.ac {
–gold: #b8965a;
–gold-dim: #8a7142;
–white: #f5f2ed;
–muted: rgba(245,242,237,0.55);
–dim: rgba(245,242,237,0.28);
–border: rgba(245,242,237,0.08);
–border-strong: rgba(245,242,237,0.18);
–card: rgba(245,242,237,0.025);
–bg: #0a0a0a;
–bg-2: #111110;
font-family: ‘Barlow’, sans-serif;
font-weight: 300;
font-size: 15px;
line-height: 1.75;
color: var(–white);
background: var(–bg);
position: relative;
}
.ac * { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }
.ac-hero {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: 1.1fr 0.9fr;
gap: 4rem;
min-height: 85vh;
padding: 3.5rem 0 5rem;
border-bottom: 1px solid var(–border);
align-items: center;
position: relative;
}
.ac-hero::before {
content: ”;
position: absolute;
top: 2rem; left: 0;
width: 72px; height: 1px;
background: var(–gold);
opacity: 0.5;
}
.ac-hero-eyebrow {
font-family: ‘Barlow Condensed’, sans-serif;
font-size: 11px;
letter-spacing: 5px;
text-transform: uppercase;
color: var(–gold);
margin-bottom: 2.5rem;
display: flex;
align-items: center;
gap: 14px;
}
.ac-hero-eyebrow .dot { width: 4px; height: 4px; background: var(–gold); border-radius: 50%; }
.ac-hero h1 {
font-family: ‘Cormorant Garamond’, serif;
font-size: clamp(44px, 6.2vw, 92px);
font-weight: 300;
line-height: 1.02;
letter-spacing: -0.01em;
color: var(–white);
margin-bottom: 2rem;
}
.ac-hero h1 em { font-style: italic; color: var(–gold); display: block; }
.ac-hero-sub {
font-family: ‘Cormorant Garamond’, serif;
font-size: clamp(18px, 1.6vw, 22px);
font-weight: 300;
line-height: 1.5;
color: var(–muted);
max-width: 520px;
margin-bottom: 3rem;
}
.ac-hero-cta { display: flex; gap: 1rem; align-items: center; margin-bottom: 3rem; flex-wrap: wrap; }
.ac-btn {
display: inline-flex;
align-items: center;
gap: 10px;
padding: 1rem 1.75rem;
font-family: ‘Barlow Condensed’, sans-serif;
font-size: 12px;
letter-spacing: 3px;
text-transform: uppercase;
text-decoration: none;
transition: all 0.3s cubic-bezier(.2,.7,.3,1);
border: 1px solid transparent;
cursor: pointer;
}
.ac-btn-primary { background: var(–gold); color: #0a0a0a; border-color: var(–gold); }
.ac-btn-primary:hover { background: transparent; color: var(–gold); }
.ac-btn-primary .arrow { transition: transform 0.3s; }
.ac-btn-primary:hover .arrow { transform: translateX(4px); }
.ac-btn-ghost { background: transparent; color: var(–white); border-color: var(–border-strong); }
.ac-btn-ghost:hover { border-color: var(–gold); color: var(–gold); }
.ac-hero-credentials {
display: flex;
gap: 2rem;
padding-top: 2rem;
border-top: 1px solid var(–border);
font-size: 11px;
letter-spacing: 2px;
text-transform: uppercase;
color: var(–dim);
flex-wrap: wrap;
}
.ac-hero-credentials span { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 10px; }
.ac-hero-credentials span::before { content: ”; width: 3px; height: 3px; background: var(–gold); border-radius: 50%; }
.ac-hero-visual {
position: relative;
aspect-ratio: 3/4;
overflow: hidden;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #1a1a18 0%, #0d0d0c 100%);
border: 1px solid var(–border);
}
.ac-hero-visual::before {
content: ”;
position: absolute;
inset: 0;
background:
radial-gradient(ellipse at 30% 20%, rgba(184,150,90,0.12) 0%, transparent 50%),
radial-gradient(ellipse at 70% 80%, rgba(184,150,90,0.06) 0%, transparent 45%);
z-index: 2;
pointer-events: none;
mix-blend-mode: overlay;
}
.ac-hero-visual img { position: absolute; inset: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; z-index: 1; display: block; }
.ac-hero-caption {
position: absolute;
bottom: 1.5rem; left: 1.5rem; right: 1.5rem;
font-family: ‘Barlow Condensed’, sans-serif;
font-size: 10px;
letter-spacing: 3px;
text-transform: uppercase;
color: var(–white);
display: flex;
justify-content: space-between;
padding-top: 1rem;
border-top: 1px solid rgba(245,242,237,0.25);
z-index: 3;
text-shadow: 0 1px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.6);
}
.ac-hero-caption .gold { color: var(–gold); }
.ac-founder {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: 0.9fr 1.1fr;
gap: 4rem;
padding: 6rem 0;
align-items: center;
border-bottom: 1px solid var(–border);
}
.ac-founder-portrait {
position: relative;
aspect-ratio: 4/5;
background: linear-gradient(160deg, #1a1a18, #0d0d0c);
border: 1px solid var(–border);
overflow: hidden;
}
