We started our journey five years ago, focusing on projects in New York, and have become well acquainted with the rules, regulations and techniques used in New York City. We love the work we have done here and there is so much more to learn and do! But it was always our plan to grow and expand into new territories, new locations and start new innovative projects. Now in 2020, we span multiple states, working on design and build projects for housing, education, culture and commercial clients.
The 3rd Street Music School Settlement in New York is the longest-running community music school in the United States. It was founded in 1894, with a goal to help poor children with music, and provide a source of spiritual and cultural nourishment to children of all backgrounds. This remains its mission today.
One of our most recent projects here at VAKOTA has been the redesign of a New York-based music school in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In order for schools to welcome students in a safe way that accommodates social distancing, changes must be made – and swiftly.
The last few months have been a remarkable and – though we’re not the first to say it – unprecedented experience. With no clear answer to how the Coronavirus pandemic ends, the most important skill we have learned of late is how to adapt.
When a major fire destroyed this beloved Upper West Side apartment, our client was naturally devastated. The 2,600sqft 3-bedroom property was a luxury home on W 86th Street with stunning views of the Hudson River, but it has now been brought to its knees by extensive fire damage – damage which is particularly heart-breaking given the historical significance of the building in which it is situated: Riverside Drive, which was once the home of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst.
Through the unprecedented events of the past weeks as a result of the coronavirus, our core focus has been on the health and wellbeing of our clients, colleagues and all other members of our communities.
We recently visited one of our ‘in progress’ sites in Pelham
Manor, New York. This is an exciting project for us at VAKOTA, as in the Pelham
Manor house we are using a number of advanced sustainable measures throughout
the build, such as ultra-insulated windows, eco foam insulation and a radiant
flooring system throughout.
