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r-207 · mar 2026 · process · How long does a NYC townhouse renovation take? · A New York City townhouse renovation typically takes between 8 and 24 months from the start of design through construction. In this article we explain the full process including programming, architectural design, permitting with the New York City Department of Buildings, and construction. Learn what factors affect renovation timelines, how violations and existing conditions influence projects, and why working with an architect early can help homeowners avoid costly mistakes.

r-206 · dec 2025 · history · Designing the Modern Kitchen: Social, Durable, and Integrated · Kitchens have always reflected how we live. From the tightly optimized Frankfurt Kitchen to the open plans of mid-century modernism, their evolution tracks shifting ideas about labor, visibility, and domestic life. Today’s kitchens sit somewhere in between—spaces designed for efficiency, gathering, and long-term use rather than trends alone.

r-205 · dec 2025 · furniture · Working Across Scales: Architecture, Furniture, and Everyday Use · Working across scales—from buildings to furniture—allows architectural ideas to become more precise. The Elevator Coffee Table and Kenzan Dining Table translate structure, movement, and adaptability into everyday objects designed to support the evolving ways we live, gather, and inhabit space.

r-204 · oct 2025 · case study · Renovating a Narrow Townhouse in Brooklyn · This renovation of a narrow Gowanus townhouse updates a 19th-century structure for contemporary life while preserving its historic presence. New structural framing, mechanical systems, and envelope upgrades bring the home into compliance with current codes. Inside, custom millwork defines each space—built-ins, stair details, and kitchen cabinetry designed to make efficient use of every inch—balancing precision craft with the practical demands of urban living.

r-203 · sep 2025 · materials · Barnard Barn: Finishes for a Low-Carbon Studio · An old barn becomes an artist’s studio through simple, low-carbon finishes. Homasote panels, translucent polycarbonate, and plywood transform the space into a durable, luminous, and adaptable environment that balances economy with craft.

r-202 · sep 2025 · materials · Building with Earth: Cast Earth, Cob, and Compressed Tiles · A collaborative build in Ghana explores earthen construction through cast-earth pillars, cob walls, and compressed earth block ceilings. The Mudhouse demonstrates how traditional techniques and community craft can be reimagined into a contemporary form, delivering natural cooling, durability, and low-carbon design.

r-201 · sep 2025 · assembly · Swift Street Residences: Prefabrication as a Prototype · A small lot in Troy became a big experiment: four apartments built with prefabricated panels, proving how affordable housing can be efficient and dignified.

COPA (Cordero Pardee) is an architectural design practice with offices in New York, Los Angeles and Santo Domingo.