.ac-founder-portrait::before {
content: ”;
position: absolute;
inset: 0;
background: radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 35%, rgba(184,150,90,0.15), transparent 55%);
z-index: 2;
pointer-events: none;
mix-blend-mode: overlay;
}
.ac-founder-portrait img { position: absolute; inset: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; z-index: 1; display: block; }
.ac-founder-badge {
position: absolute;
top: 1.5rem; left: 1.5rem;
font-family: ‘Barlow Condensed’, sans-serif;
font-size: 10px;
letter-spacing: 3px;
text-transform: uppercase;
color: var(–gold);
padding: 6px 12px;
border: 1px solid var(–gold);
background: rgba(10,10,10,0.6);
backdrop-filter: blur(4px);
z-index: 3;
}
.ac-founder-content .ac-eyebrow { margin-bottom: 1.5rem; }
.ac-founder h2 { font-family: ‘Cormorant Garamond’, serif; font-size: clamp(30px, 3.4vw, 44px); font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; }
.ac-founder h2 em { font-style: italic; color: var(–gold); }
.ac-founder-lead { font-size: 16px; color: var(–muted); line-height: 1.85; margin-bottom: 1.25rem; max-width: 560px; }
.ac-founder-signature { font-family: ‘Cormorant Garamond’, serif; font-style: italic; font-size: 20px; color: var(–white); margin-top: 2rem; padding-top: 1.5rem; border-top: 1px solid var(–border); }
.ac-founder-signature small { display: block; font-family: ‘Barlow Condensed’, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 3px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(–gold); margin-top: 6px; }
.ac-stats { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 0; margin-top: 2.5rem; padding-top: 2.5rem; border-top: 1px solid var(–border-strong); }
.ac-stat { padding-right: 2rem; position: relative; }
.ac-stat:not(:last-child)::after { content: ”; position: absolute; top: 10%; right: 0; width: 1px; height: 80%; background: var(–border); }
.ac-stat-n { font-family: ‘Cormorant Garamond’, serif; font-size: 52px; font-weight: 300; color: var(–white); line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0.4rem; }
.ac-stat-n em { color: var(–gold); font-style: normal; }
.ac-stat-l { font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2.5px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(–dim); }
.ac-section { padding: 6rem 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(–border); }
.ac-section:last-child { border-bottom: none; }
.ac-section-head { max-width: 720px; margin-bottom: 3.5rem; }
.ac-eyebrow { font-family: ‘Barlow Condensed’, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 4px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(–gold); display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 12px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; }
.ac-eyebrow::before { content: ”; width: 28px; height: 1px; background: var(–gold); opacity: 0.5; }
.ac h2 { font-family: ‘Cormorant Garamond’, serif; font-size: clamp(32px, 4.2vw, 56px); font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.05; letter-spacing: -0.005em; color: var(–white); margin-bottom: 1.25rem; }
.ac h2 em { font-style: italic; color: var(–gold); }
.ac-section-lead { font-size: 16px; color: var(–muted); line-height: 1.8; max-width: 640px; }
.ac-services { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(6, 1fr); gap: 1rem; }
.ac-svc { padding: 2.25rem; background: var(–card); border: 1px solid var(–border); transition: all 0.35s cubic-bezier(.2,.7,.3,1); position: relative; display: flex; flex-direction: column; }
.ac-svc:hover { border-color: var(–border-strong); background: rgba(245,242,237,0.04); transform: translateY(-2px); }
.ac-svc-featured { grid-column: span 6; padding: 3rem; background: linear-gradient(120deg, rgba(184,150,90,0.06), rgba(245,242,237,0.02)); border-color: var(–border-strong); display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.2fr; gap: 3rem; align-items: center; }
.ac-svc-featured::before { content: ‘FLAGSHIP’; position: absolute; top: 1.5rem; right: 1.5rem; font-family: ‘Barlow Condensed’, sans-serif; font-size: 9px; letter-spacing: 3px; color: var(–gold); padding: 4px 8px; border: 1px solid var(–gold); z-index: 4; background: rgba(10,10,10,0.5); backdrop-filter: blur(4px); }
.ac-svc-featured .ac-svc-visual { aspect-ratio: 16/11; background: linear-gradient(135deg, #1a1a18, #0d0d0c); border: 1px solid var(–border); position: relative; overflow: hidden; }
