by Jorge Fontan | Last updated May 21, 2024 | Apartment Renovations, Interior Design
Exposed concrete is a great modern home design feature. There are many ways to use concrete or faux finishes for interior walls. Exposed concrete had a great deal of popularity in Brutalist Architecture of the 1950s and 1960s. The trend died out, but concrete...
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Apr 3, 2026 | Apartment Renovations, Construction Practices, Renovating
In Manhattan apartment renovations, layout changes involving kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms are rarely simple. Beyond building code compliance, co-op boards and condominium management often impose additional constraints that directly influence how an apartment...
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Mar 15, 2026 | Bathroom Design, Apartment Renovations, NYC DOB
Bathroom renovations in NYC are far more regulated than most homeowners realize — and accessibility requirements can significantly influence layout, fixture placement, and overall design. New York City building codes are complex, even for seemingly straightforward...
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Mar 16, 2026 | Apartment Renovations, NYC DOB, Renovating
Renovating a kitchen in New York City often requires approvals from multiple parties. In addition to complying with the NYC Department of Buildings, homeowners in condominiums and co-ops must also follow their building’s alteration rules. Depending on the scope of...
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Mar 7, 2026 | Apartment Renovations, Architectural Services, Renovating
In New York City co-ops and condominiums, apartment renovations are subject not only to building code compliance, but also to building governance. Before construction can begin, most boards require owners to enter into an alteration agreement — a formal contract that...
by Jorge Fontan | Last updated Jan 4, 2024 | Interior Design, Apartment Renovations, Kitchen Design
An open kitchen has no walls between the kitchen and the adjoining living space. Open kitchens are also referred to as open plans. These spaces are often one open area with a kitchen, dining room, and living room without barriers between them. Fontan Architecture is...