Architectural Digest Spotlights Former TV Exec’s Stylish 400-Square-Foot Chelsea Apartment
- May 27, 2025
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- by Columbia Forest Products
The Architect
Architect Robert Garneau, a founding partner of Architecture Workshop PC, was tasked with renovating a modest prewar apartment in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood by former ABC Signature president and current producer at 20th Television, Tracy Underwood.
Oddly enough, Robert was already familiar with the building before ever walking in — he had lived in the very same apartment building for over a decade, nearly 20 years ago.
As well as a founding architecture firm partner, Garneau has long been an award-winning architect in his own right and a professor at Columbia and Pratt.
Due in part to his personal connection to the property and partly to his design philosophy, Garneau knew it would be essential to maintain the apartment’s rich character and 1920s roots. He and the client wanted to hold onto that while still maximizing the space into a cozy and modern residence.
Use of Columbia Forest Products
For such a small space, efficient and durable storage options are essential, especially biophilic ones —natural elements that give an open feel.
For much of the cabinetry in the Chelsea apartment, Garneau used Columbia Forest Products plywood for durability and longevity with pops of warm, walnut veneer throughout.
“Columbia Forest Products is spec for all of our custom cabinetry in our projects and it has been for the last decade,” said Garneau.
In fact, Columbia Forest Products and PureBond® have long been staples of the New York architectural scene.
PureBond’s no-added-formaldehyde, soy-based adhesive technology was first introduced to innovative NYC architects in 2005, who quickly embraced the opportunity to limit added formaldehyde in their builds.
Since then, Purebond and Columbia are asked for by name, an essential component of New York’s architectural landscape.
Full Architectural Digest Article: This 400-Square-Foot Chelsea Apartment Has a Surprising Amount of Storage | Architectural Digest