Since 1983, we have been entrusted with numerous commissioned projects for the late Naomi Warren, her company, and her family. These have included the design of two corporate offices, three residences, and this particular apartment.

Our approach to this apartment began by transforming an existing two-bedroom layout characterized by traditional enclosed rooms into an open, flowing space. To unify the new space, we incorporated maple millwork across various elements — from the front door and built-in bookshelves to cabinetry, display platforms, sliding wood and glass doors, a buffet, lighting frames, and window seats. A standout feature is our custom maple dining table.

Functionally and visually, the sliding maple doors between the study and living area create a textured pattern when closed, offering distinct separation. When opened, they allow a seamless flow of space. Custom rugs originally created for the client’s previous home were adapted for this apartment, providing a meaningful link between past and present residences.

A central challenge was the structure of the building itself. It is a poured-in-place concrete structure, which means that this apartment’s ceiling is also the concrete floor of the apartment directly above it. All HVAC and sprinkler systems are distributed ‘through wall’ from the center of the plan, where the ceiling is dropped. However, the difference in height between floor and ceiling in the open space varied 3 ½ inches from one end of the apartment to the other. To disguise this anomaly and to facilitate mechanical services, we employed a precisely level louvered crown to cap the millwork wall. Conditioned air is blown through this crown, and intermittent sprinkler heads are framed within it.