As the principal of Intrabuild, a NYC design-build firm, I have faced many rerrofitting challenges over the years. One of the more complex was renovating a pre-war apartment in a landmarked building. The existing floor plan was very compartmentalized, with small rooms separated by load-bearing walls. To open up the space, we developed a steel beam system to redistribute the structural loads. This allowed us to remove most of the interior walls and create an open-concept living area. The steel framing was concealed within a dropped ceiling and custom millwork. On the exterior, the building’s historic details like wainscoting, crown moldings and window casings had to be carefully restored. Balancing the modern open interior with the building’s historic character required a thoughtful design approach and expert craftsmanship. In the end, we transformed a dark, cramped space into a bright, spacious home that respects its architectural roots. Solutions like this, custom to each building and client, are at the heart of our retrofitting work.