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KBR Design and Build

145 W 28th St, New York, NY

(171)
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‘19 Certificate of Excellence, 2019

About

KBR Design & Build is a construction and remodeling firm that has specialized in complete apartment renovations in Manhattan and Brooklyn since 1985. Our team of Designers & Project Managers are ultra-collaborative experts with decades of experience and work side-by-side every step of the way to provide structure and clarity to the Homeowner.

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Reviews (171)

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5/5

171 customer reviews

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11 February 2026

The team did a great job, it took a little longer than expected, but that’s construction in New York City. William did a great job finding the right materials and fixtures.

Reviewed on Houzz

11 February 2026

The team did a great job, it took a little longer than expected, but that’s construction in New York City. William did a great job finding the right materials and fixtures.

Reviewed on Houzz

2 February 2026

Project: Apartment Combination & Gut Renovation (150 W 79th St) Timeline: May 19th – Nov 14th We hired KBR Design & Build for a pretty massive undertaking—combining units into a single 1,200 SF home. If you've ever dealt with NYC co-ops or pre-war buildings, you know how stressful this can be, but Noam and Yosi have a really solid operation. The biggest thing for us was the peace of mind. KBR is a well-established company with an actual, permanently staffed office. Knowing that Eleena (Project Coordinator) was there during business hours to handle the logistics, and that we weren't just chasing a contractor on a cell phone, was huge. They’re clearly in this for the long haul. Our Project Manager, Will, was the one making it happen on the ground. He managed a very technical scope, including: Full MEP Overhaul: They didn't just move things around; they did a complete mechanical, electrical, and plumbing update. This included a new multi-zone HVAC system, Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV), two new electrical load centers with all new branch circuits, and all new sanitary piping in the cinder concrete slab. Complex Flooring: We did hardwood throughout the whole place, and they were diligent about the subfloor acoustic underlayment, which was a strict requirement for our building. Superintendent Coordination: Will was great at working with our building super to keep things moving and ensure we stayed in compliance with all site protections. Michelle also did a great job helping us bridge the design gap between the two units so the final result felt like one cohesive home. If you want a team that can handle the high-stakes technical side of a Manhattan combination without disappearing on you, hire this crew. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

2 February 2026

Project: Apartment Combination & Gut Renovation (150 W 79th St) Timeline: May 19th – Nov 14th We hired KBR Design & Build for a pretty massive undertaking—combining units into a single 1,200 SF home. If you've ever dealt with NYC co-ops or pre-war buildings, you know how stressful this can be, but Noam and Yosi have a really solid operation. The biggest thing for us was the peace of mind. KBR is a well-established company with an actual, permanently staffed office. Knowing that Eleena (Project Coordinator) was there during business hours to handle the logistics, and that we weren't just chasing a contractor on a cell phone, was huge. They’re clearly in this for the long haul. Our Project Manager, Will, was the one making it happen on the ground. He managed a very technical scope, including: Full MEP Overhaul: They didn't just move things around; they did a complete mechanical, electrical, and plumbing update. This included a new multi-zone HVAC system, Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV), two new electrical load centers with all new branch circuits, and all new sanitary piping in the cinder concrete slab. Complex Flooring: We did hardwood throughout the whole place, and they were diligent about the subfloor acoustic underlayment, which was a strict requirement for our building. Superintendent Coordination: Will was great at working with our building super to keep things moving and ensure we stayed in compliance with all site protections. Michelle also did a great job helping us bridge the design gap between the two units so the final result felt like one cohesive home. If you want a team that can handle the high-stakes technical side of a Manhattan combination without disappearing on you, hire this crew. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

14 January 2026

Best company we did a full gut renovation! Every edge every finish every touch feels amazing. I would definitely come back again. wonderful project.

Reviewed on HomeAdvisor

17 November 2025

This was my second bathroom renovation, and I had a positive experience with KBR. As with any renovation project, the quality is only as good as the the person doing the work. I experienced some issues with the tile and stone installation and details, but Andreas worked with the installers to make the corrections and improvements. I enjoyed working with the team there. Phil, Eleena, Michelle, and Andreas were all great and worked to make sure I wa happy with the finished product. I would recommend them highly. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

17 November 2025

This was my second bathroom renovation, and I had a positive experience with KBR. As with any renovation project, the quality is only as good as the the person doing the work. I experienced some issues with the tile and stone installation and details, but Andreas worked with the installers to make the corrections and improvements. I enjoyed working with the team there. Phil, Eleena, Michelle, and Andreas were all great and worked to make sure I wa happy with the finished product. I would recommend them highly. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

24 October 2025

We bought an apartment in Hell’s Kitchen and after much research selected KBR Design and Build to lay new floors and remodel the kitchen and bathroom. We knew little about the workings of NY condo ownership, so it was essential to have an experienced firm work with our building management to navigate the complicated process of submitting drawings, securing permits, and addressing legal and practical issues. KBR did this work effectively. Having a contractor and designer who worked well together in the same office made it possible for the design and renovation to be done in NYC while we were across the country. Early on, our designer Edison was most responsive in his almost daily communications. He presented us with choices based on what we were seeking and then helped us to finalize selections. The kitchen backsplash was his idea, and it is one of the prettiest aspects of the remodel. He also listened when we said we didn't like something he suggested and came back with something we did. There may have been some measurement issues along the way but given the distance it is hard to know exactly what went wrong, and in the end, everything was resolved to our satisfaction. But the lead contractor Chris O is really why this is a 5 star review. From the moment he was assigned to our project, nearly all concerns we had were addressed quickly and things went smoothly. We are VERY picky, and he made sure that every single thing on our punch list was attended to. All of the walls - even closets - were painted. When a subcontractor or worker was sloppy or forgot to do something (and this did happen) Chris made sure that they came back and made it right. We ordered very expensive custom kitchen cabinets that were not installed to our liking and Chris worked with the company to ensure that the work was redone properly, even being onsite when they returned to make certain it was right. He is a skilled communicator and good person who we enjoyed working with. He himself returned long after the work was complete to install door stops and quiet the shower door squeak. We ordered a custom shower drain cover which didn’t work with the existing drain, and Chris went the extra mile to have it machine fabricated so it would function correctly. The whole of the renovation took about a month or 6 weeks longer than what they estimated which seemed like a win given how renovations often go. We love the apartment and the work that KBR did for us. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

