Author: markholmquistarchitect

Most New York apartment renovations feel like a series of small decisions. Finishes, fixtures, layouts, details—each one presented as equally important. The process can quickly become overwhelming, not because it’s complex, but because everything is given the same weight. In reality, a handful of early decisions shape almost everything that follows. They’re often made quietly, […]

NYC apartment design often begins with decisions about kitchens, finishes, and layouts. Where should the island go? What flooring feels right? How can we add more storage? It feels practical—but it’s also backwards. Before any of that, there’s a more fundamental question:how should a New York apartment actually be understood before it’s designed? New York […]

Sustainable architecture is often reduced to technology — solar panels, high-performance insulation, efficient mechanical systems. Those elements matter. But true sustainability goes deeper. I think of sustainable architecture as designing spaces that function with energy efficiency and feel vibrant in their connection to the environment. It includes reducing operational energy — heating, cooling, lighting — […]

Introduction Accent doors in interior design are a timeless design strategy. From the front doors lining Dublin’s Merion Square to Diana Vreeland’s famously lacquered red door, accent doors have long been iconic interior design statements. Even the opening sequence of Funny Face—set inside a Manhattan fashion magazine—understands the power of a door as a moment […]

When most people think of New York City residential design, they picture iconic brownstones, Beaux-Arts mansions, or gleaming glass towers. Yet tucked into Manhattan’s grid are some of the most fascinating modern townhouses—homes that between 1900 and 1978 rewrote the rules of what a townhouse could be. These are not just houses; they’re bold architectural […]

Residential interiors are moving away from cold minimalism and toward spaces that feel warmer, more tactile, and more connected to daily life. In contemporary residential architecture, particularly in New York City apartment renovations, there is a growing emphasis on layered materials, varied textures, and interiors that feel visually rich without becoming overly decorative. Rather than […]

Raising a family in New York City presents unique challenges—and opportunities. As a residential architect, I’m fascinated by how thoughtful residential architecture can harmonize a home with both its surroundings and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Designing a home that grows with children means carefully considering space, light, and materials, creating a […]

Modern residential architecture is making a strong comeback. Homeowners today are drawn to its clean lines, minimalist interiors, and uncluttered spaces. But modern design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating homes that feel open, functional, and deeply connected to their surroundings. The Roots of Modern Architecture Modern residential architecture first emerged in the early 20th […]

As a student at the University of Pennsylvania, I became increasingly interested in a recurring theme within Philadelphia architecture: the ability of local materials to mediate between regional building traditions and broader international architectural ideas. Across dramatically different architectural periods, many of the region’s most enduring buildings share a common sensibility—an emphasis on material continuity […]