For many years, the lobby aesthetic was the primary focus of every renovation conversation. And rightly so. The lobby establishes the tone. It reflects the building’s identity, its brand if you will.

But in recent years, I have had more conversations about managing the tremendous influx of packages than about seating arrangements or chandeliers.

That is not an exaggeration.

If the package room does not function properly, or is sorely inadequate, the lobby cannot function properly. The staff becomes burdened. The desk becomes cluttered. Residents become impatient. What should feel calm begins to feel chaotic.

This is not a cosmetic concern. It is operational infrastructure.

The sheer volume of packages being delivered daily has fundamentally changed how residential buildings operate.

Multiple carriers. Multiple deliveries per unit per day, sometimes per hour. Oversized cartons. Grocery and pharmacy shipments. Same-day expectations. It can feel out of control.

Most package rooms in co-ops and condos were never designed for this volume. They were sized when deliveries were occasional, modest, and manageable, long before the advent of Amazon and the culture of instant delivery.

If your building was constructed before the early 2000s, I can say with confidence that the original package room allocations no longer apply.

The signs are obvious.

Packages spill into public view, on the floor by the desk, piled on benches meant for waiting guests, anywhere there is a perceived extra inch of space.
Staff spend valuable time shifting boxes instead of managing the building, especially during peak traffic hours.
Sightlines are compromised.
Residents complain about delays or, worse, misplaced deliveries.
The lobby feels strained even on an ordinary weekday.

When I walk into a building and see this, I know immediately that the space is undersized or poorly planned. It becomes our first functional hurdle to address.

If a package room feels just sufficient, it is already insufficient.

When I evaluate or redesign a package room for a co-op or condo building, I focus on five essentials.

Peak demand, not average days
Holiday weeks and weather delays reveal the true capacity requirements.

Clear circulation
Staff must move safely and efficiently. Narrow aisles and floor stacking are warning signs.

It is essential to speak with the building staff to fully understand their challenges and what would allow them to better serve the residents.

Defined organization
Small parcels, oversized items, and specialty deliveries require designated zones. Order does not happen by accident. Adjustable shelving is critical. It allows flexibility during high-volume holiday periods and slower summer months. A percentage of clear floor space must be preserved for larger items such as area rugs or floor lamps.

Security and visibility
Resident property must be protected without compromising workflow. Ideally, the package room is located within steps of the desk so staff can remain efficient without diminishing their security presence in the lobby.

Long-term growth
The volume of incoming and outgoing packages is not static. Designing only for today is short-sighted.

In some buildings, careful reconfiguration and properly designed shelving systems are sufficient. In others, additional square footage must be allocated. Every building is different. The key is an honest evaluation.

Functionality influences perception.

Prospective buyers may not articulate why a building feels well managed, but they sense it. Calm public spaces, efficient staff operations, and organized service areas communicate stewardship and thoughtful planning.

Disorder communicates the opposite.

In competitive real estate markets, that distinction matters.

How large should a package room be?
There is no universal formula. It depends on the number of apartments, delivery volume, available underutilized space, and proximity to the doorman station. Older buildings understandably did not anticipate today’s delivery culture. Many are now working to correct that.

Are automated package lockers the answer?
They can be useful in certain buildings, but they are not a cure-all. They require space, maintenance, and do not address oversized deliveries effectively.

Can we improve the situation without major construction?
Often yes. A thoughtful evaluation of available space, the possible use of package cabinetry in lieu of constructing a full ADA-compliant room where appropriate, and properly planned storage systems can significantly improve performance.

After decades designing lobbies and common areas in New York’s most discerning co-ops and condos, I have learned this:

Beauty attracts attention. Infrastructure sustains value.
A refined lobby cannot compensate for operational strain behind the desk.
If your package room feels pressured, crowded, or perpetually full, it is time to reassess.

Learn more:

• About Sygrove Associates Design Group

• Sygrove Client Testimonials

• View our Lobby Design Gallery

I was recently contacted by a New York City co-op and condo property manager who asked a very direct question.

