PLANS Architects is a Brooklyn-based architecture firm founded by Daniel Kidd AIA, formerly of Bjarke Ingels Group, SO-IL, and A+I. We specialize in passive house design, historic brownstone renovation, ADU design, mass timber construction, and commercial interiors across Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and the Hudson Valley.

We manage every phase of the process, from design and DOB filings through construction administration, bringing rigorous design thinking and deep technical expertise to projects of every scale, from acoustic studios to commercial showrooms.

NYC DOB Filings and Permitting

Full Department of Buildings filing and permitting services. Architect of Record for ALT1 and ALT2 filings, plan examiner reviews, objection responses, and certificates of occupancy. Residential and commercial projects citywide.

Architect of Record

Feasibility and Zoning Studies

Pre-design analysis of what is possible before committing to a full renovation. Zoning regulations, building codes, co-op and condo alteration agreements, and DOB requirements reviewed upfront to clarify scope, cost, and timeline.

Pre-Design

Construction Administration

On-site oversight and contractor coordination from permit approval through project completion. Shop drawing reviews, RFI responses, site visits, and construction management to ensure the project is built as designed, on time, and within budget.

Full Service

Passive House Design

PHIUS-certified passive house design using 80% less energy than code minimum. Advanced insulation, triple-glazed windows, and mechanical heat recovery systems. Completed projects include Olive Passive House and Brooklyn Greek Revival.

PHIUS Certified

Historic Brownstone Renovation

Full gut renovation and façade restoration of Brooklyn and Manhattan brownstones from concept through construction administration. DOB filings, landmark preservation, and contractor coordination projects in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn Heights, and Park Slope.

Brooklyn

Gut Renovation

Complete interior renovation of NYC apartments, townhouses, and commercial spaces. Architect of Record services, including all DOB filings, permit approvals, and construction administration. Completed projects from 750 to 8,000 square feet.

NYC DOB

L’ADU Design

Accessory dwelling unit design for New York State properties. First prize winner in the City of Kingston ADU competition, plans pre-approved for construction citywide. Zoning studies, DOB filings, and full construction documentation.

Competition Winner

Mass Timber Construction

Design and construction using cross-laminated timber and engineered wood systems. Completed the Brooklyn Tree House, CLT mass timber addition over a 1950 Williamsburg firehouse with geothermal heating.

Sustainable

Commercial Interiors

Design and construction administration for retail showrooms, offices, restaurants, and hospitality spaces. Completed projects include Ligne Roset Park Avenue South at 20,000 sqft and Ligne Roset East 57th Street.

Manhattan

  • "Daniel truly listened. We started with an idea of how we wanted our renovated space to feel, but didn't know how to get there, Daniel heard us and returned with something even better than we could have imagined."

    — M Kennedy, Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • "This was my first renovation project, so I didn't really know what I was doing. Working with Daniel and his team was the best decision I made."

    — Daniel Ralsky, Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • "They managed the design and acoustics end-to-end, stayed on schedule, and delivered a space that sounds and looks fantastic."

    — Jack Srour, Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • "Daniel was a calm and steady presence throughout a complex DOB process. His communication was clear, his team was solid, and he stayed committed to the project even when the plan examiner threw curveballs. It made a stressful process much easier to navigate."

    — Scott Griffin, Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Let’s Work Together

Tell us about your project. We work with homeowners, investors, and business owners across Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and the Hudson Valley. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.