Choosing between a new-construction project and a historic renovation can be a tough one, as each comes with a host of pros and cons. This week, we asked nine design pros—Assel Baimakhan, Ali Henrie, Aria Jahanshahi, Abigail Kahan, Erica Leader, Jenny Magdol, Olga Malyev, Steffie Oehm and Micaela Quinton—whether they prefer to work on a new-build home or one steeped in history.
Mix and Match
“If I had to choose between the two, I would lean toward historic renovations. Historic homes offer an incredible richness of texture and character that provide endless inspiration for a designer. That said, new builds have their own unique appeal. When working on a new construction, you can influence almost everything—the layout, lighting plan, wall shapes, ceiling types. Essentially you have the maximum set of tools at your disposal. These projects are usually limited only by the budget and the exterior walls, which makes them exciting in their own way. Most of my past projects have been in this category. Right now, however, we’re working on historic properties in London and Luxembourg, and it’s truly a delight for us as designers. One of them is a Grade II–listed house in central London, where features such as the facade, original windows, fireplaces, staircase and decorative moldings must all be preserved. Navigating these requirements is challenging, but incredibly rewarding, as the layers of history and detail bring a unique energy to the process that you simply can’t replicate in a new build.” —Olga Malyev, Malyev | Schafer, London, Miami, and Short Hills, New Jersey
Blank Canvas
“My answer is always new construction. I do appreciate the charm of old spaces—once, in Paris, I worked on a historic apartment with ornate plaster ceilings, aged parquet and fireplaces in every room. It was fascinating, but also limiting. With new construction, there is freedom, clarity, and far more opportunities for a designer to shape a space from the ground up. A new build is a blank canvas. Walls, layouts and systems can all be planned in harmony with the client’s lifestyle. You are not negotiating with existing structures or outdated codes—you are creating something that reflects modern standards of comfort and design. For me, one of the most important aspects is technology. In a new build, we can integrate modern HVAC systems, air circulation, insulation and smart climate controls right from the start. Lighting and acoustics can be coordinated with the architecture rather than retrofitted later. These details directly affect how people live in the space, and being able to design them seamlessly is a huge advantage. Contemporary construction also means larger rooms, higher ceilings and generous natural light. New construction offers long-term peace of mind. Everything is up to code, new materials perform better, and the systems are efficient and reliable. Historic projects are beautiful to experience, but they often mean working around the past. New construction, by contrast, is about creating the future.” —Assel Baimakhan, DesignCraft Interiors, Chicago
Old-School Charm
“I prefer working on historic home remodels over new construction [because] I enjoy the creative problem-solving that comes with remodeling older homes. These remodels often present unique challenges such as unusual floor plans, structural limitations, and small or quirky spaces. These projects push me creatively and are professionally rewarding. My appreciation for the craftsmanship and original details of the home aligns with the homeowners, and this shared respect of the home fosters a strong foundation of trust and collaboration throughout the project. While many new-construction homes borrow from a mix of historic architectural styles, re-creating authentic details is often expensive and difficult. Unless a new home is intentionally designed with a minimalist aesthetic, I find it challenging to bring the sense of charm and character to new construction that historic homes naturally have.” —Micaela Quinton, Copper Sky Design + Remodel, Atlanta
Best of Both Worlds
“We love when a new build tells a story. Our favorite projects are those that blend the charm of the past with the function of today. We take cues from classic architecture and historic details to create homes that feel like they’ve been around for a hundred years, but with all the livability and ease of modern design. It’s about crafting spaces that are timeless, full of character and grounded in a sense of history, even when everything is brand new.” —Ali Henrie, Ali Henrie Design, Provo, Utah
Problem Solver
“I’d happily do both! But if pressed, there is a certain level of excitement, creative troubleshooting and problem-solving that comes from working with historic renovations. I love the character and unique details that come with older homes, and the challenge of integrating modern functionality while respecting the original architecture is really rewarding. New builds are great, but they often lack the soul that a historic home possesses. I love solving funky layout [issues] and helping people fall in love with their homes all over again.” —Erica Leader, The Northwest Home, Portland, Oregon
Storied Homes
“I have always been naturally drawn to history. My formal training in history and my years teaching historical styles didn’t just give me an academic foundation—they shaped the lens through which I view every project. It’s no surprise that I come alive when working on historic renovations. These projects keep me sharp, challenge me to dig deeper, and fuel the very reason I love design. They demand an almost obsessive level of attention to detail, as well as deep research and documentation skills that go far beyond what new construction typically requires. For me, historical renovations carry a special weight, a sense of purpose and meaning that makes every decision matter. There is a certain reverence required when working with an old home or a building with a story. The process is meticulous, a dance between preservation and innovation. I believe the most compelling spaces honor what came before while still reflecting the client’s own personality. When done well, the result is a rich, story-like interior that feels deeply rooted, soulful and timeless. It becomes a living, breathing story—one that honors the past while confidently stepping into the future.” —Abigail Kahan, Abigail Kahan Interior Design Studio, Montvale, New Jersey
Two Winners
“[Picking between new builds or historic renovations is] like choosing a favorite child—we love them both! All of our projects are grounded in research, local design practices, personal and cultural context, and a strong narrative. In some projects, we honor the past; in others, we imagine the future. With historic renovations, we look at ourselves as stewards of the architecture and history, using those elements as the driving force behind our design decisions. We value the constraints that a historic renovation presents—the challenge of designing within the parameters of the existing building. This requires us to get creative with our solutions. With new builds, the blank canvas is equally exciting. With wide-open possibilities, we can really dig into how the home will be used and make each space completely custom to our client’s needs.” —Jenny Magdol and Steffie Oehm, Alter Interiors, San Francisco
Collective Action
“Though our work spans both, we have found that renovations often yield the most surprising and rewarding design opportunities. Our strongest projects emerge from a full and ongoing dialogue—collaborations not only with our clients but also with the contractors and craftspeople who bring the work to life. In historic renovations, the existing space itself becomes an active participant in that dialogue. Original details, proportions and materials are not only preserved, but also carefully highlighted, reframed and responded to through new design interventions. This interplay allows a project to tell a richer, layered story that feels both contemporary and timeless. While new construction can be exciting, it rarely offers the same nuance as weaving new work into the fabric of an existing place.” —Aria Jahanshahi, Opa Architecture, New York