Have you designed buildings with electronic entry doors, and what are the real pros and cons compared to manual doors?

It is a smart question, and one that more boards are asking as they evaluate lobby renovations, security upgrades, and day to day operations. Entry doors are not just a functional component of a building. They influence security, staffing, resident experience, and the first impression your building makes every single day.

Before breaking down the options, it is important to understand what most residential buildings actually choose.

In more than 30 years of designing lobbies and facades for co-ops, condos, and hotels, approximately 98 percent of our projects have used manual swing doors. Electronic sliding doors are far less common in residential buildings, and that is typically a deliberate decision.

Below is how I walk boards and property managers through the pros and cons of each option.

Pros of electronic entry doors

Electronic doors can be activated from the doorman desk, allowing residents to enter without physically opening a door. This can be helpful for residents carrying packages, pushing strollers, or dealing with mobility challenges.

They also allow door staff to remain at the desk performing other tasks while residents still have easy access into the building. In high volume buildings with constant deliveries, package management and arriving guests that need to be announced and monitored, this level of efficiency can be appealing.

From an accessibility standpoint, electronic doors can reduce barriers when purposefully designed and properly managed.

Cons of electronic entry doors

Electronic entry doors are significantly more expensive than manual doors. This includes installation, system integration, and ongoing maintenance over time.

In buildings built close to their lot line, electronic doors can be unintentionally activated by pedestrians, dog walkers, or anyone walking close to the facade. This can create constant opening and closing throughout the day which will drive anyone crazy!
The timing of electronic doors must be carefully calibrated and tested. If opening and closing speeds are not adjusted properly, the doors can feel rushed, awkward, or uncomfortable for residents.

Electronic doors also change how staff engages with the street. Door staff is less likely to be positioned close to the curb, which reduces hands-on assistance, street awareness, and the traditional residential arrival experience.

Finally, perception matters. Even when electronic doors are controlled by staff, many residents perceive them as less secure because access appears easier.

Pros of manual entry doors

Manual doors give door staff direct and visible control over entry into the building. Residents see a person managing access, which creates a stronger sense of security and oversight.

Doorman stations need to be positioned closer to the entry doors allowing staff to better assist with arrivals, taxis, deliveries, and overall curbside presence.

From a design standpoint, manual doors are typically more decorative and substantial. They offer greater flexibility in materials, detailing, and scale, reinforcing the architectural character and period of the building.

Manual doors are also more cost effective than electronic systems, both upfront and over the long term.

Cons of manual entry doors

The primary challenge with manual doors is operational. Heavy doors or complex hardware can be difficult to manage during short periods when the doorman desk is temporarily unattended.

There is no universal answer. We have done both. The right entry door depends on how your building operates, how close it is to the street, location of the doorman desk and what level of security and service the residents have come to expect or wish to improve.

Electronic entry doors can work well in certain environments, particularly in very high traffic buildings with clearly defined staffing protocols. They offer convenience, but they require careful planning, calibration, and ongoing attention.
Manual entry doors remain the preferred choice for most co-ops and condos because they provide the balance of security, staff presence, design integrity, and cost. They herald a residential experience that feels controlled, personal, and secure.

What I always remind boards is this. Entry doors are not a minor detail. They influence how safe a building feels, how staff operates, curb appeal, value and how residents experience coming home every day.

When boards evaluate entry doors with that perspective, the right decision usually becomes clear.

Learn more:

• About Sygrove Associates Design Group

• Sygrove Client Testimonials

• View our Lobby Design Gallery

Modernizing a lobby or hallway in an occupied co-op or condo can feel like a high wire act. Boards want the property to look up to date and competitive. Residents want peace, cleanliness and predictable routines. After decades designing public spaces in New York’s most discerning buildings, I know that low hassle renovations are entirely achievable. You can modernize your public spaces without turning daily life upside down, but only if the process is designed with precision.