24 October 2025

We bought an apartment in Hell’s Kitchen and after much research selected KBR Design and Build to lay new floors and remodel the kitchen and bathroom. We knew little about the workings of NY condo ownership, so it was essential to have an experienced firm work with our building management to navigate the complicated process of submitting drawings, securing permits, and addressing legal and practical issues. KBR did this work effectively. Having a contractor and designer who worked well together in the same office made it possible for the design and renovation to be done in NYC while we were across the country. Early on, our designer Edison was most responsive in his almost daily communications. He presented us with choices based on what we were seeking and then helped us to finalize selections. The kitchen backsplash was his idea, and it is one of the prettiest aspects of the remodel. He also listened when we said we didn't like something he suggested and came back with something we did. There may have been some measurement issues along the way but given the distance it is hard to know exactly what went wrong, and in the end, everything was resolved to our satisfaction. But the lead contractor Chris O is really why this is a 5 star review. From the moment he was assigned to our project, nearly all concerns we had were addressed quickly and things went smoothly. We are VERY picky, and he made sure that every single thing on our punch list was attended to. All of the walls - even closets - were painted. When a subcontractor or worker was sloppy or forgot to do something (and this did happen) Chris made sure that they came back and made it right. We ordered very expensive custom kitchen cabinets that were not installed to our liking and Chris worked with the company to ensure that the work was redone properly, even being onsite when they returned to make certain it was right. He is a skilled communicator and good person who we enjoyed working with. He himself returned long after the work was complete to install door stops and quiet the shower door squeak. We ordered a custom shower drain cover which didn’t work with the existing drain, and Chris went the extra mile to have it machine fabricated so it would function correctly. The whole of the renovation took about a month or 6 weeks longer than what they estimated which seemed like a win given how renovations often go. We love the apartment and the work that KBR did for us. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

9 August 2025

We recently worked with KBRNY on a full gut renovation of our condo in DUMBO, and the experience exceeded all expectations. From start to finish, their professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to delivering a truly high-end result were evident. The process was seamless thanks to their well-coordinated team. They provided a talented designer who guided us through selecting beautiful, high-quality materials that perfectly matched our vision. Our project manager was a true asset—keeping everything on schedule and within scope, while communicating clearly and proactively every step of the way. On the ground, their operational team was top-notch. The contractor, electrician, and plumber all demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship and problem-solving skills. Every element of the work reflected a high level of expertise and care. The final result is absolutely stunning—modern, luxurious, and exactly what we hoped for. KBRNY transformed our space into a home we truly love, and we couldn’t be happier. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for a high-end general contractor who delivers both quality and peace of mind. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

9 August 2025

We recently worked with KBRNY on a full gut renovation of our condo in DUMBO, and the experience exceeded all expectations. From start to finish, their professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to delivering a truly high-end result were evident. The process was seamless thanks to their well-coordinated team. They provided a talented designer who guided us through selecting beautiful, high-quality materials that perfectly matched our vision. Our project manager was a true asset—keeping everything on schedule and within scope, while communicating clearly and proactively every step of the way. On the ground, their operational team was top-notch. The contractor, electrician, and plumber all demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship and problem-solving skills. Every element of the work reflected a high level of expertise and care. The final result is absolutely stunning—modern, luxurious, and exactly what we hoped for. KBRNY transformed our space into a home we truly love, and we couldn’t be happier. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for a high-end general contractor who delivers both quality and peace of mind. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

6 August 2025

This is our second time using KBR and we’re so happy with our new kitchen. Would definitely recommend for any renovation work.

Reviewed on Houzz

6 August 2025

This is our second time using KBR and we’re so happy with our new kitchen. Would definitely recommend for any renovation work.

Reviewed on Houzz

6 June 2025

Just finished my kitchen reno with KBR and I?m seriously impressed. The team was super professional but also just really easy to deal wit which makes a big difference when you? re living through construction. They helped me make smart choices without ever being pushy, and everything came out exactly how I pictured it. If you?re looking for a contractor you can actually trust, these are your people ! More...

Reviewed on HomeAdvisor

6 June 2025

If you?re thinking about redoing your kitchen, you have to hit up KBR. They did mine recently and I?m obsessed. Super easy to work with, really listened to what I wanted, and didn? t cut corners. The space looks amazing now, way more open and modern, and they actually finished on time. Can?t recommend them enough!!! More...

Reviewed on HomeAdvisor

6 June 2025

I couldn?t be happier with the experience I had with [Your Business Name]! From the very first consultation through to the final walk-through, their team was professional, attentive, and truly passionate about creating something special. They didn?t just build a housethey brought my vision to life with thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and attention to every detail. More...

