New Story
Having a talented and competent team is key to any successful project. Something we have been doing a lot of at VAKOTA lately is what we refer to as ‘Owner Representation’. When starting a new project, owners look towards who they know to find designers and contractors. Sometimes, in order to cut costs or to be more selective with contractors, a property owner will put together a design and construction team that is not fully qualified to create the project of their expectations.
Read MoreConsiderate residential renovations: what does your project mean for your neighbors?
Embarking on a large-scale renovation is an exciting time, but it is easy to get caught up in the project and lose sight of what your construction means for your neighbors. Equally, if your neighbor is renovating, you need to be aware of what this means for you – and what protection you need.
Read MoreCustom design and renovation on Mamaroneck home nearing completion
Hailed as one of the best places to live in New York, Mamaroneck in Westchester County offers its residents the perfect blend of urban and suburban living.
Read MoreCountry living close to our heart
by David Varnish, Principal and Founding Partner
Residential architecture is in our DNA and working on “getaway from the city” weekend and vacation country retreats is truly a fun sector to be involved with. With a much less constraining approval process than we have to navigate in NYC, our clients are free to consider many different design ideas offering them comfort, relaxation and fun while they are away from their primary residences.
Read MoreThe VAKOTA approach to historic renovations
At VAKOTA, we have been working on historic buildings for over a decade – and we have learned a lot in that time about respectful and sympathetic design when it comes to making changes to old, beloved buildings.
Read MoreRenovating a five-story townhouse as both a living and gallery space
We are turning the clock back on this apartment building on West 92nd Street in Manhattan, New York. The classic Manhattan townhouse, which currently hosts five separate apartments, will soon be gutted and restored as a single home – but with a twist.
Read MoreCarving out our normal, post-coronavirus
by Stephen Taylor, Principal and Founding Partner
We are all eager to get back to work and social connections after what has been an increasingly strange first half to 2020 – but the truth is that whatever comes next will not be what we’re used to. Across the globe, all industries are looking to carve out what their ‘new normal’ looks like.
Read MoreIn conversation with VAKOTA Principal Matt Kocyba on the world of architecture post-coronavirus
Matt Kocyba is one of our award-winning Principals here at VAKOTA. His diverse background in commercial and residential design across the country packs a real punch, and brings a unique and important perspective to the work that we do.
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