• Nearly 30 years ago, we began as a small kitchen and bath shop. The work was precise, detail-oriented, and deeply personal — the kind of work where you sit across from a family at their kitchen table and help them reimagine the room they spend most of their lives in. It was a modest beginning. It was also the right one.

    Those early years in kitchens and bathrooms taught us something that no amount of large-scale construction experience can replicate: that the details closest to how people actually live are the ones that matter most. The proportion of a cabinet. The weight of a drawer pull. The way light moves across a stone surface at different hours of the day. We learned to care about those things before we ever broke ground on a full building, and that sensibility never left us.

    As our reputation for craft and client service grew, so did the scope of what clients asked us to do. A kitchen became a floor. A floor became a full renovation. A renovation became a ground-up townhouse. By the late 2000s, we had evolved into something larger — a full-service builder specializing in New York City's most demanding residential projects. The transition was not a departure from where we started. It was a natural extension of it.

    Working block by block through Manhattan and Brooklyn, we learned these buildings from the inside out — their bones, their quirks, the way they settle and shift and breathe with the seasons. We learned which original details were worth preserving at any cost, and which modern interventions, done carefully, could make a century-old home feel entirely alive again. That education had no shortcut. It had to be earned, project by project, over years.

    As our work grew more complex, clients came to us with buildings that other firms had declined — too complicated, too encumbered, too deep in landmark territory, too far along in the wrong direction. We took them on. Those projects became some of our most defining work, and some of our most enduring relationships.

    Three decades have passed. The city has changed in ways that would have been difficult to imagine when we opened our doors. Neighborhoods have transformed. Regulations have multiplied. The cost and complexity of building in New York has grown considerably. And yet the fundamental challenge remains what it always was: to take a building that matters — to a family, to a block, to a borough — and give it the next chapter it deserves.

    We are still doing that work and We expect to be doing it for a long time to come.

  • We build a certain kind of project for a certain kind of client. Not the biggest projects in the city. Not the fastest. The ones where getting it right is the only metric that matters — where the home has history, the client has vision, and the margin for compromise is essentially zero.

    We are a high-end townhouse builder operating across New York City. Our work spans gut renovations, ground-up construction, and landmark restorations on some of the city's most architecturally significant residential buildings. We have been doing this for nearly thirty years, and that experience informs every conversation we have, every scope we evaluate, and every recommendation we make.

    What distinguishes us is not the scale of what we build but the depth of how we build it. Our roots are in detail work — kitchens, baths, the spaces where craftsmanship is most visible and most felt. That foundation shaped how we approach everything we do, even now that the projects are larger and more complex. We still think like craftsmen first. The planning, the logistics, the agency navigation — all of it is in service of the finished thing.

    We work closely with architects, designers, and clients who share that orientation. Our best projects are genuine collaborations — ones where everyone around the table is invested not just in completing the work but in the quality of what gets built. We tend to attract clients who have done this before, or who have done their homework and understand what they are asking for. Either way, we find that the most successful projects begin with a shared understanding of what excellence actually requires.

    New York is a difficult place to build. The regulatory environment is complex, the logistical constraints are real, and the standards expected at the top of the market are unforgiving. We have navigated all of it, across every borough, across decades of change in how this city builds and what it demands of its builders. That knowledge is not incidental to what we offer. It is central to it.

    We are not the right builder for every project. We are the right builder for projects where quality is the only acceptable outcome — where the home matters, the process matters, and the people doing the work matter. If that describes what you're looking for, we should talk.

  • There is no shortage of builders in New York. There is, however, a shortage of builders willing to slow down long enough to do the thing properly — to ask the harder question, source the better material, push back on the detail that isn't quite right, and hold the line on quality when the schedule is pressing and the pressure is on.

    That is the practice we have built over thirty years. Not a philosophy we arrived at, but a discipline we developed through the work itself — through the projects that demanded more than we expected, the clients who trusted us with buildings they loved, and the hard-won understanding that shortcuts in this trade have a way of revealing themselves at the worst possible moment.

    We believe a well-built home should be invisible in the best sense of the word. The homeowner should never think about the construction. They should only experience the result — the way the light falls, the way the spaces flow, the quiet confidence of a building that was done right and knows it.

    We hold ourselves to that standard on every project, regardless of scope or budget. A kitchen renovation and a full townhouse gut renovation receive the same attention, the same oversight, the same honesty. The scale changes. The commitment doesn't.

  • The people who work at LKB are here because they care about the craft — genuinely, sometimes inconveniently, in the way that makes you go back and redo something that was probably fine because you know it could be better.