.ac-svc-featured .ac-svc-visual::before { content: ”; position: absolute; inset: 0; background: radial-gradient(ellipse at 40% 40%, rgba(184,150,90,0.15), transparent 60%); z-index: 2; pointer-events: none; mix-blend-mode: overlay; }
.ac-svc-featured .ac-svc-visual img { position: absolute; inset: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; z-index: 1; display: block; }
.ac-svc-featured h3 { font-size: 32px; margin-bottom: 1rem; }
.ac-svc-featured p { font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; }
.ac-svc-lg { grid-column: span 3; }
.ac-svc-sm { grid-column: span 2; }
.ac-svc-tag { font-family: ‘Barlow Condensed’, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 3px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(–gold); opacity: 0.8; margin-bottom: 1rem; }
.ac-svc h3 { font-family: ‘Cormorant Garamond’, serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.2; color: var(–white); margin-bottom: 0.85rem; }
.ac-svc h3 em { font-style: italic; color: var(–gold); }
.ac-svc p { font-size: 14px; color: var(–muted); line-height: 1.75; flex: 1; }
.ac-svc-arrow { margin-top: 1.5rem; font-family: ‘Barlow Condensed’, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 3px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(–gold); display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; transition: gap 0.3s; }
.ac-svc:hover .ac-svc-arrow { gap: 14px; }
.ac-midcta { padding: 5rem 3rem; background: linear-gradient(110deg, rgba(184,150,90,0.08), rgba(10,10,10,0.4)); border: 1px solid var(–border-strong); text-align: center; position: relative; margin: 5rem 0; }
.ac-midcta::before, .ac-midcta::after { content: ”; position: absolute; width: 60px; height: 1px; background: var(–gold); top: 50%; }
.ac-midcta::before { left: 0; }
.ac-midcta::after { right: 0; }
.ac-midcta p { font-family: ‘Cormorant Garamond’, serif; font-size: clamp(22px, 2.6vw, 32px); font-weight: 300; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.4; max-width: 680px; margin: 0 auto 2rem; color: var(–white); }
.ac-midcta p em { color: var(–gold); font-style: normal; font-family: ‘Barlow’, sans-serif; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 1px; font-size: 0.75em; display: inline-block; padding: 0 6px; }
.ac-timeline { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(6, 1fr); gap: 0; margin-top: 2rem; position: relative; }
.ac-timeline::before { content: ”; position: absolute; top: 28px; left: 0; right: 0; height: 1px; background: linear-gradient(to right, transparent, var(–gold) 8%, var(–gold) 92%, transparent); opacity: 0.4; }
.ac-phase { padding: 0 1rem 0 0; position: relative; }
.ac-phase-marker { width: 56px; height: 56px; border-radius: 50%; background: var(–bg); border: 1px solid var(–gold); display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; font-family: ‘Cormorant Garamond’, serif; font-size: 20px; color: var(–gold); margin-bottom: 1.5rem; position: relative; z-index: 2; transition: all 0.3s; }
.ac-phase:hover .ac-phase-marker { background: var(–gold); color: #0a0a0a; }
.ac-phase h3 { font-family: ‘Cormorant Garamond’, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.25; color: var(–white); margin-bottom: 0.6rem; padding-right: 0.5rem; }
.ac-phase-duration { font-family: ‘Barlow Condensed’, sans-serif; font-size: 9px; letter-spacing: 2.5px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(–gold); opacity: 0.7; margin-bottom: 0.75rem; }
.ac-phase p { font-size: 12.5px; color: var(–muted); line-height: 1.7; padding-right: 0.5rem; }
.ac-why { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.15fr 1fr; gap: 3rem; align-items: start; }
.ac-why-featured { padding: 3rem; background: linear-gradient(160deg, rgba(184,150,90,0.05), transparent); border: 1px solid var(–border-strong); position: relative; }
.ac-why-featured::before { content: ’01’; position: absolute; top: 1.5rem; right: 1.75rem; font-family: ‘Cormorant Garamond’, serif; font-size: 48px; color: var(–gold); opacity: 0.25; line-height: 1; }
.ac-why-featured h3 { font-family: ‘Cormorant Garamond’, serif; font-size: 30px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 1.25rem; color: var(–white); }
.ac-why-featured h3 em { font-style: italic; color: var(–gold); }
