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Leonard Brandes outside one of his residential projects.
Photo by Ken Gabrielsen
Meet an architect who has built a name for himself in Westchester and beyond.
Who
Leonard Brandes, Architect and Principal, Leonard Brandes Architecture & Design, Scarsdale
Design Philosophy
No matter what their budget, everybody deserves quality architecture and design work that strives to maintain a low-carbon footprint using green materials and energy-efficient design.
Inspiration
My inspiration derives from sitting down with my clients, each of whom has a wonderfully unique personality and varying needs. After getting to really know clients and understanding their wish lists, I enjoy using that info to create a design that they hadn’t previously known they needed — but now realize they cannot live without.
Hottest Trends
1. Creating more intimate family spaces and personalized work-from-home spaces.
2. Leaving the grays behind and moving toward warmer colors that are soft and soothing.
3. Bold-print wall coverings, including abstract and literal florals, as well as bold geometrics add character and can make a space feel more elegant and put together.
4. Home automation and smart homes.
Top Tips for Working With An Architect
1. Develop a wish list. Ask for everything and then narrow it down together.
2. Inform your architect of your budget. Getting on the same page at the beginning of the design phase will save a lot of time and help your project get off the ground sooner.
3. Choose an architect with whom you feel comfortable sharing ideas. Don’t feel intimidated. Realize that this is a long-term relationship to transform your dreams into reality.
Go-To Home Design
Design Book
Prescriptions for a Healthy House, by Erica Elliott, John Banta and Paula Baker-Laporte
Magazines
Architectural Digest
Architectural Record
Dwell
Metropol
Blog
Life of an Architect
Website
Houzz.com
Westchester Shops/Showrooms
Artistic Tile (White Plains)
Walker Zanger (Port Chester)
Marble America (New Rochelle)
Best Plumbing Tile & Stone (Scarsdale)
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery (Mount Kisco)
Albano Appliance & Service (Pound Ridge)
Village Appliances (Port Chester)
Berger True Value Hardware (Hawthorne)
Bilotta Kitchens (Mamaroneck)
Leicht Westchester (Mount Kisco)
Majestic Kitchens & Bath (Mamaroneck)
Greenwich Shops/Showrooms
Waterworks
New York City Shops/Showrooms
Ann Sacks Tile & Stone
Fave Products:
Photo by Peter Krupenye
Historic Colors Paints by Benjamin Moore
Wallauer Paint & Design (North White Plains, NY)
“I love the warmth of this color palette in modern settings. And it’s durable, spreadable, and cleanable.”
Photo courtesy of Walker Zanger
Granite Kitchen Countertops
Walker Zanger (Port Chester) and Marble America (New Rochelle)
Photo courtesy of Walker Zanger
“Granite has a richness that few other materials can match, and it’s easy to find colors and unique stones and patterns that blend beautifully with your cabinets, walls, and flooring.”
Ohoto by Colin Jewall Photo Studios, Inc., courtesy of Kolbe Windows & Doors
VistaLuxe Collection by Kolbe
Ridgefield Supply (Ridgefield, CT)
“These energy-efficient products are offered in a variety of options and finishes.”
Ortal Gas Linear Fireplace
Westchester Fireplaces (Elmsford)
“Looks amazing in family rooms under a wall-mounted TV and adds warmth with clean, modern lines.”
Photo courtesy of GROHE US
Grohtherm SmartControl Thermostatic Module Systems Bathroom Faucets by Grohe
Best Plumbing (Scarsdale)
“This smart, sleek technology can control your desired water temperature and water pressure and be set for multiple users.”
Photo by Peter Krupenye
Custom Millwork
by Leonard Brandes Architect