Designing in New York City: A First for Alacasa Design Studio

Alacasa

Jun 1

4 min read

Updated: Oct 28

At 200 Central Park South, Alacasa Design Studio collaborated with Vision Development on the interior design and complete FF&E package for a full-floor Manhattan residence. The former home of actress Raquel Welch, the completed residence was featured in Robb Report.

This New York City residence has expanded our perspective on the distinctive opportunities and considerations of designing in Manhattan.

As a South Florida-based studio, we are accustomed to working on large custom residences where scale is generous, deliveries are relatively straightforward, and construction methods readily accommodate oversized furnishings and grand architectural gestures. New York City operates by an entirely different set of rules, and that, we have come to appreciate, is part of its singular magic.

Designing for a Sophisticated Urban Lifestyle

The target market for this residence is distinctly New York: discerning, well-traveled homeowners who value craftsmanship, efficiency, and timeless luxury. In a city where every square foot carries tremendous worth, thoughtful planning becomes just as important as beautiful aesthetics.

Unlike the expansive Florida homes we typically work within, where generous storage and oversized rooms are often givens, Manhattan living demands a far more strategic approach. Every cabinet, closet, niche, and concealed storage solution must work harder, all while maintaining an unwavering sense of elegance and restraint.

When Elevators Become Part of the Design Process

One of the key considerations in this project was understanding the relationship between furniture scale and building logistics. In Florida, large pieces often arrive with fewer constraints on how they travel through a building. In New York, elevator dimensions become a critical design parameter, making careful planning and coordination essential.

Pieces that would effortlessly enter a Palm Beach or Boca Raton residence may require careful measurement, meticulous coordination, and precise planning in Manhattan. Every selection must be evaluated not only for its beauty and function, but for its ability to physically arrive at the apartment.

Rethinking Space and Scale

The scale of bathrooms presented another striking contrast. New York bathrooms frequently operate within tighter footprints than their Florida counterparts, demanding a higher level of precision in both planning and detailing. Every inch carries weight, and every decision must serve comfort and functionality in equal measure.

Yet despite these constraints, the objective remains unchanged: to create spaces that feel luxurious, serene, and beautifully proportioned.

Introducing Large-Format Porcelain and Stone

Among the notable aspects of this project was the use of large-format porcelain surfaces in a construction environment that required careful coordination around installation methods. Larger formats can reduce grout lines and create a more seamless aesthetic, bringing continuity, sophistication, and visual calm to an interior.

Coordinating these installations required thoughtful collaboration, detailed planning, and a collective commitment to excellence across the entire project team.

Navigating New Codes and Standards

Every city speaks its own construction language, and New York is no exception.

One notable example involved the replacement of all specified Antonio Lupi pedestal sinks. While these sculptural pieces were part of the original vision, local plumbing requirements necessitated modifications to accommodate rigid plumbing systems and code compliance. Challenges like these serve as an important reminder: successful design is not simply about selecting beautiful products, it is about adapting intelligently while preserving the integrity of the original vision.

Learning from New Systems

This project also required us to account for a familiar feature of New York residential buildings: radiators.

Integrating existing heating systems into a highly customized interior required thoughtful coordination and creative detailing. These considerations offered an opportunity to collaborate closely with the project team and respond to the technical demands of urban residential construction while maintaining the design intent.

Craftsmanship at Every Turn

One of the most rewarding aspects of this project has been working alongside skilled artisans, tradespeople, and craftsmen whose dedication is evident in every detail. Their expertise and attention to quality play an essential role in bringing a considered interior to life.

We value the opportunity to collaborate with talented professionals across different markets and to build lasting relationships grounded in

craftsmanship, communication, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Throughout this project, close coordination between design and construction helped align the original vision with the practical demands of the renovation.

Designing Around the View

In New York, the skyline is more than a backdrop — it becomes architecture in itself.

From the earliest stages of planning, every decision was made with views and natural light at the forefront. Storage solutions were carefully integrated to preserve sightlines, and spaces were arranged to eliminate dark corners while maximizing the movement of natural light throughout the residence.

The result is a home where even the quietest moments remain connected to the pulse of Manhattan. From the sauna to the primary bath, windows frame glimpses of the city that never sleeps, transforming everyday routines into something far more memorable. In each view, the city wraps you in its energy — constant, magnetic, and quietly uplifting.

Bringing the Residence Together

At approximately 5,500 square feet, residence 32ABC brings together two apartments in a full-floor home with views extending from Central Park to the Times Square skyline. Custom finishes, carefully considered furnishings, and detailed coordination contribute to a cohesive residential experience.

For Alacasa Design Studio, the project reflects the value of thoughtful planning, strong collaboration, and adapting design solutions to the character of each city and residence.

At 200 Central Park South, Alacasa served as interior designer for the full renovation, working from demolition through the complete FF&E package alongside developer Vision Development and the project team. The former Manhattan residence of actress Raquel Welch, the completed home was featured in Robb Report.

Explore the finished 200 Central Park South project to see the residence, or discover our New York interior design work to learn more about our approach to Manhattan living.