Reviewed on HomeAdvisor

6 June 2025

I was nervous about renovating my bathroom, but KBR made the process seamless. Their designer, Nidhi, was patient and brought my vision to life. The project was completed on time and within budget. More...

Reviewed on HomeAdvisor

6 June 2025

KBR helped us renovate the upstairs bathroom and I couldn?t be happier. They worked fast, kept everything clean, and the final result is stunning. I finally have the spa-like vibe I wanted without going over budget. More...

Reviewed on HomeAdvisor

5 June 2025

KBR was a lifesaver during our brownstone renovation in Brooklyn. We had a ton of issues with outdated plumbing and uneven floors, and they handled everything with so much patience and care. The team showed up on time, communicated clearly, and didn?t make me feel rushed through any of the decisions. What I loved most is that they actually listened to what I wanted instead of pushing their own vision. Our kitchen especially came out exactly how I imagined?bright, clean lines, and super functional. Highly recommend if you want a contractor that actually respects your space and your ideas. More...

Reviewed on HomeAdvisor

5 June 2025

I worked with KBR for a complete gut renovation of my brownstone?s kitchen and they honestly exceeded my expectations. I had a very specific vision? something modern but still warm?and they nailed it. Their attention to detail was next level, from the custom cabinetry to the lighting. Even when unexpected stuff came up (because you know how old buildings are), they stayed calm and came up with smart solutions without inflating the budget. I?ve worked with other contractors before, and this was by far the smoothest experience I?ve had. More...

Reviewed on HomeAdvisor

5 June 2025

Amazing work , literally the best . Found these guys online and couldn't be happier with the service .

Reviewed on HomeAdvisor

4 June 2025

OMG I had such a great experience working with KBR Design & Build! From start to finish, the team was professional, communicative, and really listened to what I wanted for my space. They turned my vision into reality and made the whole remodeling process surprisingly smooth. You can tell they take pride in their work and genuinely care about the outcome. I?m super happy with how everything turned out?highly recommend them if you?re looking for quality work and a stress-free experience! More...

Reviewed on HomeAdvisor

4 June 2025

KBR completely transformed my kitchen. It went from dark and cramped to bright, open, and super functional. They helped with layout ideas I hadn? t even thought of and everything turned out better than I imagined. More...

Reviewed on HomeAdvisor

3 June 2025

Can?t say enough about the kitchen KBR did for us. Small space, awkward layout?but they made it work! We now have more storage, better lighting, and a sleek, timeless design. They respected our budget and were super flexible during the process. My husband and I still walk in and go, ?Damn, this looks good.? More...

Reviewed on HomeAdvisor

3 June 2025

If you want peace of mind and a job done right, go with KBR. They just wrapped up a kitchen reno for me in my Harlem brownstone and it? s stunning. Beyond that, they were just nice to work with, responsive, professional, and honest. I never felt like I was being taken for a ride. Highly recommend. More...

Reviewed on HomeAdvisor

3 June 2025

If you?re thinking about redoing your kitchen, seriously call KBR. I used them for a full gut renovation and I?m obsessed with how it turned out. They helped me design something that actually made sense for how I cook and live?not just something that looked nice on Pinterest. The crew was on time, super respectful, and the quality is insane. Like, soft-close drawers, custom cabinets, the backsplash I wanted forever?they nailed it. I?ve already sent their info to two friends. Total game changer. More...

Reviewed on HomeAdvisor

28 May 2025

I?m pretty particular when it comes to design, and I?ve worked with contractors before who either pushed their own ideas or cut corners. Not KBR. From the start, I felt like my opinion mattered. I wanted my space to reflect both my culture and personality, and they didn?t just honor that?they embraced it. They sourced finishes that aligned with my heritage and incorporated patterns I grew up seeing in my childhood home. That level of care and attention is rare. The final result feels like me, and I can?t thank them enough. More...

Reviewed on HomeAdvisor

28 May 2025

This is my third time doing a renovation, and honestly? This was the smoothest one yet. KBR is organized, transparent, and knows what they? re doing. There were no surprise charges, no missed deadlines, and no excuses. Just quality work, excellent communication, and a seriously talented team. I wish I had found them sooner. More...

Reviewed on HomeAdvisor

28 May 2025

When I bought my apartment, I knew it had potential, but it needed a lot of love. I was honestly overwhelmed. I reached out to a few contractors, but something about KBR stood out? they didn?t rush the process. They asked me about my lifestyle, how I used each space, and what I wanted to feel when I walked into my home. That was huge for me. The renovation took a few months, but it was worth every minute. They turned my small, dark kitchen into a bright open space where I now love to cook and host. My bathroom? Spa vibes all the way. If you?re on the fence, just go with them. You won?t regret it. More...

Reviewed on HomeAdvisor

28 May 2025

KBR?s professionalism stood out from the start. They handled all the permits and kept me informed throughout the renovation. The end result? A stunning living room that feels both cozy and elegant. More...

Reviewed on HomeAdvisor

28 May 2025

This kitchen has completely transformed how we cook, entertain, and enjoy our home. Highly recommend to anyone thinking about updating their space!

