NYC Interior Design

Key characteristics from the studio's own materials:

• Specializes in sophisticated residential interiors (and select commercial environments) in Manhattan.
• Operates as a full-service design-build studio, leading projects from concept through construction and installation.
• Works extensively in premier Manhattan neighborhoods and building types, including pre-war co-ops, post-war co-ops, glass towers, townhouses, and lofts.
• Maintains in-house and atelier capabilities for custom millwork, upholstery, drapery, and furniture, including a Brooklyn atelier as noted on the site.

Founder: Erika Flugger

• Principal and Founder: Erika Flugger.
• Experience: Approximately 20 years of work in interior decor, interior design, and project development in Manhattan.
• Approach:
• Treats interior design as more than aesthetics, focusing on how homes can enrich and celebrate the lives of their owners.
• Emphasizes authentic, crafted, and meaningful design that endures over time.
• Vision:
• Envisions a future where conscious design is the norm and every home tells the story of its owners, contemporary craftsmanship, and enduring human creativity.
• Sees each project as part of a lasting legacy, not just a short-term style statement.

Team

NYC Interior Design presents itself as a collective with a multidisciplinary team. Roles described on the site include:

• Designers and architectural designers with experience across residential and commercial projects, renovation planning, technical detailing, and construction coordination.
• Sourcing and materials specialists with international experience in Europe, Asia, the United States, and the Caribbean.
• Operations and client services staff supporting project management, bookkeeping, and client communication.
• Technical design leadership with backgrounds in technology, engineering, and business optimization, contributing to process, systems, and firm operations.

Team members are based in various New York City neighborhoods (such as the Upper East Side, Chelsea, and Williamsburg in Brooklyn), reinforcing the studio's focus on New York City residential life.

Design philosophy

Across the site, several themes appear consistently:

• Enduring value: Emphasis on work that remains physically sound and aesthetically relevant for decades.
• Craft and provenance: Strong focus on genuine craftsmanship, clear provenance, and pieces that hold value over time.
• Tailored to the client: Homes are designed as tailored environments that reflect each client's story, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
• Integrated process: Design and execution are closely coordinated, particularly in projects that involve co-op boards, structural work, and complex building systems.

Services at a glance

While detailed service tiers are covered in separate documents, at a high level the studio offers:

• Tier I – Decor: Interior decoration and furnishing programs (Curation and Bespoke).
• Tier II – Design: Comprehensive interior design services (Upgrade and Improvement).
• Tier III – Build: Design-build services for structural reconfiguration, renovation, and remodeling (Renovation and Remodeling).

Each tier is delivered by a single integrated team, with the studio leading design and coordination throughout the project lifecycle.

Overview

• Focus: Structural reconfiguration, full system replacement, and complete spatial reconception.
• Typical scope:
• Kitchens and bathrooms taken back to the shell and newly designed.
• Walls moved or added within the unit.
• Systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC where permitted) upgraded or replaced.
• Smart-home infrastructure integrated from the outset.
• Project leadership: The studio leads all design decisions from the first drawing and coordinates the full licensed team and contractor throughout construction.

Investment and timeline (Build tier)

From the Build service page:

• Investment: Generally 20%+ of property value.
• Typical timeline: Approximately 12–24+ months from pre-renovation audit through completion certificate, depending on scope and building type.

Timelines are heavily influenced by co-op board and Department of Buildings review cycles, as well as the complexity of structural work.

Tier options within Build

The Build tier is offered at two primary levels: Renovation and Remodeling.

Renovation

Renovation is for room-level structural reconfiguration within a single unit.

Typical scope (as outlined on the site):

• Gut renovation of kitchens and bathrooms.
• Non-structural wall reconfiguration within the apartment.
• Complete electrical upgrade and other system updates where required.
• Co-op board submission and alteration agreement management by the studio.
• Full construction documentation, bidding, contractor selection, and construction administration.

Indicative parameters:

• Starting investment: From around 20% of property value (per the Build tier guidance).
• Typical duration: About 12–18 months, including audit, design, approvals, and construction.

Remodeling

Remodeling is for major structural projects and unit combinations.

Typical scope (as described on the website):

• Full structural modification and reconfiguration of the residence.
• Combination of two or more units into a single residence where permitted.
• Complete replacement of electrical and plumbing systems.
• HVAC design and integration where the building permits.
• Department of Buildings (DOB) permit coordination and architect-of-record services coordinated through the studio.
• Extensive custom millwork throughout the residence.
• Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) coordination where applicable for landmarked buildings.

