Filament Architecture Studio, PLLC

We used Michelle for a parlor-floor renovation of our townhouse in Brooklyn. We also installed an upstairs closet laundry room and built a back deck. She was amazing to work with. Michelle has a wide-ranging knowledge of everything from building codes to light fixtures to paint colors. She is calm and kind, extraordinarily detail-oriented, diplomatic, professional, and has a great design sense. She is able to graciously preserve the vintage charm of a space while bringing in modern touches. True to her firm's name, she brought much more light into our space, and it now feels airy and bright and welcoming, everything we were hoping for. We would work with Michelle again in a heartbeat.

Michelle was terrific. We were trying to accomplish a certain set of goals in renovating our apartment (in a Manhattan co-op) while not expanding the project significantly or spending too much. Michelle was very helpful in working with us to accomplish exactly what we wanted, while also coming up with creative approaches to enhance the final product, all while respecting our budget. We also had a specific timeline in mind for our renovation, and she helped us stick to that as well. Michelle not only provided us with excellent basic architectural services; she was also always willing to go the extra mile, including by investigating options for everything down to the furniture and finishes, as well as by advising regularly on issues related to the contractor, engineer, DOB, and others, and stepping in as appropriate when necessary. Her rates were very reasonable compared to the value she provided. It was a pleasure working with her and I would gladly recommend her to others.

Michelle was great - reasonable, thorough, creative, efficient and responsive. Would work with her again in a minute! Highly recommended.

I had a very positive and successful experience with Michelle of Filament Architecture Studio. I asked her to design the complete renovation of a 330-square-foot studio apartment. The studio is in a 1924 building, and it had not been updated since 1988. It needed work. She reimagined the space, starting with the presentation of 6 different floor plans, each one functional and beautiful. She is a creative and gifted spatial thinker. Michelle recommended a builder that she had worked with, and believed would be a good match for the project and for me. I hired him immediately, and over the course of the renovation, the three of us became a true team. I live in the Midwest, and travelled over a dozen times to Brooklyn to visit the site. On a daily basis, I depended completely on Michelle for project management. She was responsive, detail-oriented, and available. Through phone calls and emails, I always felt connected to the project. For the aesthetics, we settled on a traditional frame with modern and fun components. Translating that idea into products and materials is one of Michelle’s strengths. And her collaborative approach with the builder and his team of craftsmen brought out their best work. Many design solutions were the result of on-site conversations that started with phrases like “What about . . . ” and ended with “We can do that.” When a space has only 330 square feet, every inch counts. The design feels like it has always been there, but is fresh and surprising. Michelle provided direction and guidance for the co-op board approval process, and for the DOB permit and inspection process. Both groups approved our plans without problems, and the final DOB approval is in place. I couldn’t be happier with how the apartment turned out. If I had the opportunity to do another renovation in Brooklyn, I would start by calling Michelle at Filament Architecture Studio.

I had a great experience working with Michelle. She was thoughtful, precise, and willing to explore a number of different ideas until we found the right solution for a very small space.