Reviewed on HomeAdvisor

8 December 2021

Zero Stars. RUN. DO NOT USE THEM UNLESS YOU WANT YOUR APARTMENT DESTROYED.
I am a reasonable person. But I have never experienced anything like this. I live in UES Prewar 7 room. My initial interaction with KBR was good. Rob the sales person was attentive. Michelle the designer was helpful coming up with a scheme for my two bathrooms. I met George who was supposed to be my project manager. After a month of delays (which is not unreasonable in this Covid era) we finally 'start' construction. The first day Matthew is there and he is my project manager. George has gone to Poland. Okay. Then they start demo'ing my bathroom. I arranged to live elsewhere. They showed up 5 out of the first 23 work days, (this is over the course of 6 weeks) and only for 2 hours at a time, if that. It was always different men and workers, unsupervised. Matt was rarely there. They had promised me it would be the team they worked with and the supervisor every day, but that wasn't the case. Revolving door. My super would call me and say they weren't there, and then I would call Matthew and he would LIE and say he was in my apartment and I would call him out on it and he would admit he wasn't. In those 23 days, they only banged out the walls and knocked over the sink, somewhat dug up the floor enough to make a pile of rubble they never removed. They did not remove the refuse. They did not remove garbage. They did not properly cover my apartment. They had THREE water shutdowns were unable to put the valves in correctly. The third time my contractor friend visited and saw what they were to the valves and said they would flood the bathroom if they put it in that way--you can't mix metals, apparently plumbing 101--and they had no idea. When my porter would go to my apartment to check on them he found the electrician lying on my bed on the phone eating a sandwich. I kept calling and asking them to work and the supervisor Alex said 'they took on 65 jobs this summer and had no workers' and when I said things were not properly covered and they were in danger of flooding my neighbors apartment with the mixed metals he kept saying 'we have a $5 million dollar insurance policy so who cares if it gets damaged.' They would not show up, they would not remover their pizza boxes, food trash, my apartment was uninhabitable. And they wouldn't meet with me until I asked several times. When the building architect from the esteemed firm Ethelind Coblin met with their representative he noticed that they were not moving the pipes to the ceiling as per alteration agreement. KBR responded 'we never read the alteration agreement' (they had signed it.) Douglas Elliman, who manages my building, finally said they COULD NO LONGER WORK IN THE BUILDING. KBR also had knocked through the walls so aggressively that they cut through every electric and plumbing wire and pipe so I had to take down two additional walls and rebuild with a new contractor. Pix below of apartment after 5 weeks of 'work.' AVOID!! More...

18 December 2019

Words cannot describe the incredible working relationship my wife and myself achieved with KBR. As renovation is quite a tedious process in NYC, I was very careful to narrow down my choices to recommendations from friends as well those organizations I heavily researched. I ultimately went with KBR because after meeting with them on multiple occasions, the confidence as well never saying "no" with the insanity that I wanted achieved in my new apartment was brought to life. It was brought to life well prior to having me sign, in that they were very helpful with initial drawings, initial plans, and of course the initial step by step process that would be achieved from beginning to the end of the renovation. It was complex and extraordinarily difficult because this was a full gut renovation from the floors, to new plumbing and brand new electrical.

I was truly fortunate to have KBRs top designer Michelle and their number one project manager Petar attached to my job.

Michelle was so receptive to our design aesthetic as well our always changing minds / ideas of how to open the kitchen and the overall layout and so forth--Michelles patience as well brilliance in design while never sacrificing individuality nor compromising on any aesthetic was very rewarding. Michelle even went as far to design 4 different layouts of kitchen designs and would not settle until she personally met with the architect on numerous occasions. Michelle's incredible aesthetic was invaluable as she also knew certain tiles and woods and other materials that would represent our style cumulatively. Michelle always recommended some of the best materials, not the most expensive, but the right ones and it is simply marvelous to have a designer that has your best interests in mind and not just spending money needlessly. Her design aesthetic was never compromised and the home she designed for us does not feel like an apartment, rather a true home. Michelle met with our architect on numerous occasions as well visited the site every week for hours at a time to ensure all the designs were coherent and aesthetically pleasing. Michelle knew that we wanted an award winning apartment, one that would stand the test of time both aesthetically and technically, and Michelle made it happen for us. Sweet, kind, endearing, and brilliant are a few words to describe Michelle's continued dedication.

Petar to describe in one word is simply brilliant. It is one thing to have a project manager, who you know, manages the project ie instructs workers what to do while he focuses on other projects. Petar not only instructed and directed every team member what to do, Petar actually did the work too in helping the workers understand the process as well the technical aspects of how to do mostly everything. Petar never strayed from our home and was on site everyday for 4 months, working until the last hour my building would allow. Can you imagine a project manager working with every worker ensuring a seamless and easy to understand full gut renovation? That is simply outstanding follow through and dedication. Petar knows how to put together an apartment from scratch, and would never settle on anything or anywhere in the apartment. Petar even told the electrician what he wanted in the apartment and how to align the wires for a a seamless flow and how to put in walls. The precision accuracy and detail that Petar followed was ingenious because to gut renovate a 1300 square foot apartment from the studs, is very difficult. Petar made decisions on his own because he knew how to do electrical, plumbing, floors etc and his technical knowledge is incredible. It is the best when you have a PM that literally watches, works, instructs, directs and makes decisions on their own after knowing our needs, but to move the project along in a seamless ,clean, and expedited manner is quite rewarding. Likewise, Petar would make sure the site was clean and all the materials were not damaged and perfectly done. For example all the tiles, shower doors, wood floors, door handles, door frames, a million and one things Petar would ask me or make his own decisions in knowing it is exactly what we wanted and where to put them. Organization was key since there were many moving parts! Petar would take my phone calls 24.7 as well text messages and always reply to me daily with progress, imagery, questions, comments and concerns (I travel 7 months out of the year for work). Petar spoke to me daily and pushed everyone to their best ability.