Indicative parameters:

• Starting investment: From around 20% of property value, reflecting the structural nature of the work.
• Typical duration: Approximately 18–24+ months, depending on scope, approvals, and building conditions.

What is included in Build

Per the Build service description, the tier typically includes:

• Pre-renovation audit of structural, mechanical, and administrative conditions before design begins.
• Schematic design developed with board approval requirements in mind from the first drawing.
• Structural reconfiguration within the unit: non-load-bearing wall changes, room repositioning, and layout redesign.
• Relocation of kitchens and bathrooms within the unit (not only replacement in place).
• Full MEP replacement where allowed: electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
• Smart home infrastructure specified and installed before walls close.
• Full millwork program for kitchens, baths, closets, and built-ins.
• Comprehensive material specification at every surface.
• Board approval management: alteration agreements, documentation, managing-agent coordination, board meeting timing.
• Construction oversight: contractor management, weekly site visits, trade coordination, and completion certificate management.
• Licensed professional coordination: engagement and coordination of New York State licensed architects, engineers, and other registered professionals where required by scope.

Process highlights

Key process principles emphasized on the Build page:

• Audit first: Every Build project begins with a pre-renovation audit, so structural and administrative constraints are known *before* design investment.
• Design for approval: Schematic design is created with the specific co-op/condo board requirements in mind to minimize revision cycles and delays.
• Smart-home planning at the right time: Infrastructure is designed and installed before walls close; it is not treated as an afterthought.
• Board and DOB management: The studio manages board submissions, timing around monthly meeting cycles, DOB permits, and any required LPC coordination.
• Single point of coordination: Clients work with NYC Interior Design as the design and coordination lead, rather than managing separate contractors and licensed professionals themselves.

When Build is the right tier

Build is typically the correct scope when:

• The existing layout does not support how the client lives, and the gap cannot be closed by finishes or furnishings alone.
• The project involves:
• Unit combination.
• Significant wall relocation or structural alteration.
• Full system replacement (electrical, plumbing, HVAC where allowed).
• The client understands and accepts a 12–24+ month timeline shaped by building approvals and substantial construction.

If the project requires only finish replacement, kitchen/bath renovation without major wall movement, or systems upgrades within an acceptable layout, NYC Interior Design may recommend the Design or Decor tiers instead of Build.

NYC Interior Design offers a Tier I Decor service for Manhattan residences that need a fully resolved aesthetic without structural construction.

Overview

• Focus: Complete home decoration and styling using pieces selected for longevity in craft, provenance, and design.
• Structural work: None – this tier does not include moving walls or changing building systems.
• Typical scope: Furniture, art, lighting, textiles, wallcoverings, window treatments, and select custom pieces.
• Goal: Create a cohesive, enduring home environment where every object has been intentionally chosen and placed.

Investment and timeline (Decor tier)

• Investment range: Starting at 5% of the property value (as stated on the website).
• Typical duration: Approximately 12–24 weeks from initial briefing through installation.
• Best suited for:
• New properties that need a complete and tailored aesthetic.
• Existing spaces where the layout works but the decor does not reflect the owner's life or sensibility.
• Homeowners seeking a sophisticated transformation without the disruption of construction.

Programs within Decor

The Decor tier is delivered through two main programs: Curation and Bespoke.

Curation

Curation is the Decor service for residences that function well but are not yet resolved aesthetically.

Typical characteristics:

• The building and layout are essentially right; the home needs a coherent design layer.
• The focus is on sourcing and arranging furnishings, art, lighting, textiles, and objects so the space reflects the client's life and taste.
• Work is done using trade-only sources and curated showrooms, with a strong emphasis on quality and long-term relevance.

Scope elements commonly include:

• Detailed furniture and art plan for the residence.
• Trade sourcing and procurement.
• Lighting and decorative fixture selection.
• Window treatments, textiles, and accessories.
• Installation and final styling.

Bespoke

Bespoke is the higher-touch Decor program for clients who treat their home environment with the same seriousness as an art collection.

Key characteristics (per the Bespoke service description on the website):

• Designed for permanent homes, typically in $3M+ properties, where furnishings are considered part of a long-term investment.
• Every piece is evaluated for secondary market value, craft lineage, and whether it represents genuine making by an artisan.
• Pieces are often one-of-a-kind and should *not* be reproducible by another client working with another designer.

Investment and timeline (Bespoke program):

• Investment: Starting at 10% of property value.
• Typical timeline: Approximately 6–12 months, reflecting long-lead international sourcing and commissioned work.

