When you invest in custom millwork – whether for a residential renovation, commercial build-out, or hospitality venue – you’re investing in craftsmanship, style, and longevity. In a market as discerning and fast-moving as New York City, working with a legacy millwork company offers advantages that go far beyond aesthetics. A well-established firm like New York Custom Interior Millwork (NYCIM) brings experience, reliability, and relationship-based service to every project.
Here’s why choosing a legacy millwork shop can set your space apart and give you peace of mind long after installation.
Decades of Experience, From Concept to Completion
Legacy companies earn their reputation one project at a time. NYCIM’s portfolio spans multiple decades and includes:
High-end residential projects across Manhattan, Queens, Long Island, and the Hamptons
Landmark commercial venues such as Smith & Wollensky, The Knickerbocker Hotel, and Tavern on the Green
Renovations and custom interiors for hotels, bars, restaurants, retail spaces, and private homes
Having worked on hundreds of unique layouts, materials, and installations, a legacy firm can quickly anticipate challenges and propose elegant, tried-and-tested solutions – saving you time and money.
In-House Expertise Across Every Millwork Discipline
Rather than contracting multiple vendors, a legacy shop offers full-service capabilities:
Design Consultation and CAD Shop Drawings – Our clients receive purposeful proposals that incorporate their design values and site realities.
Material Sourcing – From walnut wall paneling to bamboo sustainable veneer, proprietary materials are chosen for quality and suitability.
Fabrication in a Dedicated Mill Shop – We use modern CNC technology and traditional techniques for precision and consistency.
Finishing, Hardware, and Quality Control – Our finishing team ensures craftsmanship continuity from raw timber to installed accents.
White-Glove Installation – We deliver install-ready millwork that aligns with architectural drawings and design expectations.
Every stage is supervised internally by experienced professionals who understand what it takes to transform design vision into reality.
The Reliability That Comes from Structural Knowledge
Legacy companies are built on standard operating procedures, repeatable quality standards, and robust problem-solving:
Accurate and timely project timelines informed by decades of installations
Trusted vendor relationships that eliminate supply chain surprises
Firm compliance with New York City codes, especially for fire-rated doors and safety features
Seamless coordination with architects, contractors, and building managers
Choosing a well-established firm reduces risk and builds confidence that your project will be delivered on time and on specifications.
A Commitment to Quality That Stands the Test of Time
High-end millwork isn’t just measured by looks, but by longevity and performance. Legacy shops invest in quality at every level:
Solid wood construction with reinforced joints and engineered cores
Durable finishes – like stained lacquer or oil-rubbed bronze hardware – designed for longevity
Hand-crafted details like flush toe-kicks, mitered corners, and invisible hinges
Seamless upgrades and refinishing options to refresh the look over time
As buildings evolve, a legacy millwork partner ensures your investment remains an asset, not a liability.
Deep Community Roots in the NYC Market
A long-standing presence in the city means:
Project teams who know how brownstones, skyscrapers, hotels, and retail spaces fit together
Experience navigating union rules, delivery restrictions, and code inspections
Reputation that encourages open communication with building managers and neighborhood associations
A firm with a legacy in New York doesn’t just build; it builds with understanding of the city’s logistics, regulations, and character.
Personalized Attention from Leadership Down
At NYCIM, legacy doesn’t mean rigidity – it means integrity. Our founder, Elizabeth Lagos-Molinari, still personally oversees every project. You get:
Design consultation and material selection with a seasoned expert
Quality review of all shop drawings and installed millwork
Regular check-ins and updates on progress and potential refinements
Clear lines of communication that make your experience personal, not transactional
As a family-led workshop, NYCIM maintains the responsiveness and heart of a boutique firm, with the scale and knowledge of a large shop.
A Proven Portfolio That Speaks to Your Ambitions
Legacy firms gather a catalog of work that serves as both showroom and proof of expertise:
Custom mahogany bar tops at Smith & Wollensky
Ceiling beams and paneling at Tavern on the Green
White oak reception desks and niche millwork at The Knickerbocker Hotel
Bespoke residential closets, built-ins, and panel systems
You can tour these spaces, speak to designers who worked on them, and experience firsthand how legacy-quality millwork enhances function and form.
Future-Focused: Sustainability, Trends, and Innovation
Exceptional legacy shops don’t stay stuck in the past – they modernize, adapt, and lead.
NYCIM offers sustainable materials like FSC-certified bamboo and formaldehyde-free plywood
We continue to invest in technology: CNC cutting, 3D modeling, virtual finishes
Teams get ongoing training in finishing techniques, hardware integration, and new building codes
We test new trends – like fluted tambour wood paneling – while preserving proven classical finishes
Your space stays fresh, functional, and forward-looking – without taking shortcuts.
Quick Benefits of Choosing a Legacy Millwork Firm
Proven track record across diverse residential and commercial sectors
Streamlined, in-house process from planning through install
Structural reliability and code compliance experience
High-end craftsmanship that lasts for generations
Local expertise in New York building types and regulations
Personalized leadership and responsive client service
A portfolio that reassures and informs
Sustainability and innovation rooted in real-world results
Let Tradition Serve Your Vision
If your project demands more than basic cabinetry – if it needs integrated design, built-in functionality, premium materials, lasting performance, and a team that knows New York from Central Park to the Rockaways – a legacy millwork shop is your best investment. You get:
Expertise that can handle both high-level strategy and millimeter-level detail
A partner who understands the challenges of NYC deliveries, inspections, scheduling
Architecture-aligned craftsmanship that balances creativity and engineering
Peace of mind in a project done right—on time, on budget, and on purpose
Ready to Partner with a Legacy?
At New York Custom Interior Millwork, we take pride in our roots, our results, and the relationships we build with clients. Whether you need custom wall paneling, staircase millwork, built-in desks, reception desks, or specialty architectural features—our team stands ready to bring your vision into reality with NYC integrity and skill.
Contact us today to learn more:
Call (718) 392-1600
Email liz@nycmillwork.com
View our portfolio at nycmillwork.com
Elevate your space with craftsmanship that’s built to last – partner with a legacy.