.ac-why-featured p { font-size: 15px; color: var(–muted); line-height: 1.85; margin-bottom: 1rem; }
.ac-why-featured .ac-why-stat { margin-top: 1.75rem; padding-top: 1.75rem; border-top: 1px solid var(–border); display: flex; align-items: baseline; gap: 1rem; }
.ac-why-stat-n { font-family: ‘Cormorant Garamond’, serif; font-size: 38px; color: var(–gold); line-height: 1; }
.ac-why-stat-l { font-size: 11px; color: var(–muted); line-height: 1.5; max-width: 200px; }
.ac-why-list { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 1.5rem; }
.ac-why-item { padding: 1.75rem; background: var(–card); border: 1px solid var(–border); display: grid; grid-template-columns: 36px 1fr; gap: 1.25rem; transition: all 0.3s; }
.ac-why-item:hover { border-color: var(–border-strong); background: rgba(245,242,237,0.035); }
.ac-why-item-n { font-family: ‘Cormorant Garamond’, serif; font-size: 20px; color: var(–gold); opacity: 0.5; line-height: 1.3; }
.ac-why-item h4 { font-family: ‘Cormorant Garamond’, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.25; color: var(–white); margin-bottom: 0.5rem; }
.ac-why-item p { font-size: 13px; color: var(–muted); line-height: 1.7; }
.ac-market { padding: 7rem 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(–border); position: relative; overflow: hidden; }
.ac-market::before { content: ”; position: absolute; top: 50%; left: 50%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%); width: 140%; height: 140%; background: radial-gradient(ellipse at center, rgba(184,150,90,0.05) 0%, transparent 55%); pointer-events: none; }
.ac-market-inner { position: relative; text-align: center; }
.ac-market .ac-eyebrow { justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 2rem; }
.ac-market .ac-eyebrow::before { display: none; }
.ac-market-big { font-family: ‘Cormorant Garamond’, serif; font-size: clamp(80px, 13vw, 180px); font-weight: 300; line-height: 0.9; color: var(–white); letter-spacing: -0.02em; margin-bottom: 1rem; }
.ac-market-big em { color: var(–gold); font-style: italic; }
.ac-market-unit { font-family: ‘Barlow Condensed’, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 4px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(–gold); margin-bottom: 2.5rem; }
.ac-market-caption { font-family: ‘Cormorant Garamond’, serif; font-size: clamp(18px, 2vw, 24px); font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.5; color: var(–muted); max-width: 760px; margin: 0 auto 2.5rem; font-style: italic; }
.ac-market-breakdown { display: flex; justify-content: center; gap: 3rem; margin-top: 3rem; padding-top: 3rem; border-top: 1px solid var(–border); flex-wrap: wrap; }
.ac-market-item { text-align: center; }
.ac-market-item-n { font-family: ‘Cormorant Garamond’, serif; font-size: 32px; color: var(–white); line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0.4rem; }
.ac-market-item-l { font-family: ‘Barlow Condensed’, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2.5px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(–dim); }
.ac-locations { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 4rem; align-items: center; }
.ac-map { position: relative; aspect-ratio: 1; background: linear-gradient(135deg, #141413, #0a0a0a); border: 1px solid var(–border); padding: 2rem; overflow: hidden; }
.ac-map svg { width: 100%; height: 100%; }
.ac-locations-prose h2 { margin-bottom: 2rem; }
.ac-locations-prose p { font-size: 15px; color: var(–muted); line-height: 1.85; margin-bottom: 1.25rem; }
.ac-locations-prose strong { color: var(–white); font-weight: 400; font-family: ‘Cormorant Garamond’, serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.02em; }
.ac-boroughs { margin-top: 2.5rem; padding-top: 2rem; border-top: 1px solid var(–border); display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 0.6rem; }
.ac-borough-chip { font-family: ‘Barlow Condensed’, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2.5px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(–muted); padding: 6px 12px; border: 1px solid var(–border); transition: all 0.25s; }
.ac-borough-chip:hover { color: var(–gold); border-color: var(–gold); }
.ac-faq { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 2fr; gap: 4rem; align-items: start; }
.ac-faq-head { position: sticky; top: 2rem; }