A low hassle renovation upgrades lobbies, hallways and other common areas while minimizing noise, dust, access issues, disruption and inconvenience for residents. This approach is ideal for buildings filled with shareholders, unit owners and renters who cannot simply vacate during the construction process. Clearly the low hassle renovation is the way to go for co-ops and condos that want to modernize without friction.

Communicate early and often!

Preparation sets the tone for the entire project. Residents and staff must understand what the renovation entails and how it may affect them well before any work actually begins. Some residents may choose to travel during this period. Others may need to adjust caregiving schedules. Giving them time and options reduces anxiety.

Once construction begins, weekly look ahead updates by hallway or lobby area are invaluable. This prevents surprises and maintains trust. Lobby signage, posted timelines and email notices all help residents understand exactly what to expect. Continuous, clear communication reduces frustration and complaints more than any other single factor.

Pick your contractors wisely

A renovation is only as good as the design team who plans it and the contracting team who brings it to life. Not all contractors can work effectively in occupied luxury buildings. The contractor who installed your kitchen or bathrooms is usually not the right choice for public space work where constant foot traffic, visibility and building protocols create unique challenges.

Your contractor should have proven experience in occupied co-op and condo renovations. In fact, it would be ideal is they specialize in this area of construction so they are well seasoned working with and around people every step of the way. You should be able to visit their completed projects and speak directly with the boards they have worked for. The right contractor operates quietly, cleanly and respectfully. They follow building rules without reminders, protect common areas as a matter of course and coordinate closely with building staff. They show up fully aware they are not working in a vacant job site. A low hassle renovation succeeds only when the contractor is as committed to resident comfort as the design team is.

Understand how residents and staff actually use the space

A successful renovation begins with detailed observation. Walking the building during peak hours, talking with staff and listening to residents reveals the functional needs that truly matter. This ensures the renovation addresses meaningful issues rather than superficial ones.

Phase the work with precision

Phasing controls how much of the building is affected at any given moment. Whether the work progresses floor by floor, column by column or zone by zone, careful phasing keeps daily operations steady and predictable. Residents should be well aware in advance and frequently reminded when work will commence on their floor, what to expect and a rough time frame for the completion of each phase of work.

Establish a consistent daily workflow

Controlling the job site rhythm eliminates unnecessary chaos. Coordinated deliveries, defined debris removal times and a structured trade schedule protects residents and keeps routines intact. Clear start and stop times allow everyone to plan their day and create a sense of stability.

Protect the building like a museum

Dust containment, floor protection, noise mitigation and meticulous housekeeping create a safe, clean environment that residents, staff and guests appreciate. Even at the height of construction, lobbies and hallways should feel cared for and fully accessible.

Make design choices that increase value

Thoughtful upgrades do far more than modernize. They improve first impressions, elevate daily resident experience and strengthen long term property value. Lighting, materials, furnishings and space planning all contribute to a refreshed identity that sets your building apart.

A well planned renovation respects residents, supports staff operations and elevates the entire building experience. When executed correctly, the property feels more up to date and welcoming while daily life remains stable and uninterrupted. All will benefit – property value will increase, the building will be a better place to come home to, staff will have more functional space to work in and the board and management will have earned the valuable trust of residents and staff – a win-win for all!

A lobby or hallway renovation should feel controlled, organized and respectful from beginning to end. When the process is built around the realities of daily life, the transformation will be significant yet gentle. Low hassle renovations allow your building to stay livable while becoming more beautiful and more valuable.

Learn more:

• About Sygrove Associates Design Group

• Sygrove Client Testimonials

• View our Lobby Design Gallery

In my years of experience designing lobbies, hallways, and amenities for New York’s most discerning co-ops, condos, and hotels, one truth has never changed: A beautiful design that doesn’t function well is a failed design.

Boards often come to us thinking they need a “cosmetic refresh.” But once we dig in—walk the space, and observe how the staff operates—we identify deeper issues that no paint color or chandelier can fix. Elevating your building means addressing real functional problems first. The aesthetics matter, of course. But they are not the foundation. Please don’t get me wrong, the aesthetics “brand” the building and contribute to whether you want to buy into it and how happy you are to come home.
Below is what “modern functionality” actually means today—and why it should steer every renovation decision your board makes.