    That disposition is hard to teach. We have learned to hire for it.

    Our team is small and deliberately so. Everyone here carries real responsibility and has the experience to handle it. There are no layers of management insulating decision-makers from the work — the people making calls on your project are the same people who have spent careers on job sites just like it. That proximity matters. It is the difference between oversight and ownership, and our clients feel it.

    We are demanding of each other in the way that people are when they actually care about the outcome. Mistakes get examined, not buried. Hard conversations happen early, not late. Standards are held not because someone is watching but because letting something slide feels wrong to the people doing the work. That culture did not come from a handbook. It came from thirty years of building things together and developing a shared sense of what this company stands for.

    We extend the same expectation to the trade partners and specialists we bring onto our projects. The plasterers, the millworkers, the restoration masons — these are people we have worked alongside for years, in some cases decades. They know what we expect and we know what they're capable of. That familiarity is not incidental to the quality of our work. It is a significant part of it.

    What we have built internally is reflected in what we build externally. That is not a coincidence.

COMPANY

  • We Start by Listening

    Before a single measurement is taken or a timeline is set, we take the time to understand you. Your lifestyle, your aesthetic preferences, your non-negotiables, your vision. We listen closely — not just to your words, but to the intention behind them — so we can translate your ideas into something truly personal and enduring.

    Tailored, Transparent, Thoughtful

    No two clients are alike — and neither are our projects. From design collaboration to material selection and scheduling, we tailor every step of the process to reflect your needs and priorities. Clear communication and complete transparency ensure you're informed, empowered, and supported from day one.

    Collaboration at Every Step

    We view every project as a partnership. Whether we’re working alongside your architect and designer or guiding you through early-stage planning, our team is deeply collaborative. We problem-solve in real time, offer solutions grounded in experience, and always keep your best interest at the center of every decision.

    Details Define the Experience

    In construction, the smallest details make the biggest difference. Our process is designed to catch them early, refine them consistently, and execute them flawlessly. From the first site visit to the final walkthrough, we’re obsessed with getting it right — because we know how much it matters.

  • Our pre-construction services are designed to set the foundation for your project. From initial design consultations to budgeting and permitting, we guide you through every step of the planning process with precision and expertise.

    Our team works closely with architects, engineers, and designers to ensure that every detail aligns with your vision, while our thorough project management keeps everything on track.

    Our pre-construction process is transparent, collaborative, and highly personalized—designed to minimize surprises and set your project up for success from day one.

    What the Process Looks Like:

    Initial Consultation & Site

    Evaluation We begin by listening—understanding your goals, lifestyle needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget. This conversation lays the groundwork for a tailored approach to your project.

    Design Collaboration

    We work closely with your architect, interior designer, and other consultants to ensure design intent is fully understood and buildable.

    Estimating & Budget

    Development Our estimating team prepares a comprehensive cost estimate based on the evolving design, using real-time market data and our deep experience with luxury finishes, custom detailing, and specialized trades.

    Value Engineering

    If scope and budget need better alignment, we work collaboratively to identify alternative materials or methods that preserve the design integrity without compromising quality.

    Schedule Planning

    We create a preliminary construction timeline, highlighting key milestones, lead times for custom items, and potential risks. This helps manage expectations and ensures timely delivery.

    Permitting & Approvals

    We handle the preparation and submission of all necessary permits and documentation for design + build projects.

    Final Contract & Mobilization

    Once design, budget, and schedule are aligned, we finalize the construction agreement. From there, we prepare the site and schedule trades to begin building your home with precision and care.

  • Trusted Trade Partners

    We don’t subcontract — we collaborate. Our long-standing relationships with best-in-class trades ensure that every phase of your home is executed by professionals who take pride in their work. From master carpenters to stone artisans, each partner is carefully selected not just for skill, but for reliability, consistency, and alignment with our quality standards.

    Communication that Builds Confidence

    Building a home is a major investment — not just financially, but emotionally. That’s why we prioritize clear, consistent communication. You’ll have a dedicated project manager who provides regular updates, milestone reviews, and answers to your questions, all in real-time through our secure client portal. Transparency is built into every step, so you're always informed without having to chase down information. Here is our standard project document flow: - Daily logs with photos and work summaries of site activities - Weekly OAC meetings to discuss the project status - Weekly trade partner meetings to discuss coordination, safety, etc... - Bi-monthly project progress videos shared with you - Bi-monthly overall schedule updates to ownership

    Safety as a Standard, Not a Checklist

    The safety of our job sites is non-negotiable. We implement rigorous safety protocols to protect both workers and your investment. All trades are required to comply with our in-house safety program, including site orientations, daily check-ins, and ongoing supervision. A safe site is an efficient site — and the foundation of professional-grade construction.