.ac-faq-head h2 { margin-bottom: 1.5rem; }
.ac-faq-head p { font-size: 14px; color: var(–muted); line-height: 1.8; }
.ac-accordion details { border-top: 1px solid var(–border); padding: 1.5rem 0; transition: all 0.3s; }
.ac-accordion details:last-child { border-bottom: 1px solid var(–border); }
.ac-accordion summary { cursor: pointer; list-style: none; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; justify-content: space-between; gap: 2rem; font-family: ‘Cormorant Garamond’, serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.3; color: var(–white); transition: color 0.25s; }
.ac-accordion summary:hover { color: var(–gold); }
.ac-accordion summary::-webkit-details-marker { display: none; }
.ac-accordion summary::after { content: ‘+’; font-family: ‘Cormorant Garamond’, serif; font-size: 28px; color: var(–gold); line-height: 0.8; transition: transform 0.3s; flex-shrink: 0; }
.ac-accordion details[open] summary::after { transform: rotate(45deg); }
.ac-accordion-body { font-size: 14px; color: var(–muted); line-height: 1.85; padding-top: 1rem; max-width: 700px; }
.ac-final { padding: 7rem 0 5rem; text-align: center; position: relative; }
.ac-final::before { content: ”; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 50%; transform: translateX(-50%); width: 72px; height: 1px; background: var(–gold); }
.ac-final .ac-eyebrow { justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 2rem; }
.ac-final .ac-eyebrow::before { display: none; }
.ac-final h2 { font-size: clamp(36px, 5vw, 64px); margin-bottom: 1.5rem; }
.ac-final-lead { font-family: ‘Cormorant Garamond’, serif; font-size: clamp(18px, 1.8vw, 22px); font-style: italic; color: var(–muted); max-width: 620px; margin: 0 auto 3rem; line-height: 1.5; }
.ac-final-cta { display: flex; justify-content: center; gap: 1rem; margin-bottom: 4rem; flex-wrap: wrap; }
.ac-final-contact { display: flex; justify-content: center; gap: 3rem; padding: 2.5rem 0; border-top: 1px solid var(–border); border-bottom: 1px solid var(–border); flex-wrap: wrap; }
.ac-final-contact a { color: var(–white); text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.25s; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 0.4rem; }
.ac-final-contact a:hover { color: var(–gold); }
.ac-final-contact .label { font-family: ‘Barlow Condensed’, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 3px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(–gold); }
.ac-final-contact .value { font-family: ‘Cormorant Garamond’, serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 300; }
.ac-tagline { margin-top: 3rem; font-family: ‘Barlow Condensed’, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 3px; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(–dim); line-height: 2.2; }
@media (max-width: 960px) {
.ac-hero, .ac-founder, .ac-why, .ac-locations, .ac-faq { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 3rem; }
.ac-hero { min-height: auto; padding: 2rem 0 4rem; }
.ac-founder-portrait, .ac-hero-visual { max-width: 420px; }
.ac-services { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
.ac-svc-featured, .ac-svc-lg, .ac-svc-sm { grid-column: span 1; }
.ac-svc-featured { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 2rem; padding: 2rem; }
.ac-timeline { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 0; }
.ac-timeline::before { display: none; }
.ac-phase { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 56px 1fr; gap: 1.5rem; padding: 1.75rem 0; border-top: 1px solid var(–border); }
.ac-phase:last-child { border-bottom: 1px solid var(–border); }
.ac-phase-marker { margin-bottom: 0; }
.ac-faq-head { position: static; }
.ac-section { padding: 4rem 0; }
.ac-stats { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr; gap: 1rem; }
.ac-stat-n { font-size: 40px; }
}
@media (max-width: 540px) {
.ac-hero h1 { font-size: clamp(36px, 11vw, 52px); }
.ac-stats { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
.ac-stat { padding: 1rem 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(–border); }
.ac-stat:not(:last-child)::after { display: none; }
.ac-midcta { padding: 3rem 1.5rem; }
.ac-midcta::before, .ac-midcta::after { display: none; }
.ac-final-contact { gap: 1.5rem; }
.ac-market-breakdown { gap: 2rem; }
}
Buildings designed to make
a lasting first impression.
