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.
In January 2020, we opened our new office near Union Square in Manhattan. We have taken on more team members, more clients and more projects – spanning across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island and rural New York, as well as out into New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and New Hampshire.
The breadth of our team’s knowledge and expertise has allowed us to expand our portfolio over the years and each of these disciplines requires its own attention and skill. Which is why it is so important to us that our team has a wide expanse of experience. We are able to tackle any project with our unique holistic style of marrying emerging technologies and contemporary design with traditional aesthetic and formal undercurrents – we design without limits.
One of the attributes of VAKOTA that allows us to take such bold steps forward, is the commitment and hands-on approach of the team. From four-storey brownstones in Brooklyn, to high-end second homes in the country, our experience in living properties is second to none. We are specialists in both Manhattan apartments of all sizes as well as the remodeling of country retreats. No project is too small or too large.
The past few months have proven our adaptability – and put it to the test. While VAKOTA has been flying the flag for agile working for a number of years now, we have really had our remote capability put to the test throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Thankfully, we have been able to bid on new projects, meet new clients via video chat and do virtual tours of potential job sites all from our home offices. As a result, our planned 2020 expansion has not suffered, and we have been able to continue working and creating some amazing designs.
But the main reason we have been able to succeed over the years is a truly basic one – we do good quality work. We strive for perfection in every project, both in design and in excellent quality materials. We listen to our clients and our projects speak for themselves. That is why we have such good relationships with long-term clients, as well as bringing on new ones regularly. We worked on the 1940s shingle style Williams Residence way back in 2008, only to be welcomed back for another extension in 2017.
We have worked on long-term learning projects such as The 3rd Street Music School Settlement for many years, returning each summer to design and build yet another upgrade to the property. We are the preferred architect for the Sheen Center for Thought and Culture and assisted them with a multiphase project. Our designs are crafted to appeal to the primary senses: increase a client’s lifestyle and brand and each of our projects strives to create something truly meaningful – not just in aesthetic, but in experience.
We are passionate about, and proud of, every single project we take on – large or small, living, learning, cultural or commercial.