What Bespoke typically includes:

• Everything in the standard decoration scope, plus:
• Exclusive international and European sourcing (ateliers and showrooms not accessible through standard trade channels).
• One-of-a-kind commissioned furnishings, sculpture, and art for the specific residence.
• Access to estate and private-sale pieces prior to public auction where applicable.
• Long-lead custom fabrication (often 6–18 months for signature pieces).
• Ongoing collection and curation services after initial installation.
• White-glove logistics and installation.

Ideal Bespoke clients:

• Owners commissioning a permanent Manhattan home who understand the difference between *buying furniture* and *building a collection*.
• Commonly in prestigious neighborhoods such as Park Avenue/Lenox Hill, Tribeca, West Village, Midtown/Billionaires' Row, Upper East Side, and Hudson Yards (as referenced on the site).

When Decor is the right tier

Decor is usually the right fit when:

• The layout and structure of the residence are acceptable.
• The project is centered on furnishing, art, and finishes rather than construction.
• The client wants a complete, cohesive home environment on a defined timeline without engaging in structural renovation.

When the layout or systems need to change (kitchen and bath reconfiguration, walls moving, or system upgrades), NYC Interior Design will typically recommend the Design (Tier II) or Build (Tier III) services instead of Decor.

Tier II Design is for residences that must function differently as well as feel different, without necessarily requiring major structural reconstruction.

Overview

• Focus: Comprehensive interior design that resolves how the home functions day to day, as well as how it looks.
• Typical scope: Kitchen and bathroom design, lighting, storage, systems planning, and full material and finishes selection.
• Structural work: May adjust non-structural elements and built-ins but does not typically involve major structural reconfiguration or unit combination.
• Outcome: A residence whose layout, storage, lighting, and systems match how the client actually lives.

Investment and timeline (Design tier)

As stated on the website:

• Investment range: Starting at 10% of the property value.
• Typical duration: Approximately 6–12 months from audit and design through implementation.

The exact scope, investment, and schedule depend on the size and condition of the residence and the level of intervention required.

Programs within Design

The Design tier is primarily delivered through Upgrade and Improvement programs.

Upgrade

Upgrade is the Design service for residences with good bones but dated or inadequate finishes.

Typical scenarios:

• The building and layout are right, but materials, storage, and lighting feel outdated or underdesigned.
• The client wants a significant uplift in quality and performance without major structural changes.

Common scope elements:

• Refined space planning within the existing layout.
• Upgraded materials and finishes (kitchen, baths, flooring, wall finishes, etc.).
• Comprehensive lighting design and controls.
• Enhanced storage resolution and millwork.
• Coordination of systems improvements that do not require full Build-level reconstruction.

Improvement

Improvement is the Design service for new or recently acquired residences that need a complete design layer.

Typical scenarios:

• A new development or high-end condominium delivered in a standard developer specification that looks identical to other units.
• A residence whose infrastructure is acceptable, but which needs a full interior design concept to feel unique and genuinely resolved.

Common scope elements:

• Complete interior design concept for the residence, including materials, palettes, and finishes.
• Detailed furniture layouts and millwork design.
• Lighting, hardware, and fixture specifications.
• Integration of smart-home and AV planning at the design level.

When Design is the right tier

Design is typically the right fit when:

• The overall layout is close to what is needed, but the residence requires comprehensive rethinking of finishes, storage, lighting, and functional details.
• The client wants the apartment to feel like a fully custom residence rather than a standard developer unit.
• The work needed goes significantly beyond decoration, but does not require:
• Combining units.
• Moving major structural walls.
• Replacing building systems at scale.

In cases where the structure and systems must be reconceived (for example, unit combinations, full MEP replacement, or major wall moves), NYC Interior Design typically recommends the Build (Tier III) service instead.

• Upper East Side
• Upper West Side
• Midtown (including Billionaires' Row and surrounding districts)
• Downtown West (such as West Village, Greenwich Village, Tribeca, Soho)
• Downtown East (including the Financial District)

The studio explicitly positions itself around Manhattan residences, from pre-war co-ops and historic townhouses to contemporary glass towers and lofts.

Building types

The firm shows particular expertise in Manhattan's main residential building typologies, including:

• Pre-war co-ops
• Post-war co-ops
• Glass towers (contemporary condominium towers)
• Townhouses
• Lofts (often industrial conversions)

Many of the studio's services reference the implications of each building type for design and construction, including:

• Board approval requirements and alteration agreements.
• Structural constraints and opportunities.
• System upgrades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC where allowed).
• Acoustic and infrastructure considerations specific to lofts and townhouses.