Full-service exterior design — facade design, building renovation, outdoor spaces, and landscape design — for residential and commercial properties across all five NYC boroughs. One team, from concept to permit.
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Explore our work
Founded by Ana Kurtsikidze
16+ Years Experience
23 U.S. States
NYC · Exterior Design
Facade Architecture
About the Studio
Founded on the idea that one team should handle everything.
ArcheA Studio was founded by Ana Kurtsikidze — a designer and project manager with over 16 years of experience and a Master’s degree in Architecture and Interior Design. The studio brings the same rigor to exterior design that it brings to every other phase of design — careful material selection, precise documentation, deep regulatory knowledge, and an understanding of how a building’s exterior will age, perform, and be perceived over time.
Whether the project is a brownstone facade renovation in Brooklyn, a new residential exterior on Staten Island, a landmark district alteration in Manhattan, or an outdoor space design in Queens — one team manages the full scope from first sketch through certificate of occupancy, without handing you off between separate architects and designers.
“Architecture is a service profession. The client’s life is the brief.”
— Ana Kurtsikidze, Founder & Principal Designer
16+
Years of practice
23
U.S. states served
5
NYC boroughs
What we design.
Six exterior practice areas, one integrated team. From brownstone facade restoration in Brooklyn to rooftop terrace design in Manhattan — each project with its own regulatory context, material logic, and design language.
Building Facade Design
The face of the building, designed from first principles.
A building’s facade is its most public architecture. ArcheA Studio designs residential and commercial building facades in New York City from the ground up — selecting materials suited to the climate, the building’s structural system, and the character of the surrounding neighborhood. We consider proportions, window placement, surface texture, material contrast, and how the facade will be perceived from the street, from across the block, and in different light conditions.
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Brownstone Facade Restoration
Historic masonry — preserved and protected
Brownstone facade design and restoration is one of the most technically specific services in New York City residential architecture. Over 70% of Brooklyn brownstones over 50 years old show measurable facade deterioration. ArcheA Studio designs brownstone facade renovations that address cracked brownstone, failed mortar joints, spalling masonry, and deteriorated stoops — while satisfying Landmarks Preservation Commission requirements for properties in historic districts.
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Facade Renovation
Existing exteriors, transformed
Renovating an existing building facade in New York City requires an architect who understands the original construction method, applicable building code requirements, and the landmarks or zoning constraints that govern what changes are permitted. ArcheA Studio provides full facade renovation architecture — documenting existing conditions, designing the renovation, specifying materials, and filing all required DOB NOW alteration applications.
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Outdoor Space & Landscape
Yards, terraces, and gardens
Rear yards, rooftop terraces, front gardens, entry courts, and private patios — designed as architectural extensions of the building they belong to. Planted areas, hardscaping, outdoor lighting, privacy screening, and water features, coordinated with landscape contractors and structural engineers where required.
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Rooftop Design
Maximize usable outdoor area
Rooftop additions are among the most sought-after — and most regulated — exterior improvements in NYC. Any addition requires a DOB permit and, in many buildings, LPC approval. ArcheA Studio designs rooftop spaces within zoning and code constraints, coordinates structural load verification, and produces permit-ready construction documents.
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Exterior Lighting
How the building reads after dark
Exterior lighting is integral to how a building is perceived at all hours. ArcheA Studio integrates exterior lighting into every facade and outdoor space project — entry illumination, stoop lighting, pathway lighting, and facade accent lighting that is proportionate, efficient, and code-compliant, coordinated with the electrical engineer and contractor.
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Not sure which service fits your project? Start here.
The first consultation is free — a genuine conversation, no obligation.
