Mike Baker Architect

We worked closely with developer ASH on this top-to-bottom renovation of an existing 3-story mixed use building in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The apartments were completely reconfigured and updated with new fixtures, finishes and appliances. An existing unoccupied roof was converted into an outdoor space and the deteriorated facade was re-clad with metal panels. The existing windows were replaced with European style casement windows with natural wood surrounds to complement the new facade.

Project Role: Architect

We designed this new kitchen for the Soho offices of Cut+Run, an award-winning editing studio. The existing kitchen was dated, falling apart, and dark. We specified birch plywood cabinetry to lighten and bring natural warmth to the space. The new quartz countertops are durable and easy to clean, and stainless steel appliances offer plenty of room for display and storage of food and beverages. The design is rounded out with new undercounter and pendant lights that gently complement the existing natural light.

In this project we transformed a former law office into a bright, modern home for a growing structural engineering firm. Existing partitions were removed to bring daylight into the space and create an open floor plan to maximize flexibility and facilitate collaboration between engineers. We selected a modular furniture system that can be easily reconfigured as staffing needs change. The existing bathrooms and communal kitchen were also completely renovated. The project was completed on an extremely tight budget and schedule.

Project Role: Architect

We collaborated with David Landis Design on this gut renovation of an existing Manhattan studio apartment. New built-in cabinetry was introduced throughout to maximize storage space, along with a new murphy bed that tucks away to reveal a small love-seat. Fixtures, finishes and appliances were replaced throughout, and cove lighting was introduced to help brighten the space and make it feel larger.

We were tasked with refreshing an existing entry hall and master bedroom in this existing Brooklyn apartment. The previous owner had removed the bedroom wall and, and while our client liked the openness, they also wanted to be able to have privacy from time to time. We infilled the opening with custom full-height metal and glass sliding doors that that offer flexibility and privacy while letting light in and out of the bedroom. We adapted the same system to the closet wall to maximize storage space and accessibility in this small room.

Role: Junior Architect with Dine Murphy Wood (Nick Dine Studio)

This project consisted of a gut-renovation of an existing warehouse building in Tribeca. New partitions, high end finishes and custom millwork were installed throughout. Project tasks included field surveying, preparation of construction documents, site observation, sketches, and shop drawing review.

Role: Project Manager for Stratford Engineering, in coordination with Mojo Stumer Associates

Conversion of an existing office and warehouse building into the new corporate headquarters for this Italian eyeglass brand. Work consisted of a new office mezzanine, including footings, and steel framing, new skylights, extensive rooftop equipment support, a new glass and steel entry canopy, new entry and interior stairs, and a new continuous exterior canopy to provide shade for a new curtain wall.

Role: Project Manager for Barry Rice Architect, in collaboration with AJC Design

This renovation of a private residence in Manhattan focused on the combination of two separate apartments and the transformation of an unoccupied roof into a large terrace. The sills of existing windows were dropped to allow for patio doors from all spaces, making the new terrace the center of activity within the apartment. The demolition of an existing bathroom and demising walls created a large open room for relaxing and entertaining. The most remote portion of the combined apartment was kept as a private “sanctuary,” complete with its own private bathroom and bar.

All photographs courtesy of AJC Design

Role: Junior Architect / Project Manager for Dine Murphy Wood

This project consisted of a major renovation and addition to an existing home in Watermill, NY. Creative means were employed to maximize floor area and space while maintaining the existing footprint to comply with wetlands restriction. A second floor was added to one wing and the existing gables were replaced with flat roofs, lending the home a more modern look. Inside, finishes and fixtures were replaced throughout, and interior walls were removed to create an open plan.

We are assisting our client with renovating their newly purchased Tribeca condo. We designed several millwork pieces, including a console, wetbar, bookshelves and entry cabinetry and benches that are currently under construction. We refreshed finishes throughout and are also assisting our client with selecting new light fixtures and furnishings.

