Rittenhouse Square Condo Renovation

The Guest-Ready Condo

The purpose of this project was to reconfigure a two-bedroom city condominium to better support the clients’ evolving lifestyle and accommodate their family’s needs. While the existing layout functioned well enough for the couple on a day-to-day basis, it lacked flexibility when hosting their adult daughters for overnight stays. Our project scope focused on improving spatial efficiency, increasing sleeping capacity, and enhancing the functionality and experience of the shared spaces.

A primary objective was to transform the underutilized bonus room located between the kitchen and living area into a dual-purpose den and guest bedroom. This required a strategic approach to maximize functionality without compromising openness or everyday livability. Our design solution prioritized adaptable furnishings, thoughtful space planning and seamless integration with adjacent living areas to ensure the room could transition easily between uses.

In addition, the clients sought to address limitations with their existing bathroom configuration. A single, outdated hall bathroom previously served as both a powder room and a full guest bathroom, which proved insufficient when hosting multiple overnight guests. The project aimed to create a more appropriate and distinct powder room experience while improving overall bathroom functionality for both daily use and entertaining.

View from Living Room through Flex Room to Kitchen

Every Square Foot Counts

The need for increased flexibility within a relatively compact footprint required thoughtful planning. This challenge was further compounded by the constraints of a 100+ year-old building, including condominium regulations.

A key design obstacle was creating additional sleeping accommodations and improved bathroom functionality within the existing layout. This was addressed through strategic space planning and the introduction of a dual-purpose den/guest room, allowing the home to flex based on occupancy needs. Careful consideration was given to maintaining openness and usability when the space was not in guest mode.

Construction presented its own set of challenges. During demolition, previously unknown pipes were uncovered, along with unexpected structural beams and junction boxes. These discoveries required real-time problem solving and close coordination between the design and construction teams.

Flex Room Bar

Project size: 190 sf
Program: renovation of an existing condo unit in a high-rise building

Urban Living, Reimagined

The completed project successfully transformed the condominium into a flexible home that better supports both everyday living and hosting. The reconfigured flex room now serves as a true dual-purpose space — easily enclosed to function as a private guest bedroom for overnight stays, or opened and adapted as a dedicated area for activities like yoga, separate from the main living space.

The reworking of the existing oversized bathroom into two separate spaces — a dedicated powder room and a full guest bathroom — greatly improved both functionality and comfort. This new configuration allows multiple guests to be accommodated simultaneously, while also providing a more refined powder room experience for everyday use and entertaining.

In addition to functional improvements, the updated design introduced a fresh, cohesive aesthetic that brightened and elevated the space. The clients were extremely pleased with the outcome, noting that their home now works seamlessly for both daily life and hosting, and feels more welcoming, efficient, and aligned with their lifestyle.

Renovated Bath

New colorful finishes provide a modern refreshed look

Bold Colors

1830 Rittenhouse 9C Before Kitchen scaled

Existing conditions

Adaptive Reuse of the Dr. Caspar Wister House to Apartments