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.

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.