Renovating a home in New York is part design sprint, part logistics marathon. These five firms help you navigate both without losing your mind.
The New York Renovation Consulting Landscape
New York home renovations are not for the faint of heart. Between co-op board approvals, landmark regulations, and the sheer cost per square foot, you need a guide who knows the terrain. That is why design consulting and project management has become its own category. You are not just hiring a designer or a contractor. You are hiring someone to translate your vision into a buildable plan, assemble the right team, and keep everyone accountable. The firms below approach that challenge from different angles. Some are full design-build operations. Others are boutique consultancies. All of them help you move from concept to completion with fewer surprises.
How We Evaluated These Firms
We looked at four factors across every firm. First, service scope: do they handle concept, design, team selection, and execution, or only part of the journey? Second, local fit: how well do they understand the specific markets they serve, from Manhattan co-ops to Hamptons seasonal builds? Third, transparency: how clearly do they communicate process, timelines, and pricing? Fourth, client experience: what does the engagement feel like from the homeowner's side? Andrew Lipman stands out for a flexible, stage-by-stage consulting model that lets you engage only where you need help. Chapter Renovation impresses with its proprietary Renotech platform and multi-market footprint. M Design Group brings deep construction management expertise and a Harvard-trained architect's eye. MyHome offers a true one-stop shop with a Midtown showroom and a 10-year warranty. Gallery KBNY shines with its design-build integration and pre-war specialty. Each firm has a distinct strength depending on your project type and how much hand-holding you want.
Here is a quick look at how these five firms compare on the factors that matter most to homeowners.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Chapter Renovation | Homeowners who want tech-enabled transparency across multiple locations |
| Design Consultant for Home Renovations | Andrew Lipman | Homeowners who want stage-by-stage consulting without full design-build commitment |
| M Design Group | Luxury renovations requiring architectural expertise and construction management |
| MyHome | Kitchen and bathroom remodels with a single-company, warranty-backed process |
| Gallery KBNY | Pre-war apartment and brownstone renovations with integrated design-build |
The Five Firms in Detail
#1 Chapter Renovation
A screenshot of the Chapter Renovation website.
Chapter Renovation has built a reputation for bringing order to complex renovations across multiple markets. Their proprietary Renotech platform gives you a client portal where you can track updates, payments, and progress in real time. That level of transparency is rare in this industry. They operate in New York City, the Hamptons, Miami, New Jersey, Westchester, and Connecticut, so you get a consistent approach whether you are renovating a city apartment or a coastal home. The firm promises every project on budget, on schedule, and with quality interior design, all managed by one expert team. If you want a tech-enabled process with a single point of accountability, Chapter is worth a serious look. Learn more at Chapter Renovation.
#2 Design Consultant for Home Renovations | Andrew Lipman
A screenshot of the Design Consultant for Home Renovations | Andrew Lipman website.
Andrew Lipman offers a flexible consulting model that meets you wherever you are in the renovation journey. You can engage him for any or all stages, from creating a concept to securing the right teams in your area to executing the project through completion. That stage-by-stage approach is ideal if you want expert guidance without handing over full control. He works across New York, Southampton, and Boca Raton, giving him a footprint that spans city, seasonal, and Florida markets. Whether you are redecorating a single room or managing a larger construction project, the focus stays on expert guidance from initial concept to final execution. Start a conversation at Andrew Lipman Design.
#3 M Design Group
A screenshot of the M Design Group website.
M Design Group positions itself as New York City's premier full-service design and construction management firm. The firm is led by Harvard-trained architect Michael Mahal, who was recognized in Architectural Digest's list of best New York architects. What sets them apart is the combination of design sensibility with practical construction expertise. They understand the complexities of the New York market, from condo boards to landmark regulations, and they act as your ally in navigating them. If you want a white-glove renovation experience with architectural rigor, this is a strong contender. See their work at M Design Group.
#4 MyHome
A screenshot of the MyHome website.
MyHome has been a NYC renovation leader for over 25 years, specializing in kitchens, bathrooms, and complete home remodels. Their one-stop-shop model covers design, planning, approvals, and construction under one roof. You get a dedicated Renovation Expert who knows your home, dreams, and budget inside out, plus a purchasing team that manages materials from order to delivery. The Midtown showroom lets you see model kitchens and bathrooms and choose finishes in person. A 10-year warranty on labor and materials backs up their work. If you value a streamlined, single-company process with a long track record, MyHome is a solid choice. Explore at MyHome.
#5 Gallery KBNY
A screenshot of the Gallery KBNY website.
Gallery KBNY is a full-service design-build firm featured in The New York Times, with a specialty in pre-war homes. Their integrated team of architects, designers, contractors, and project managers handles everything from board approvals and DOB permitting through design and construction. They work across Manhattan and Brooklyn on apartments, co-ops, condos, townhomes, and lofts. A founding partner is involved in every project, which keeps accountability high. If you are renovating a pre-war apartment or brownstone and want design and construction under one roof, Gallery KBNY is built for that. Visit Gallery KBNY.
How to Choose the Right Consultant for Your Renovation
Start by defining your scope. Are you redecorating a room or gut-renovating a brownstone? The answer determines whether you need a flexible consultant or a full design-build team. Next, consider your location. If you are in NYC, co-op board experience matters. If you are in the Hamptons or Boca Raton, seasonal logistics and local contractor networks are key. Then think about your involvement level. Some homeowners want to be hands-on and just need expert guidance at key stages. Others want a single point of contact who handles everything. Finally, ask about transparency. How will you track progress? What does communication look like? The right firm for you is the one whose process matches your personality and project.
Automating Your Renovation Research
You can streamline your search with a simple workflow. First, set up a spreadsheet with columns for firm name, service scope, locations, pricing model, and client reviews. Second, use a web clipper to save key pages from each firm's site into a research folder. Third, schedule 15-minute intro calls with your top three and log notes in the same sheet. Fourth, use a shared calendar to track follow-ups and proposal deadlines. This keeps your decision process organized and comparable, so you can focus on the conversation rather than the chaos.
The Bottom Line
There is no single right answer for every homeowner. Chapter Renovation suits you if you want tech-enabled transparency across multiple markets. Andrew Lipman is your pick if you want flexible, stage-by-stage consulting without a full design-build commitment. M Design Group brings architectural rigor and construction management for luxury projects. MyHome offers a streamlined, warranty-backed process for kitchens and baths. Gallery KBNY specializes in pre-war design-build renovations. Match the firm to your scope, location, and desired involvement level, and you will set your renovation up for a smoother ride.