Typical clients and properties

From the service descriptions and project examples, NYC Interior Design most often works with:

• Owners of Manhattan apartments and penthouses (condominiums and co-ops).
• Owners of townhouses and landmarked properties.
• Clients commissioning permanent homes, frequently in the $3M+ property value range for the most intensive Bespoke Decoration and Build projects.
• Buyers of new construction or luxury condominiums who want their residence to feel fully custom rather than a standard developer specification.

Projects highlighted on the site include homes in:

• Upper East Side
• Upper West Side
• West Village
• Greenwich Village
• Tribeca
• Soho
• Midtown and Midtown East/West
• Financial District and other downtown neighborhoods

When NYC Interior Design is a good fit

The studio is typically a strong fit when:

• The property is a Manhattan residence (apartment, penthouse, loft, or townhouse).
• The client values craft, provenance, and long-term design integrity rather than short-term trends.
• The project may involve:
• Full decoration and furnishing.
• Comprehensive interior design for a new or existing apartment.
• Significant renovation, remodeling, or unit combination requiring board and DOB coordination.

For smaller-scope, short-term refreshes without a comprehensive design or collection approach, the studio may not be the ideal match, particularly for the Bespoke and Build tiers, which are structured around long-horizon, high-engagement projects.

Lists New York City as a location. Names Ad Dakhiliyah as a service area. Areas beyond these are not published.

• Address: 57 West 57th St, New York, NY, Manhattan, NY 10019
• Phone: (212) 961-7767
• Email: [email protected]

These details may change if the business updates its website, so callers should always rely on the most current information published by NYC Interior Design.

Contact methods

The website provides a contact form and a "Start a Project" pathway. Typical contact options include:

• Contact form: A web form where prospective clients can submit:
• First name and last name
• Email address and phone number
• Project location (often via URL or description)
• Scope of work (for example: Interior Decor, Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or Other)
• A brief message about the project
• Start a Project: Calls-to-action on the site (such as "Start a Project" or "Start your design journey") that route clients into the studio's intake process.
• Direct contact: Prospective or current clients may also reach out directly via the published phone number or email address.

Typical first step

While the exact intake process can vary by project, a typical initial step is:

1. Initial inquiry: The client contacts the studio via the website form, email, or phone, sharing basic information about the property, location, and desired scope (Decor, Design, or Build).
2. Follow-up from the studio: The studio reviews the information and follows up to discuss fit, timeline, and next steps. This may include scheduling a call or meeting.
3. Scope alignment: Once the appropriate tier (Decor, Design, or Build) and likely subservice are clear, the studio outlines how the engagement would proceed.

For any questions where the answer is not published in these documents—for example, current availability, scheduling constraints, or the status of a specific inquiry—callers should be directed to contact NYC Interior Design directly using the details above.

• Custom millwork
• Upholstery
• Drapery
• Furniture

These capabilities support projects at all tiers, especially Bespoke Decoration, Design, and Build, allowing the studio to:

• Design and produce custom furniture tailored to specific rooms and architectural conditions.
• Create integrated millwork programs for kitchens, baths, closets, libraries, and built-ins.
• Coordinate materials, finishes, and detailing so they align with the overall design concept and architectural context.

The Bespoke Collection

The site presents a Bespoke Collection of furniture and objects, including examples such as:

• Nightstands (e.g., Amerie and Merle models)
• Beds (e.g., Thais Bed)
• Sofas (e.g., Elke Sofa)
• Desks (e.g., Leyre Desk)
• Pillows and other soft furnishings

This collection illustrates the studio's approach to:

• Craftsmanship: Emphasis on pieces that are thoughtfully designed and well made.
• Materiality: Use of materials that suit Manhattan residential architecture and long-term daily use.
• Integration: Furniture that is conceived as part of an overall architectural and decorative plan, not as isolated items.

Role of bespoke pieces in projects

In the studio's Bespoke and Build-level work, custom and curated pieces serve several purposes:

• Support the idea of the home as a cohesive collection, not just a set of rooms.
• Address site-specific needs (unusual room shapes, storage constraints, or architectural features) that standard pieces cannot solve.
• Reflect the client's long-term investment in the property by emphasizing originality, provenance, and enduring design.

Clients engaging NYC Interior Design for Bespoke Decoration, Design, or Build can expect the studio to propose custom furniture and millwork where appropriate, alongside carefully sourced trade pieces, to deliver a fully resolved interior.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.