LIVING SPACE

750 ft²‍

PROJECT COMPLETION

8 MONTHS / JANUARY 2025

LOCATION

CHELSEA

COLLABORATORS

Architecture: James Wollins

Design: Studio Public

Built By: Studio Public

Photography: Connor Rancan + Gamut Photos

This Chelsea high-rise renovation was completed over an eight-month period, beginning in January 2025 and concluding in August 2025.

The project demanded careful planning, disciplined sequencing, and discreet execution. The scope focused on refinement rather than reinvention—elevating the apartment through clarity, proportion, and precision. Central to the renovation was the design and installation of custom cabinetry and millwork, fabricated specifically for the residence. Cabinet profiles were kept clean and architectural, with precise reveals, integrated hardware, and carefully planned interior layouts that balance function with restraint. All millwork was installed with tight tolerances to ensure seamless transitions and long-term durability.

The kitchen was anchored by bespoke quartzite stone countertops, selected for both performance and material integrity. Slab layout, veining continuity, and edge detailing were studied closely to achieve a composed, uninterrupted surface language. Fabrication and installation were executed to exacting standards, allowing the material itself to remain the focal point without visual excess. A custom floating quartzite shelf was introduced as both a functional and architectural focal point within the kitchen. The shelf was carefully engineered to appear weightless, allowing the natural veining and depth of the quartzite to stand on its own. Structural coordination and concealed support detailing ensured the shelf performs as a durable everyday element while maintaining a refined, sculptural presence within the space.

The broader apartment design was unified through a deliberate focus on soft architectural gestures, most notably the introduction and refinement of archways. These curved transitions temper the rigor of the high-rise envelope, guiding movement through the space while lending a sense of rhythm and continuity. The arches create visual flow between rooms, reinforcing a sense of calm and cohesion without relying on ornamentation.

The bathroom was conceived as a tailored, spa-like environment, defined by thoughtful proportions and materials. Tile selections were carefully scaled and installed with precise grout alignment, paired with a custom vanity and refined fixtures. Plumbing layouts were coordinated early to support both function and aesthetic clarity.

Lighting design was integral to the overall experience of the home. A layered approach balanced ambient, task, and accent lighting to enhance spatial depth and daily usability. Fixtures were selected and integrated to complement the architecture without drawing attention.

The completed residence reflects a bespoke approach to New York City living: measured, enduring, and defined by craftsmanship rather than excess.