NYC Condo & Co-Op Lobby Renovation - Without Hassles

As the owner and lead designer of Sygrove Associates Design Group, I bring over three decades of dedication to the specialized field of lobby and hallway renovations for co-ops and condos across New York City.
My firm’s experience over the years has given us tried and true methods, and the most important of them is this: the complete success of a common area renovation project heavily relies on the expertise of a well-chosen team.
The Three Critical Players In Successful Common Area Renovations
1. The Interior Designer
At the heart of every successful renovation project stands the interior designer. No one is more attuned to a space’s aesthetic and functional requirements than the designer, ensuring that the final result resonates with the board’s and residents’ long-term aspirations and stands as a testament to design excellence.
Beyond the designer’s pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of the design, they bring extensive, long-term relationships with suppliers and vendors to the table. These invaluable relationships enable them to negotiate favorable pricing for high-quality materials.
Their expertise in selecting durable, high-quality materials—coupled with a keen understanding of budget management and fiscal responsibility—underscores the interior designer’s critical role from the drawing board to its full realization.
Without the interior designer, the potential for a compromised design vision can lead to discrepancies in the final outcome.
2. The General Contractor
The General Contractor’s principal responsibility in co-op and condo lobby and hallway renovations is to bring the architectural and interior design vision to a tangible reality. This person’s role involves the coordination of various trades, managing materials, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring adherence to project timelines.
Without an experienced General Contractor, the risk of misalignment with the design vision, quality, and timeline setbacks will likely occur. Put another way—hassles.
3. The Resident Manager
Property and Resident Managers play a vital role in the project team. They ensure the smooth operational flow of the project. Their responsibilities are facilitating clear and open communication between the board, the residents, and the renovation team.
They handle the logistical aspects, such as the flow of contractors’ labor and materials, and oversee the financial transactions — ensuring bills, invoices, and requisitions are paid promptly to avoid delays.
Their direct line to the board ensures that critical decisions can be made swiftly to maintain the equilibrium of project needs with the daily life of residents and enhance the property without undue inconvenience and anxiety for the residents.
Without their involvement, there’s also a risk of misalignment with the design vision—plus quality and timeline setbacks.

Conclusion
For a hassle-free condo or co-op common area renovation, ensure your project team comprises the three crucial roles above, and keep all parties involved for the duration of the project.
About Us
At Sygrove Associates Design Group, we’re steadfastly committed to transforming common areas into spaces that reflect their communities’ spirit and needs, always with an eye toward the architectural period of the building and a commitment to long-lasting beauty and quality.
If your building is considering a lobby or hallway renovation, let’s discuss how our design expertise may guide the project to success right through to the last nail. Contact me today for a consultation—and let us create magic in your building.
Key Takeaways From This Article
The three essential roles for a hassle-free co-op/condo lobby or hallway renovation:
Role #1—The Interior Designer
- Oversees all design phases; material selection.
- Aligns vision with practicality and aesthetics, ensuring access to quality materials at cost-effective prices.
- Guarantees the project’s aesthetic and functional success, enhancing property value.
- Risks of Exclusion: Potential for compromised design vision, leading to discrepancies in the final outcome.
Role #2—The General Contractor
- Executes the design; manages trades.
- Brings the design to life, addresses onsite challenges.
- Ensures quality execution, adheres to the project timeline.
- Risks of Exclusion: Misalignment with design vision, risking quality and timeline setbacks.
Role #3—The Building/Property Manager
- Manages logistics and communications; oversees financial transactions.
- Facilitates effective operations through clear communication.
- Aligns the project with the building’s operational needs, minimizing disruptions.
- Risks of Exclusion: Misalignment with design vision, risking quality and timeline setbacks.
Sygrove Interior Design Services
Sygrove Associates Design Group is an NYC interior design company. Our company’s founder Marilyn Sygrove is the lead interior designer on all projects. And she’s as tough as you are when it comes to quality, aesthetics, and coming in on time and on budget.
It all starts with a design consultation with Marilyn. She takes the time to thoroughly understand your design needs then personally directs all interior design, planning, and installation activities. Her work has been delighting clients, co-op and condo boards, and homeowners for over 30 years. Her firm will help you achieve consensus with everyone involved from the Board, building management, and residents.
You can reach Marilyn by email at hello@sygrove.com or call her directly at 212.757.0631.
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NYC Local Law 97 & Your Building's Common Areas