I am not easy to deal with in that I expect better than ever perfection and a job to be done on a 10 out of 10 level. This was an 11 out of 10... Petar and Michelle were on call, on point, and damn rockstars throughout this arduous process.

Michelle and Petar created an award winning home for my wife, son and myself. There were many other stars as well such as Yosi, Noam, Rob, Billy, Alex, throughout the process.
I challenged KBR and they certainly delivered beyond any and all expectations. The owners were very receptive to our dreams and once again brought it into reality.

KBR was beyond fair in pricing and their relationships with all the vendors for materials is very beneficial. Fun, exciting, and sensational, i look forward using their skills on my next project forthcoming shortly!
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Reviewed on Houzz

12 December 2019

The dedication, hard work, and commitment by the team at KBR turned my dreams of a new bathroom into reality. Spearheaded by their designer Giselle Umo, the team always responded thoroughly to all my design plans and requests. During my introductory meeting, Project Coordinator Rob Stevenson met with me at my home to review my wishes for a new bathroom which was followed up with a more extensive meeting when he comprehensively explained the extent of the work, a line-item budget, expected labor and material costs for the project, as well as any potential stumbling blocks. Then I had an initial meeting with the designer Giselle Umo during which she listened carefully to my wishes and did her best to transform them into a design concept and blueprint. During subsequent meetings, she presented me with multiple samples and design suggestions (tiles, wood samples, finishes, light fixtures, faucets, pulls, toilets, tubs, etc.) that perfectly matched my design aesthetic. I had a particularly vision in mind for my renovation and Giselle steered me to choices that perfectly reflected my ideas. Giselle was able to put my design plan onto paper, ordered everything I wanted, and saw all phases of work through to completion during every week of construction. The motto of KBR should be “We want you to be happy” because everyone from Giselle, project managers Alex Morita and Billy Dixon, and all the workmen always responded to any of my requests with that simple phrase. No request however miniscule was ever denied. Every week Giselle and Alex or Billy walked me through the progress of the project and what would be accomplished over the next week. They patiently answered all my questions and faithfully ensured that every detail of my renovation was attended to. KBR was terrific at always responding to my concerns--no matter how miniscule--and made sure to always follow-through on all of my requests. Giselle earned my trust by always advocating on my behalf whenever there was a snag with suppliers or a problem needed to be resolved. If there was ever an issue about anything from supply problems to installation or something above and beyond was required, I could always count on Giselle to solve any problem. Throughout the weeks of renovation, my project was always treated as a priority by KBR--even though Giselle and Alex were indubitably working on other, much larger projects--but I was already treated as if mine were their only project and concern. KBR is a professional, reliable firm committed to high-quality work. I will definitely be working with KBR again on my kitchen renovation. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

4 November 2019

We (couple with a 2.5 year-old moving into a small 2BR) went with KBR for a gut renovation project. It was a sponsor sale—this particular apartment had not been renovated since the building was built in 1920s. The appliances included a pre-war gas-powered stove in which the oven was located above the range. The outlets and fusebox I may have seen on reruns of TV shows that were running when TV first became a thing. The point is, it needed a renovation.

During our initial meetings, Rob Stevenson (the Project Coordinator) met with us a few times and explained in great detail the labor and expected material costs for the project, as well as some potential pitfalls. We requested more line items for a few general bullets on the estimate, and Rob rapidly provided them. The level of detail in the estimate inspired confidence.

Our initial meeting with Ally Lewis (the Designer) also went well. Extremely energetic, she was on time for each of these early meetings (as well as all subsequent ones) with samples and excellent, high-quality solutions at reasonable cost for things like tiles, countertops, cabinets, floor options, wall options, light fixtures, yadda yadda yadda. We didn’t have a complete vision for our apartment, and really needed help. Ally’s creativity and aesthetic judgment was extremely necessary in getting things going in a reasonable time frame. She was fast—and it was not like we did not change our minds on things. Particularly in the kitchen and bathroom—Ally transformed them in our eyes with a focus more on possibilities than constraints. She listened to our preferences and came back to us with reasonable options that fit the bill.

As the project went forward, there was an issue with our co-op’s architect’s review (permits) that threatened to delay the renovation. Alex Laniewska (Administrative Support) put together a successful response that obviated the need for a higher level of permits that saved us weeks if not months. Rob’s claims of transparency turned out to be true. I kept a spreadsheet of costs etc. and occasionally checked costs for certain items, and not once did I conclude that there was a real discrepancy. The final cost was within dollars of my own calculation. There was a turnover of project managers halfway through, and Slavko Bosnjak took right over where the previous one had left off and helped us with some important details—we enjoyed working with him.

The real star of the show was Ally Lewis. We have been living in this apartment for a week now and especially her recommendations that we were not sure about at first have turned out great. The recessed lighting adding just a few inches to existing beams is marvelous. The kitchen and bathroom are great—a marriage of form and function.
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Reviewed on Houzz

28 October 2019

Ji Park, the designer assigned to our kitchen remodel, was a pleasure to work with. Integrating our preferences with her creativity and expertise, Ji Park designed a kitchen that we are proud of. Ji Park helped us select the right materials to achieve the look we wanted. She diffused any potential stressful situation with her engaging personality. The entire KBR team was a pleasure to work with. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

23 October 2019

KBR is an excellent firm, and I'm confident no other firm in the city could have done a better job with our kitchen. Our project was supposed to be a small kitchen remodel, along with a hardwood floor refinish and painting the walls throughout the apartment.