    Real-Time Cost Tracking

    We leverage construction management software to monitor every dollar spent — in real time. You’ll always know where the budget stands, how allowances are tracking, and where changes may impact the financial picture. This isn’t just accountability — it’s peace of mind, and it’s how we ensure your investment is managed with integrity.

    Clean, Organized, Professional Job Sites

    Our sites reflect the professionalism of our brand. We maintain orderly, well-managed environments where trades can work efficiently, materials are protected, and quality can be consistently delivered. You’re welcome to visit your home during construction — and when you do, we want it to feel like a place already treated with care.

    Multi-Layered Quality Control

    Our internal quality checks are woven throughout every phase of construction — not just at the end. Each stage undergoes independent inspection by our site managers and field supervisors to verify workmanship, structural integrity, and alignment with design intent. This layered oversight eliminates surprises and ensures standards are maintained from the ground up.

    Proactive Problem Solving

    In construction, timing and details matter. When questions arise or issues need addressing — whether it's a framing adjustment, a layout clarification, or weather-related timing shifts — your Site Supervisor is already there, making decisions in real time to keep things moving smoothly and without compromise.

  • The post-construction handoff is a seamless process designed to ensure you’re completely satisfied with your new home. Once construction is complete, we conduct a thorough walk-through with you, addressing any final details and ensuring everything meets your expectations.

    We provide you with all necessary documentation, warranties, and maintenance guidelines, ensuring you have everything needed to care for your home.

    Our commitment to excellence doesn’t end at completion — we’re here to support you long after the keys are handed over, ensuring your home remains as perfect as the day you moved in.

  • We offer two primary fee models depending on the scope and style of your project:

    1. Fixed Fee (Lump Sum)

    Ideal for well-defined projects with completed construction drawings. This provides cost predictability and is based on detailed estimates of labor, materials, and project duration.

    2. Cost-Plus Fee

    Best for highly customized or evolving projects. You pay the actual cost of construction plus a transparent management fee, typically a percentage of total costs. This model offers flexibility while maintaining accountability and full cost visibility.

    Regardless of the model, we provide full costing transparency via the following:

    - Detailed estimates and open-book accounting

    - Regular cost reporting and change order tracking

    - Full documentation of subcontractor bids and material costs

    You’ll always know where your investment is going — and why.

    Value Beyond the Numbers

    We understand that building a home is a significant investment — not just financially, but emotionally. Our job is to protect that investment through meticulous planning, exceptional craftsmanship, and a process designed to deliver lasting value.

  • Building Within New York's Historic Legacy

    Working in a landmark district or on a designated building is one of New York's most nuanced construction challenges. We have spent decades cultivating the expertise — and the relationships — to move complex LPC projects from concept to Certificate of Appropriateness with clarity and confidence.

    The landmarks process rewards those who understand it deeply. It punishes those who underestimate it. The difference is rarely design talent or construction quality — it's knowing the Commission's rhythms, anticipating their concerns, and submitting documentation that leaves nothing open to interpretation.

    How We Navigate the Process

    Before a drawing is drafted, we assess your project's landmark implications. Does your scope require a staff-level permit, a Certificate of No Effect, or a full public hearing before the Commission? Knowing the pathway at the outset saves months — and often significant cost.

    From there, we manage every layer of the submission package: existing conditions surveys, materials research, historical photographs, and drawings prepared to Commission standards. When a public hearing is required, we prepare testimony, coordinate with preservation consultants and community boards, and anticipate Commissioner questions before they're asked.

    Approval is not the finish line. Approved work must be executed to the letter — with the right materials, the right methods, and proper field oversight. A stop-work order or post-approval violation on a landmark property can be among the most disruptive and expensive problems a project faces. We make sure it doesn't happen.

    Where We've Done This Work

    Our landmark experience spans interior and exterior designations across all five boroughs, with particular depth in the West Village, Brooklyn Heights, Tribeca and SoHo. We've managed additions, rooftop terraces, full gut renovations within protected envelopes, masonry restoration, window and door replacements, and façade work on some of the city's most closely scrutinized buildings.

    We also understand that many of our clients live and build within tight-knit historic communities. Neighbor relationships, co-op boards, and community board engagement require as much care as the Commission itself. We handle all of it — quietly, and well.

PROCESS