Role: Project Manager for Stratford Engineering, in coordination with GNE Architecture PC and Behin + Ha

We worked closely with the architect and interior designers to realize this partial gut-renovation to an existing townhouse in Brooklyn’s beautiful Park Slope neighborhood. New large openings between levels created a dramatic, light filled atrium and required significant re-framing and reinforcement to the existing floor structure. Additional structural work included framing for a new rooftop deck and fence, a new stair bulkhead, framing for a new large skylight, and support for new rooftop mechanical equipment.

Role:  Project Manager for Stratford Engineering, in collaboration with Marin Architects and CookFox.

This  project consists of 37,500 sq ft of top-end residential space and 4,000 square feet of retail located on the corner of Wooster Street/Broome Street in the heart of SoHo in Manhattan. The building is an L shaped with 50′ of frontage on Broome and 25′ on Wooster.

The building will feature 2 penthouses (one a duplex), 5 total residential units, roof-top decks and swimming pools for each unit and high-end finishes. Average unit size is 7,500 square feet. Units will include a Home Theatres, Gym, Living Room, Great Room, Dining Room and other relatively unavailable amenities. The building will also house a certified art storage and viewing facility along with an art gallery in the lobby. Art will be housed on a rotating basis in conjunction with a Soho art dealer.

The main structural alterations include: extensive re-framing at existing floors for new masonry elevator and stair shafts, new ground floor framing for retail spaces and a residential lobby, reinforcement of existing footings to increase their capacity, reinforcement to existing floor framing, a new penthouse addition with support for a rooftop pool and new mechanical equipment screens.

Role: Engineer for Stratford Engineering, in collaboration with Hustvedt Cutler Architects

Conversion of an existing West Soho warehouse building into luxury apartments, including a new rooftop penthouse and roof deck. Key components of the work included: reinforcement and repair of existing wood joists and girders; addition of a reinforced masonry trash chute; enlargement of existing masonry openings; new skylight openings; and a new penthouse structure consisting of steel beams and light gauge metal infill framing.

Project responsibilities included site surveying, construction documents, shop drawing review and construction administration.

Role: Project Manager with Barry Rice Architects, in coordination with H. Thomas O'Hara Architect, Benjamin Noriega Ortiz, DeSimone Consulting Engineers, Starr Whitehouse Landscape Design

This new 270-room hotel in Soho, New York is a renovation and addition to an existing 12-story manufacturing building. The building envelope and floor plates are modified within the zoning regulations to allow for 25 floors of hotel rooms with views up and down the island of Manhattan.

The facade of the building consists of a window wall system with a custom silk-screened ceramic frit pattern. The frit produces a “veil”over the facade, blurring the distinction between bands of horizontal and vertical spandrel glass and vision glass.

Responsibilities included zoning analysis, overall building schematic design & design development, coordination with all consultants, facade construction documents, shop drawing review & coordination with European window vendors.

Role: Project Manager for Stratford Engineering, in coordination with Hustvedt Cutler Architects

Conversion of an existing warehouse in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn into loft-style apartments, including a new penthouse addition, a new parking mezzanine and ground floor retail spaces. Key components of the work included: extensive repair and reinforcement of the existing steel beams and wood infill framing; a new two-way cast-in-place concrete slab for the parking mezzanine supported by existing brick piers; new elevator shafts and stair openings; a light-gauge metal penthouse addition; new masonry openings and lintels; new skylight openings; and rooftop equipment support and fencing.

Project responsibilities included site surveying, structural design, coordination with architects and other consultants, construction administration, sketches, shop drawing review.

We designed this new roof deck above an existing townhouse in Manhattan for a private client. The scope includes a new deck, built-in seating with integrated storage, outdoor kitchen, planters, trellis, and a new stair and bulkhead from the level below. Clean, modern lines are fleshed out in warm, natural materials to create an elegant, comfortable outdoor refuge for the family.

Project Role: Architect