The Beekman, Private Residence
Project Overview
The Beekman project began as a collaboration with the homeowner taking possession of an apartment in a newly constructed high-rise building. My role in this project went beyond simply identifying these issues. This early involvement was crucial in elevating the project’s overall integrity, ensuring the apartment met the highest standards of craftsmanship. It also highlights the importance of involving a general contractor early in the process, even before a deal is signed, to avoid costly fixes later in the renovation.
In this case, the homeowner was deeply engaged in the progress of the building’s construction, watching its development through a telescope from his current apartment. From the outset, I participated in meetings, walkthroughs, and punch list reviews with the developer.
Unique Element
The punch list process ensured the builder adequately addressed all issues before our custom work began. This process allowed us to start with a clean slate, avoiding the need to redo or correct the builder’s work. The apartment, completed by the building’s developer, reflected standard builder-grade finishes that lacked the refinement expected in a luxury residence. From the beginning, I worked alongside the homeowner to ensure that all of the builder’s imperfections were addressed before we began any additional customizations.
Upon inspection, I found several issues that needed attention before the homeowner could take full possession. Cabinet doors were misaligned, interior doors were not operating smoothly, and appliances needed to be adequately set and leveled. Countertop seams were poorly executed, and I discovered multiple imperfections with caulking and painting. These, in conjunction with other significant details, like doors rubbing against their frames or bathroom doors not opening smoothly, demonstrated that the apartment was not yet up to the high standards expected.
Once the builder fixed the imperfections, we transformed the apartment from a standard builder-grade residence to a bespoke home, reflecting the homeowner’s unique style. One of the critical upgrades was integrating a comprehensive home automation system using Control4 technology. This system connected everything from motorized roller shades and drapery tracks to televisions and air conditioning systems. The lighting system, which the builder had inadequately installed, was re-evaluated entirely and improved to create a more cohesive and visually stunning environment. We introduced new lighting features that enhanced the space’s functionality and accentuated the intricate design elements.
Custom Creations
A sophisticated palette of custom paints and wallpapers was selected, including a particularly stunning wallpaper in the living room that became a design focal point, tying together other elements in the apartment. We fitted the empty closets with custom interiors to maximize storage, blending form and function.
Using resource furniture, we transformed the spare room into a dual-purpose home office and guest bedroom. This innovative design allowed the bed to fold away, revealing a desk and sofa, transforming the room from an office space to a guest suite with minimal effort. This flexibility was key to maximizing the apartment’s functionality without compromising on style.
In The Details
The renovation of The Beekman Private Residence was a meticulous process that involved identifying and correcting builder-grade issues while infusing the apartment with custom design elements that reflected the homeowner’s vision. By being involved from the very beginning, we ensured that the final result was a seamless blend of modern luxury, functionality, and the highest standards of craftsmanship with the homeowner’s personal touch.