Navigating the maze of NYC’s property landscape can be daunting. Especially now, as the imminent NYC Local Law 97 stands to reshape how condo and co-op buildings approach energy efficiency. If you serve on the board or manage a condo or co-op building, this law is particularly pertinent. Without timely action, compliance fines and penalties might cast a shadow on your building’s long term financial health.
While the looming legislation might seem overwhelming, it can be an opportunity to enhance your property’s intrinsic value. The key is to act proactively.
Local Law 97 Explained
The NYC Local Law 97 isn’t just another piece of legislation; it’s a testament to New York City’s commitment to combat climate change. Affecting buildings 25,000 square feet and larger, the law has set benchmarks for energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions by 2024. By 2030, these benchmarks will tighten further. In essence, this legislation isn’t just about compliance; it’s about fostering a sustainable future for the city.
Why You Should Start Now
The implications are broad and profound, impacting approximately 50,000 buildings. As 2030 approaches, a rise in renovation costs and a shortage of quality contractors are expected. That’s why I believe that initiating your building’s updates now is a strategic move, and here’s why:
1. Shortages: As more buildings rush to comply, good contractors will become harder to hire and material costs are likely to surge. By starting now, you’ll have more resources and evade the disruption of a last-minute scramble.
2. Property Values: Prospective buyers will be aware of Local Law 97. They’ll consider buildings that are in compliance already a better choice because the prospect of future assessments or escalated common charges is less likely
3. Energy Savings: Energy-efficient lighting in your common areas will garner savings during the next few years. You can use the savings for other necessary updates for compliance such as updated boilers and windows.
Start Here
Start preparing for the NYC Local Law 97 where the impact is highest: your building’s common areas. Outdated lighting in these spaces contributes significantly to greenhouse emissions. Transitioning to LED fixtures with motion sensors will save money and help your building become compliant. Unfortunately, off-the-shelf fixtures are typically unattractive and cheaply made.
At Sygrove, we’ve always been at the forefront of incorporating energy efficiency in our lobby and hallway designs. Our custom fixtures, designed with LED technology and motion sensors, aren’t just energy savers—they seamlessly blend with and elevate the aesthetics of any space. With advanced technology, these fixtures adapt to the environment, transitioning from a gentle glow in unoccupied areas to a bright, vibrant light when needed. Additionally, they offer flexibility with adjustable color temperature settings.
Conclusion
If there’s been even a glimmer of interest in updating your common areas, it’s smart to start now to ensure your project will be completed in a timely way, your budget will go further, and the units in your building will become more valuable.
Sygrove is here to assist you every step of the way. If you want to discuss your building, send me an email or give me a call. The sooner the better! Together, we will create stunning common areas that exceed your expectations and help you comply with Local Law 97.
Learn about our process of creating elegant and energy-saving lighting solutions in the era of Local Law 97 here.
Sygrove Interior Design Services
Sygrove Associates Design Group is an NYC interior design company. Our company’s founder Marilyn Sygrove is the lead interior designer on all projects. And she’s as tough as you are when it comes to quality, aesthetics, and coming in on time and on budget.
It all starts with a design consultation with Marilyn. She takes the time to thoroughly understand your design needs then personally directs all interior design, planning, and installation activities. Her work has been delighting clients, co-op and condo boards, and homeowners for over 30 years. Her firm will help you achieve consensus with everyone involved from the Board, building management, and residents.
You can reach Marilyn by email at hello@sygrove.com or call her directly at 212.757.0631.