A house is a machine for living in. - Le Corbusier

The house has to please everyone, contrary to the work of art which does not. The work is a private matter for the artist. The house is not. - Adolf Loos

Culture is fast, Architecture is slow. We are all fascinated and stimulated by the changes and developments in other creative media and technologies. Architecture continuously looks for opportunities to borrow and imitate. Architecture is another thing. It is limited by its mundane purpose, its relative permanence and its economics. - David Chipperfield

Residential Design 


This website showcases commissions within my independent architectural practice and key projects that I worked on as a consultant (see credits). Common to all the projects is an adherence to the tenets of Modernism, a rational method that favors simple and elegant solutions, and a consistent design approach that is responsive to culture and context. Le Corbusier’s quote about humankind’s basic need for space + light + order serves as a starting point for all my design endeavors.

Philosophy + Methodology


In conversation with potential clients or collaborators, I try to look for an aesthetic, ideological and personality fit, and complementary interests or skillsets. Instead of providing a purely client driven service, I believe in the power of a two-way dialogue and approaching each new project with a spirit of inquiry. While the selected projects represent a high-end spectrum, smaller scale renovations and millwork projects are within my scope. From time to time, I also collaborate with design firms, contractors and developers.

To create homes that accommodate evolving individual, family & societal needs, my design process accounts for future adaptability and sustainability. The best outcomes result from an understanding of project complexity, precedent study, and careful consideration of design options. Open communication is required in order to meet each client’s unique goals, and to reach milestones related to design, budget and timing. Successful creative dialogues with clients and collaborators allow for mutual learning and discovery, resulting in beautiful and innovative solutions.

Professional Experience


A Registered Architect in New York State since 2007, I have completed dozens of drawing sets for co-op board and condo board design review & approval, and building permit application. Over the course of these projects, I gained experience working with local expeditors, the NYC Department of Buildings, the Landmarks Preservation Commission, and a vast network of MEP, structural, lighting + AV consultants. Most importantly, I have logged in thousands of hours of site experience, overseeing the construction process and problem-solving in tandem with the stakeholders. In addition to the Architect of Record role, space planning, interior design, millwork, furniture & art procurement are within my scope.

A significant portion of my workload over the past decade consists of retail, experiential + branding projects for Fortune 100 companies & global agencies, featured on this website:  ALTA-NYC

Contact Information


General Inquiries:  nat[AT]natalie-cheng.com  Linkedin / WNW / Blog

Qualifications


License #031838, Registered Architect, New York State
M.Arch., Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
B.E.S., University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Selected Residential Projects


2023       Greenwich Home Renovation, CT, Feasibility Study
2023       East 62nd Street Townhouse, NYC, Kitchen Remodels 
2021        Eagle Rock Duplex, Los Angeles, Concept Design
2021        New Canaan Home Addition, CT, Permit Set
2021        New Canaan Poolhouse, CT, Permit Set
2020       Venice Health House, Concept, Interiors
2020       553 Halsey Street, Renovation Study
2020       718 Sackett Street, Multi-Unit Urban Infill
2017        Crystal Harbour, Grand Cayman, Space Planning
2017        117 Glen Road, Toronto, Renovation, Pricing CD Set
2016        123 Elizabeth Street, NYC, Interior Design
2016        240 East 47th Street, NYC, Renovation Study
2015        407 East 91st Street, NYC, Condo Board Review
2015        207 East 74th Street, NYC, Interior Lighting Upgrade
2015        West Broadway Loft, NYC, Permit, LPD, CD Set
2014        320 East 72nd Street, NYC, Survey & Documentation
2014        639 West End Avenue, NYC, Permit, LPD, CD Set
2013        634 West 232nd Street, NYC, Space Planning
2013        250 West Street, NYC, Space Planning, Interiors
2012        30 Charlton Street, NYC, Interior Design
2011         Huahei Lu Apartment, Shanghai, Interior Design
2009       308 Grandview Way, Toronto, Interior Renovation
2007       Fire Island House, Point O’ Woods, NY, CD Set
2008       213 Avenue of the Americas, NYC, Interior Design
2008       56 East 87th Street, NYC, Co-op Bd. + Permit Set 
2003       8 St. Luke’s Place, NYC, CD Set, Project Management
2000       Perry Street Apartments, Multi-Unit Housing Study 

Selected Research Projects


2021        Imagining the Post-Pandemic City
2020       X-Topia - A Digital World
2017        NYC Park Installation
2014        Heterotopia - Venice Biennale
2006       NYC Community Gardens

Projects