Working with Petar, the project manager, and Ally, the designer, was very easy and fruitful. Petar was reliably knowledgeable about the project and I am confident he did the best he could to provide accurate, honest advice about issues when they came up. He earned my trust by consistently advocating on my behalf when the less-than-reliable subcontractors needed cajoling. He is helpful and takes pride in doing good work. Ally has a great eye for detail, a really heartening can-do attitude, and a hilarious amount of enthusiasm. She really knows design, and our apartment is significantly more beautiful because we listened to her input. KBR in general was great at communicating and has a good system for invoicing and change orders. They're a steady, reasonable, and generally fine firm.

All in all, KBR is a solid, reliable firm. I am confident any issues we had with them would have been issues with most other firms. Ally and Petar definitely made an impression on my wife and I, and we would be happy to work with them in the future.
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Reviewed on Houzz

21 October 2019

Working with Ji Sun Park was a pleasure. She helped me with critical decision making and her follow up was amazing. She kept on top of the project at all times.

Reviewed on Houzz

22 September 2019

This was a true transformation! My kitchen not only looks fantastic but the design has made the entire apartment more functional/livable. My real estate agent has told me it has increase my home value significantly. More importantly, it makes me happy. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

18 September 2019

Our renovation consisted of many things: 1. turning our 2 bedroom apartment into a 3 bedroom apartment. 2 Complete gut renovation of one of the bathrooms. 3 Removing some walls around the kitchen and elsewhere. 4. new lighting with electric work in all rooms. 5. New coat of paint everywhere and new door hardware throughout the apartment.
KBR was really Amazing. We actually got numerous quotes and KBR was not the highest and not the lowest quote. What really sold us is their professionalism and straightforward down to business attitude. I have heard horror stories about projects taking way longer and going way over budget. Our renovation was exactly on time and went almost week by week with the plan given to us at the beginning of the project. We also did not go over budget! Also, the finished work looks amazing. Petar was the GC in charge of our project. He was always available and extremely helpful. I would definitely recommend and would use again in the future.
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Reviewed on Houzz

13 September 2019

My floors, walls and ceilings suffered flood damage. KBR project manager, Petar Krsikapa, is excellent! The place looks fabulous. The work progressed on schedule, with precision and beauty. I cannot say enough. I chose well. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

12 September 2019

I worked with KBR Design & Build for my bathroom remodel and had a very positive experience. I have what could only be described as quirky but sophisticated taste which the full project team enthusiastically embraced resulting in a unique yet highly functional finished product. Our bathroom had tiny dimensions that posed design challenges requiring us to prioritize our functional requirements. The team worked closely with us to ensure we were maximizing our space, which was a top consideration for such a small bathroom. Our shower, which previously felt cramped and cave-like, is now bright and airy! Honestly, I can hardly believe this is the same space.

Finally, when it comes to price, I prioritized the one-stop-shopping that KBR provides. This was a must have for me. Their product is on the higher end of the price scale, however in return they handle EVERY aspect of the execution - from completing the paperwork through the final build out. Given the results the cost was well worth it. I will be working with them again.
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Reviewed on Houzz

4 September 2019

They are not the cheapest on the street but the quality of the work done is good. The architect and project manager do pay attention to the small details. The project managers and architects on my project were very professional. Considering this was my first apartment the architect helped design and plan the changes so that my ideas could be approved by my building architects. Once the project was approved I had regular meetings with the project manager and architect, they mostly kept things on track and kept me updated with constant updates. They were able to handle any unforeseen issues well. My project manager and architects did change in the middle of the project which did disrupt things a bit, but overall it was kept to a minimum. I would definitely would work with them for any future projects. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

27 August 2019

Would definitely recommend KBR. This is the second time we've worked with them. This time, renovating our two bathrooms. A few years ago, our kitchen.

Reviewed on Houzz

2 August 2019

I've been in business in New York City for 30 plus years and I can safely say that the process of combining a two bedroom apartment with a studio in an NYC Coop, is likely one of the most difficult undertaking one can imagine. ....a host of parties must be satisfied, .DOB , Board of Directors, Building Managers, Building Super, Building Architect, fellow neighbors ...
KRB Design & Build led by Billy Dixon, a Southerner with an extensive understanding of processes and materials, and ever more extensive people skills was able to complete the job on time, within budget, and at an exceptional high level of quality...
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Reviewed on Houzz

10 July 2019

KBR recently completed a gut renovation of my one bedroom apartment. Whereas I did initially research my options with regard to this job, I still harbored significant skepticism, and worry that I would somehow become involved in a project that was either poorly executed, or one in which someone would somehow take advantage of my trust. KBR did an outstanding job in my home. As with any large project, there were obstacles along the way that had to be addressed. Each and every time problems arose, they were resolved. I think the most important thing I can say about working with everybody at KBR is that I have never encountered business people who were more honest, or who demonstrated greater integrity. These are individuals you can trust. They will do exactly as you want. Keep in mind, although I had my own ideas, their designers created something that was so much better, and so much more than I ever anticipated. Their input was invaluable. The folks at KBR will not take advantage, or disappoint. Yosi and Noam are both one of a kind, and they run a company in which everybody bends over backwards to give you what you want. They manage every aspect of a job personally, and take great pride in work that is well done. The people they employ are all committed and reliable. I have no reservation in giving KBR my highest, most sincere recommendation. They will exceed your expectation. I am so very grateful that I was fortunate enough to have found them. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