A successful project starts with understanding what’s not working. Modern buildings demand more from shared spaces than ever before. Common functional issues I see:

Traffic Flow Bottlenecks
A gorgeous lobby means nothing if residents are tripping over each other—or over packages.

Packages and Deliveries
Buildings are drowning in deliveries. If your lobby doesn’t have a correctly sized system for intake and storage, that is secure and discreet, it will never feel organized or welcoming.

Aging Security Infrastructure
Outdated cameras, limited sightlines, and awkward desk placement compromise safety and create unnecessary stress for staff.

Inadequate Lighting
Most older buildings rely on lighting layouts designed 40–50 years ago. LED systems, better placement, and current code related output transform how a space looks—and how safe it feels.

Identifying these issues upfront saves enormous frustration later. A renovation isn’t a cover-up; it’s an opportunity to solve problems for decades. Engaging with a licensed lighting consultant to ensure energy codes are met is a wise investment when contemplating a renovation.

Today’s residents expect their homes to work smarter, but they don’t want to feel like they’re stepping into a control center.

Smart functionality should be invisible and intuitive:

• Keyless entry systems built into millwork, not stuck on walls
• Security screens integrated into the concierge desk, hidden from sightlines
• WiFi-enabled lighting controls that let staff adjust zones without bulky panels
• Discreet camera placements that keep residents safe without making them feel watched

The goal is to modernize without losing the warmth and character of the building—especially in prewar co-ops where charm is a defining value.

A lobby that ignores staff needs will fail, no matter how luxurious it looks.

I always ask building staff to walk me through their day:

• Where do deliveries pile up?
• Can desk staff see the front door clearly?
• Do they have enough counter space? Storage? Charging?
• Are residents inadvertently blocking key areas during peak times?

Most boards are shocked at how many inefficiencies their doormen and porters have simply learned to “live with.” Fixing these dramatically improves service—and resident satisfaction.

A lobby that ignores staff needs will fail, no matter how luxurious it looks.

I always ask building staff to walk me through their day:

• Where do deliveries pile up?
• Can desk staff see the front door clearly?
• Do they have enough counter space? Storage? Charging?
• Are residents inadvertently blocking key areas during peak times?

Most boards are shocked at how many inefficiencies their doormen and porters have simply learned to “live with.” Fixing these dramatically improves service—and resident satisfaction.

The best designs feel effortless. Residents often think it “just looks nice.” They don’t realize the dozens of functional decisions that allowed the aesthetic to shine:

• Sightlines enhanced by moving or resizing the desk
• Improved spatial allocations created by correcting awkward architectural flow
• Lighting layouts designed to flatter the architecture while maximizing energy savings
• Acoustic improvements that make the lobby feel serene rather than echoey

When functionality drives the plan, the beauty lasts longer—both visually and operationally.

Boards often worry about the cost of functional upgrades. But here’s the truth:
Every well-designed functional improvement has a measurable ROI.

Buyers today are savvy. They can spot a lobby that “had a facelift” versus one that’s truly modernized. Functional upgrades directly influence:

• Perceived building quality
• Resale speed
• Maintenance budgets
• Insurance considerations
• Staff efficiency (fewer headaches = lower long-term costs)

Buildings that only address aesthetics inevitably find themselves renovating again sooner—and spending more overall.

A renovation should never be superficial. Residents know when something feels outdated—not just in look, but in the way the space works. When design and functionality move together, you create a lobby or hallway that elevates daily life, supports the staff, reduces long-term costs, and strengthens property value.

That’s what modern functionality really means. And when executed correctly, it’s the difference between a renovation that simply is “a pretty face” that looks good and one that lives well for decades.

Reach Marilyn directly at hello@sygrove.com or 212.757.0631.

Learn more:

• About Sygrove Associates Design Group

• Sygrove Client Testimonials

• View our Lobby Design Gallery