AKA Insight is an award-winning Manhattan architecture firm transforming pre-war apartments through a signature design approach that reveals hidden spatial potential by orchestrating light, views, and flow into celebration-ready homes.
We specialize in pre-war transformation: preserving elegant proportions, high ceilings, and original architectural details while creating seamless spatial sequences for contemporary life. Strategic openings frame views as living art. Selective demolition creates sightlines across rooms. Abundant storage integrates architecturally into the flow of space. Thoughtful material choices honor historical character while introducing modern luxury. We design homes that flow openly for entertaining yet divide gracefully for privacy.
We choreograph how natural light moves through spaces throughout the day, and position doorways and rooms to capture the best views. Every design decision serves one goal: spaces that feel expansive, gracious, and inevitable — as though they were always meant to exist exactly this way.
Founder Allegra Kochman, AIA, brings nearly 30 years of New York City experience and lifelong Upper West Side perspective. She graduated with Honors from Dartmouth College, earned two Fellowships at Columbia GSAPP, and has received Design Awards for recent projects, including Fire Island Bungalow, Gramercy Pied-à-Terre, and Upper West Side Townhouse. Her work is featured in Architectural Digest, the New York Post, Interior Design, 6sqft, and AIA’s Archtober exhibits.
We deliver full architectural services from concept through move-in, including DOB filings, co-op, and landmark approvals. We collaborate seamlessly with interior designers or provide integrated design services as needed.