9 July 2019

I hired KBR Design & Build for my kitchen renovation. I discussed the job with three prospective contractors and ultimately went with KBR given the thorough description of their full service approach to renovation. I was sold! KBR capably managed the early administrative work, dealing with our NYC co-op and the department of buildings, supporting us to meet their lengthy requirements. They advised on budget, based on labor and material costs, and managed our expectations of project cost. When we finally got down to the real work of designing, gutting and re-building, Ally Lewis (designer) and Petar Krsikapa (project manager) were phenomenal to work with. They were everything I wanted in a contractor and more: responsive, attentive, patient, qualified and exceptional communicators. We were first time renovators, and they held our hands through design and technical decisions throughout the process. Everything went very smoothly, and even when there were minor hiccups (expected), Ally and Petar swiftly and transparently resolved them. When we started to reach our budget limit, both adapted to modifications that I proposed to ensure we would not go over budget. We now have the kitchen of our dreams, and I credit KBR Design & Build for this gift! The photos speak for themselves! More...

Reviewed on Houzz

23 May 2019

This project (1BR, 2bath) started off terrible with our first project manager: not present, misleading about work and pricing and provided no guidance or timeline on the steps towards completion, it set us back right from the start. After bringing this up to management, he was removed and we were assigned a new project manager to try and get us back on track (it is my understanding he is no longer with the company so you should have no issues here.)

We were then assigned Jayani to manage, and after a few days of her wrapping her head around what was happening, things really started to take a turn for the positive. She laid out a time line and punch list for our entire project, as well as, set up weekly goals for us to meet and go over. She was at the site constantly and extremely responsive and dedicated to getting us back on track, which she did. If things we not going to be done as scheduled, which was very rare, she mentioned things up front and had a plan to get them corrected, but as I mentioned, we really started to see things getting completed and the project start coming together. She also seemed to have a very good working relationship with our head contractor, Andrew.

I can not speak highly enough of Andrew. From the initial meeting you can tell he is experienced, talented and cares very much about the quality of his work. He provides suggestions, feedback and commentary about the work scope which I found extremely helpful - "this would work great, this might not look like you think" etc - he is very honest about what can be done and goes above and beyond to get things exactly as you want them.
His day to day crew also does an A+ job: they showed up early! and kept a fairly clean work area which was critical as we were living in the space during the renovation. There was maybe one minor hiccup in terms of the construction (I would have even expected many of these) in which he contacted me and fixed immediately. There were times he and Jayani would face time me to get my opinion on a small detail in real time, before moving on, to make sure it was done to my liking. They really were all-stars.

I am giving them a 5 star review even though the project had a bumpy start, it is only fair to assume if we had Jayani from the beginning we would have had no issues start to finish. The project was completed on time and the finish work is outstanding. I am confident if you have Jayani, Andrew and crew in your corner, you will be happy with the results.

Also worth noting, Alex was in charge of all documents, paper work and dealing with my building management company in order to get the project moving. I don't think I spoke to her once and I mean that in the best of ways! She handled everything seamlessly, I never had to intervene once. I was cc'd on all emails, but she had everything under control at all times.

Hope this helps and good luck with your projects!
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Reviewed on Houzz

19 May 2019

We just wrapped up an extensive full gut renovation in a 1,400 sq. ft. 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom condo in Brooklyn with KBR. This was a really complex project spanning over several months and costing close to $200k . We redid the floors, bathrooms, kitchen, appliances, and various other smaller pieces.

I am a particularly detail oriented person, as is my wife. We came into the project with some specific ideas we wanted to implement but also needed a lot of guidance given the scope of work. KBR was recommended to us from a friend of ours who did a smaller renovation project after their apartment was flooded.

Throughout the project, KBR performed exceptionally. We have very high standards and are pleased to say KBR did very well. Having had some experience in the real estate finance industry, I can safely say construction is very tough stuff, especially in the myriad world of NYC shared apartment buildings.

We started with a very detailed proposal that we developed with Sara over the course of 6 months while we simultaneously negotiated and closed on our apartment. Sara is top notch and incredibly patient, communicative, knowledgeable and detail oriented - I have email chains with her with over 100 emails in one thread alone. Developing the scope of work for such a large project and budgeting for that was complex. I appreciated the design and construction being coordinated together as that helped to streamline some of the decision making.

As I'm sure others do too, we did speak to some other firms on our project. From a price standpoint, KBR was by no means the cheapest option but it also wasn't the most expensive proposal. However, this is a large investment into what is an even larger investment - your home and substantial portion of most people's net worth. KBR did work with us for a little flexibility so I appreciate that constructive mindset. So we decided to invest with KBR and it proved to be a good decision. All the proposals are electronic in PDF format so it's easy to track.

Once we closed on the apartment and signed with KBR, we spent about a month or so on design. We worked with Giselle, who our friend had recommended. We did a bunch of onsites and talked A LOT over email and phone. We spent a lot of the design focus and time on our kitchen. Our kitchen was a nightmare to plan around given the existing construct, some limitations on space/plumbing and some very very complex ideas we had that we wanted to play out. I can say hands down Giselle is super creative and does not give compromise on putting in as much thought as possible into the inner workings of the design. We redid the kitchen cabinets, countertop, fixtures, sink, faucet, backsplash, everything basically. We did a ton of rev a shelf and creative drawers/pullouts/lazy susans to maximize the space - none of this was in the prior kitchen. but today as we live there it makes a massive difference. There is no way we would have thought about all these creative ideas and even when we were running into design restrictions, Giselle persevered through and pivoted around different solutions.