How an exterior project unfolds.
Every exterior design project follows the same five-phase arc — though the pace and regulatory specifics vary with building type, landmark status, and scope. Here is what working with ArcheA Studio looks like from the first site visit to the permitted and closed-out project.
01
Site Assessment & Regulatory Review
Week 1
Site visit to document existing conditions — facade materials, structural integrity, drainage, existing openings. Simultaneously: zoning district, landmark status, FISP requirements, and outstanding DOB violations all reviewed before design begins.
02
Schematic Exterior Design
Weeks 2–5
Preliminary exterior design options — facade configurations, material palettes, window treatments, entry designs, outdoor space layouts. Presented as drawings and material boards. For landmark properties, concept designs reviewed against LPC precedents before refinement.
03
LPC Application (Where Required)
Weeks 4–12
For properties in NYC’s 146 designated historic districts, a Certificate of Appropriateness is required before a DOB permit can be issued. ArcheA Studio prepares complete LPC packages — drawings, material samples, historical precedent documentation — and manages the review from submission through approval.
04
Construction Documents & Permitting
Weeks 8–16
Complete architectural drawings for DOB NOW filing — facade elevations, material specifications, window schedules, detail sections, structural coordination. All applications filed directly in DOB NOW, with examiner objections handled as they arise.
05
Construction Administration
During build
Site visits to verify materials are installed as specified, facade details executed correctly, and work conforms to approved drawings. For landmark projects, coordination with LPC inspector at key milestones. All DOB sign-offs and closeouts filed at completion.
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Project Closeout
End of build
All required DOB sign-offs and permit closeouts filed to release the permit and close the project file cleanly. For landmark projects, final LPC inspector sign-off coordinated as part of the closeout process.
What sets us apart.
LPC expertise that protects your timeline.
Landmarks Preservation Commission approvals are the single most common cause of delays on exterior renovation projects in New York City’s historic districts. ArcheA Studio has direct experience preparing LPC applications and designing within the commission’s published design guidelines — which reduces the likelihood of objections, speeds up the review process, and protects your project timeline.
We do not treat LPC as a bureaucratic hurdle. We treat it as a design constraint that produces better outcomes when understood properly — and we have the track record to back that approach.
14K
LPC permit applications processed annually in NYC (NYC LPC Annual Report, 2024)
02
Material selection for NYC’s climate
New York City’s freeze-thaw cycles, summer heat, wind-driven rain, and UV exposure are demanding on exterior materials. ArcheA Studio selects facade materials based on performance data, not trends — specifying materials that retain their appearance, resist moisture infiltration, and require minimal maintenance over a 20–30 year horizon.
03
Integrated architecture and exterior design
Because ArcheA Studio handles both the building’s architecture and its exterior design, the facade is never developed in isolation. Window placement on the exterior is coordinated with room layout inside. Outdoor space design is coordinated with the building’s structural system. Rooftop terrace design is coordinated with the mechanical equipment below.
04
Curb appeal that increases property value
A professionally designed and renovated exterior consistently increases residential property values in New York City. Well-executed curb appeal — resolved facade, improved entry, quality materials — signals quality to buyers and appraisers before they enter the building. We design exteriors with resale value in mind, making choices that hold their quality over time.
146
Designated Historic Districts · NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission
New York City’s 146 designated historic districts cover a significant share of the residential buildings in Manhattan and Brooklyn most likely to be renovated. Any exterior change visible from a public way requires LPC approval before a DOB permit can be issued — making LPC fluency the single most important qualification for an exterior architect in these neighborhoods.
146
Historic districts
14K
LPC permits annually
$30–80K
Brownstone facade restoration
4–12wk
Typical LPC review timeline
MANHATTAN
BROOKLYN
QUEENS
S.I.
BRONX
N
Where We Work
Across all five boroughs — and 22 states beyond.
ArcheA’s exterior design practice covers all of New York City. Manhattan — Upper West Side, Upper East Side, Harlem, Greenwich Village, West Village, Carnegie Hill, Morningside Heights, many within LPC historic districts. Brooklyn — Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene, Bed-Stuy, Crown Heights, DUMBO, and Williamsburg, including Brooklyn’s extensive landmark districts.
