At Scarano Architect, PLLC, we believe that a successful architectural practice is built on more than beautiful buildings. It is built on relationships.
For 40 years, our firm has grown through a simple philosophy: listen carefully to our clients, understand their goals, deliver thoughtful architectural solutions, and earn their trust. When a client is satisfied with the work and the experience, something very valuable can happen-they recommend us to someone else.
That is exactly the kind of relationship that brought us to 634 West End Avenue on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
A New Chapter for a Historic Upper West Side Home
Located near West End Avenue and Riverside Park, 634 West End Avenue is a historic four-story residential building dating to approximately 1900. The building is characteristic of the Upper West Side’s older residential architecture and contains four apartments.
Scarano Architect, PLLC was brought in to transform an apartment within this historic setting into a contemporary, comfortable home while respecting the character and proportions of the existing building.
The completed renovation demonstrates how thoughtful architectural planning can make an existing New York City residence feel entirely different without losing the qualities that make its location and building so special.
The renovated duplex encompasses approximately 1,959 square feet and includes generous living and dining areas, a renovated kitchen, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, custom storage, hardwood flooring, and access to a private terrace. The design creates a balance between open, social spaces and more private areas for relaxation, work, and everyday living,
The result is a home that combines the appeal of the historic Upper West Side architecture with the expected functionality of contemporary residential living.
More Than a Project-A Client Relationship
For Scarano Architect, PLLC, however, the significance of 634 West End Avenue extends beyond the completed renovation.
The client came to the firm on a recommendation from another satisfied client.
That is one of the most meaningful compliments an architect can receive. A recommendation means a client was comfortable enough with the quality of the work, communication, professionalism, and overall experience to put their own reputation on the line for it. It is a level of confidence that cannot be created by advertising alone.
And it is a philosophy that has helped Scarano Architect, PLLC remain successful for four decades.
The Business of Architecture is Built on Trust
Architecture is an inherently personal business. Whether designing a new building, renovating an apartment, adapting an existing structure, or guiding a client through the complexities of New York City construction, architects work closely with their clients on decisions that can have significant financial and personal consequences.
That makes trust essential. At Scarano Architect, PLLC, we approach every project as an opportunity to establish a lasting relationship-not simply to complete a set of drawings.
Our goal is to understand what the client wants to accomplish, identify the opportunities within the existing property, anticipate challenges, and develop solutions that are both practical and inspiring.
When that process works, the relationship does not necessarily end upon completion of construction.
It can lead to the next project. It can lead to a referral. It can lead to a client returning years later.
And it can introduce the firm to an entirely new client who already has a measure of confidence because someone they trust recommended us.
Why Repeat Business Matters
For an architectural firm, repeat business is one of the clearest measures of client satisfaction.
A portfolio can demonstrate what an architect is capable of designing. But a portfolio cannot necessarily demonstrate what it is like to work with that architect.
Referrals and repeat clients tell a different story.
They demonstrate that clients value not only the finished product but also the process that produced it.
The 634 West End Avenue renovation is an example of that philosophy in action. A relationship that began with a recommendation resulted in a successful residential project and reinforces the importance of the client relationships that have helped sustain Scarano Architect, PLLC for 40 years.
Designing for Today While Respecting What Already Exists
Renovating an older New York City residence presents a unique opportunity. Instead of starting with a blank site, the architect begins with an existing structure that has its own history, proportions, character, and limitations.
The challenge is to determine what should be preserved, what can be transformed, and how the spaces can be
Reorganized to better serve contemporary life.
At 634 West End Avenue, the renovation creates a home suited to modern living while taking advantage of the building’s Upper West Side setting and historic character.
The completed residence illustrates an important principle of residential architecture: successful renovation is not simply about making a space look new. It is about making an existing space work better for the people who live there.
Forty Years of Architecture and Relationships
After four decades in practice, Scarano Architect, PLLC understands that the most successful business model is ultimately a human one.
- Do good work.
- Listen to clients.
- Solve problems.
- Communicate.
- Deliver.
And earn the trust that leads clients to recommend you to others.
634 West End Avenue is more than a completed apartment renovation. It represents the continuation of a relationship-based approach to architecture that has helped Scarano Architect, PLLC build its practice over 40 years.
Every project has an address.
But the best projects also have a story.
At 624 West End Avenue, that story begins with a recommendation, continues through a successful renovation, and ends where every successful architectural relationship should-with a satisfied client and the possibility of the next relationship beginning.
*The Detailed Scope of Work*
The scope of work included no changes to the floor area or overall bulk of the building, nor to its use or occupancy. The proposed alteration to the existing second floor is to create a new duplex apartment and convert the lower apartment from a triplex to a duplex.
At the basement level, the existing stair connecting the basement to the first floor was removed. On the first floor, the existing stairs connecting the first and second floors were removed. On the second floor, approximately 70% of the existing partitions and doors were demolished. The existing bathroom was removed, and a new floor opening was created to accommodate the new stair location connecting the second and third floors and to create the proposed duplex apartment. The main building egress stair serving all floors remains unchanged. On the third floor, approximately 70-80% of the existing partitions were demolished, and new finishes were proposed throughout.
A new structural opening was created in the floor assembly between the basement and first floor to accommodate a new single-passenger vacuum elevator. Selected existing windows at the rear façade were replaced. Existing sprinkler heads were relocated/reconfigured as required to accommodate the revised floor plans. New kitchen equipment, plumbing fixtures, and lighting fixtures were provided for the new second- and third-floor duplex apartment.
A new U-shaped stair was installed to connect the second and third floors and create a new second-floor- third-floor duplex apartment. New interior finishes were provided throughout the renovated areas. A new pneumatic vacuum elevator was installed to serve the lower-level duplex.
The new second-to-third-floor duplex apartment includes four bedrooms, including a large primary bedroom of approximately 300 square feet, a new study/gym/office room depending on the owner’s intended use, two full bathrooms, and a lounge area at the lower level. Existing sanitary and domestic water risers were replaced/reconfigured as required. New mini-split HVAC installed/provided for the renovated apartments.