To be clear, it all took time - a lot of that was us changing ideas around and adding more and more complexities and some of it was Giselle taking the time to research and develop ideas. We came into this project knowing that design will take time and often longer than planned so to us it was all an investment, not a problem like some silly people may assume. As you can see from the pictures, the kitchen is stunning and we receive a ton of compliments on it. What you don't see is that it's also very functional and that's the genius inside.

As it relates to design elements for other parts of the project, we certainly spent a lot of time on those things like floor selection, bathroom vanity selection, some extremely tricky plumbing, etc. I am just highlighting the kitchen as it was truly a masterpiece.

Once we settled most points on the design, Alex helped us navigate the approval process through our board, as well as with some additional requirements the board had stemming from our project. Again, very helpful to have all this in one firm and have all the communication via email/calls that they did on our behalf.

Once we got our approval and got to the construction phase, things really got exciting to see our designs take life. Our project manager Jayani was/is an absolute rock star. I can't how many calls/emails/texts/in person meetings we did and I am sure we were 10x more demanding than most people. She's a trooper, super super organized with notes/numbered email lists every few days (at least every week) and weekly Friday checkins onsite. She was basically the quarterback that coordinated delivery, contractors, our feedback, communication, etc.

I cannot emphasize how incredible she was (and is cause we're actually doing some more work that we just added on another project). I counted about a few hundred emails that we exchanged over the past few months. Both my wife and I have extremely busy work schedules and we travel constantly for work. This project just wouldn't have happened without Jayani so we give her a ton of props for basically serving as our physical on site project quarterback and helping us execute this. She also helped remind us of our timeline and helped us stay fairly close to it despite us looking to drag it out given our desire to keep adding new things.

The other person to call out is Andrew. He's technically the lead project contractor but he's a bit of a ninja who is very insightful into the inner workings of construction and materials. As I mentioned construction isn't easy or straightforward. It's coming up with innovative solutions, communicating well and executing diligently that make it manageable. He helped us navigate plumbing/pipes, electrical and infrastructure complexities and put in some great ideas to deliver a solid end product. Super smart guy and manages his crew tightly.

Which brings me to the unsung heroes - all the contractors who came in and did very difficult physical work day in and day out. They were efficient, respectful, diligent and skillful in pulling the job together. Hats off to them.

So overall to sum up a very long review - big project with many many moving pieces that was delivered successfully. Would hire again and actually just did as mentioned above - using them to do some work in our storage room, which should show our approval rating. Our recommendation: do your research on what you want from your project, have some views on colors/materials, be very communicative during the proposal development phase, invest time during the design phase, and work closely with the project manager and leads during execution. You'll have a beautiful home like ours if you follow through!
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Reviewed on Houzz

13 April 2019

I hired KBR to build my office, taking a raw space of about 1000 sq ft and developing it into a suite of three high-end professional offices. At every step they were responsive, creative, and paid tremendous attention to detail. They had great suggestions with regard to the design itself, as well, even though I had used a full service architect. Their responsiveness, in particular, was phenomenal: every single thing that came up, they responded to quickly, thoroughly, and professionally. I would recommend them without hesitation. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

Q&As

The process typically begins with an initial consultation to understand your needs, goals, and budget. From there, our design team creates preliminary concepts and detailed plans. Once the design is finalized and approved, our construction team takes over to bring the vision to life, all while maintaining open communication with you.

KBR Design & Build was established in 2010, after the Founder had 25 years of NYC Residential Construction experience under his belt.

All work by KBR Design & Build comes with a 10-Year Warranty.

We get to turn the Homeowners vision into reality. Every project is unique in many ways and we get to explore the cutting edge of design and construction every single day.

Working with a design and build firm offers several advantages:

Single Point of Contact: You have one team responsible for both the design and construction, reducing misunderstandings and ensuring accountability.

Cost Efficiency: By integrating design and construction, we can align the project with your budget from the start, minimizing unexpected costs.

Faster Project Completion: With design and construction teams working together, decisions are made more quickly, resulting in a more streamlined and faster timeline.

Services

Our Building Approvals Coordinator will advocate for the Homeowner to prepare and submit the Alteration packet, and manage the relationship with the reviewer to ensure an expedient approval from the Building.

Our Approvals Coordinator will facilitate the permitting process, typically pulling the permit from NYC DOB within 24-48 hours.

KBR has a team of Designers that receive oversight from our Head of Design & Head of Construction.
Each Homeowner is matched to a dedicated Designer who will develop thorough design drawings, floorplans, elevations, shop drawings, and 3D renderings to not only help the Homeowner finalize the layout and aesthetics, but also provide detailed and thought out plans for the PM and his team of trades.

Your Designer will gain a thorough understanding of the Homeowners project goals and will iteratively develop design proposals that achieve the cosmetic and functional upgrades, within the Homeowners budget. The Designer & PM work closely together to then manage the list of finish materials, to ensure they are on the project site ready for installation.

The Homeowner receives a dedicated Project Manager who has years of experience in the field with our trades, and with managing client relationships. The PM works closely with the Designer and Homeowner to audit the design plans to ensure feasibility and a smooth production timeline. They will provide a project schedule, and daily & weekly updates. The PM will manage the relationship with the building’s Superintendent, and with the team of Trades and Specialists who will be selected to deliver the individual jobs that collectively make up a home renovation project.