Exterior work extends into Queens (Astoria, Forest Hills, Bayside, Jackson Heights, Long Island City), the Bronx (Riverdale, Pelham Bay, City Island), and Staten Island (Todt Hill, Lighthouse Hill, St. George) — and beyond NYC into Westchester County (Scarsdale, White Plains, Larchmont), New Jersey, Connecticut, and 23 U.S. states total.
Manhattan
Brooklyn
Queens
Staten Island
The Bronx
Westchester
+ 17 more states
Common questions.
The questions that come up most often in exterior design consultations — answered directly. If yours isn’t here, ask it directly. We’ll answer honestly, including when a project involves more regulatory complexity than it appears.
Do I need an architect for a facade renovation in NYC?
Yes, in most cases. Any alteration to a building’s exterior involving structural changes, new openings, window replacement on certain building types, or material changes in a landmark district requires professionally prepared and sealed architectural drawings filed with the NYC Department of Buildings. For properties in historic districts, LPC approval is required before the DOB permit can be issued. ArcheA Studio prepares and files both, with sealed drawings signed by the project’s NYS-licensed architect or engineer of record.
What is the NYC Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP) and how does it affect exterior renovation?
The Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), formerly known as Local Law 11, requires buildings taller than 6 stories in New York City to undergo a professional exterior inspection every 5 years. If unsafe or unsound conditions are identified, the building owner must repair them within a specified timeframe or face DOB violations and fines. ArcheA Studio provides interior design services for FISP-driven facade repairs, coordinating with qualified exterior wall inspectors and producing the repair drawings required for DOB filing and closeout.
How does the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) affect exterior renovation in NYC?
Any exterior change to a building in one of NYC’s 146 designated historic districts — or to an individually landmarked building — that is visible from a public way requires a Certificate of Appropriateness from the LPC before a DOB permit can be issued. This includes facade material changes, window replacement, stoop modifications, rooftop additions, and new signage. ArcheA Studio prepares complete LPC applications and manages the approval process as part of our exterior design service.
How much does a brownstone facade renovation cost in Brooklyn?
Full brownstone facade restoration in Brooklyn typically costs between $30,000 and $80,000 depending on the extent of deterioration, the need for stoop repair, and whether the property is in a landmark district requiring LPC-approved materials and methods (Havard Cooper Architecture, 2026). Architectural fees for the facade design, documentation, LPC application (if applicable), and DOB filing are typically separate from construction costs. ArcheA Studio provides a detailed fee proposal after an initial site assessment.
Can I add a rooftop terrace to my NYC building?
In most cases yes, subject to zoning, structural, and landmarks constraints. Zoning limits the height of rooftop structures above the building’s maximum permitted height. Structural engineers must verify that the existing roof can support the additional load. If the building is in a landmark district, LPC approval is required for any rooftop addition visible from the street. ArcheA Studio manages all of these constraints as part of our rooftop design service in NYC.
How long does an exterior renovation permit take in New York City?
DOB NOW permit review for exterior alterations in NYC typically takes 4–10 weeks for straightforward facade work with no change of occupancy or structural complexity. Projects in landmark districts add the LPC approval timeline — typically 4 to 12 weeks, depending on scope and visibility of the changes. ArcheA Studio files complete, well-documented applications to minimize the likelihood of plan examiner objections, which are the most common cause of permit delays.
Does ArcheA Studio design outdoor spaces and gardens in NYC?
Yes. ArcheA Studio designs rear yards, rooftop terraces, front gardens, entry courts, and private outdoor spaces for residential and commercial properties in New York City. Our outdoor space design is integrated with the building’s architecture — not grafted on as a separate scope. We specify planted areas, hardscaping, outdoor lighting, and privacy elements, coordinating with landscape contractors and structural engineers where terrace loads or site drainage require specialist input.
Let’s talk about what you’re trying to build.
Whether you are renovating a Brooklyn brownstone facade, designing the exterior of a new building, improving curb appeal on a Staten Island home, or developing an outdoor space anywhere in New York City — the first conversation is free. No obligation, no sales pitch.
Book a consultation
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Call +1 929 327 8002
Email
info@archea.us
Phone
+1 929 327 8002
Web
archea.us
ArcheA Studio · Exterior Design Architect NYC · Building Facade Design · Facade Renovation New York · Brownstone Facade Architect Brooklyn · LPC Approval · Outdoor Space & Landscape Design · All Five Boroughs