Articles / Blog
The below articles were written by Havard Cooper, a Registered Architect licensed in New York and Connecticut since 2014. Havard has been practicing architecture since 2009 and holds a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD). He is a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP), WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP), and a member of both the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
This blog was created to demystify the design and renovation process, covering topics like architecture, interior design, project management, budgeting, and navigating New York City’s complex building codes. Whether we work together or not, I believe knowledge is power—and if these articles can reduce the friction on your path to creating a space you love, then they’ve done their job. My goal is to provide practical insights that help you make informed decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and feel more confident throughout your design journey.

The Maisonette: A Hidden Gem in New York City Real Estate
Hidden in plain sight, the maisonette brings single-family home privacy to the heart of a multi-unit building. With its own street entrance, multi-level layout, and historic charm, this little-known housing style offers an exclusive blend of tranquility and convenience—a rare find in the fast-paced world of New York City real estate.

The Historic Building Code Handbook for owners: Navigating NYC Regulations
New York City's building codes are some of the most comprehensive in the country. Becoming familiar with these codes and figuring out how and when they apply to landmarked and historic buildings is a bit convoluted, this article aims to help familiarise you with the governing bodies and processes.