About

When Elizabeth Lagos-Molinari assumed leadership of the family business, New York Custom Interior Millwork, based in Astoria, New York, established in 1972, she understood that this was the place where perspective and commitment would converge to shape their legacy. As a graduate of St. John’s University with a Masters Degree in Business, Liz knew her passion for people and ground-up experience in her father’s millwork business would prove to be an equally beneficial investment––providing her with the skills, family values, and perseverance to guide the company into the next generation and beyond.

Her father, Teddy Lagos, founded New York Custom Interior Millwork in 1972, first opening a retail wood workshop in Manhattan on 5th Avenue. He had a simple goal: creating quality woodwork and treating people the way he would want to be treated. As the business grew, Teddy expanded to a showroom and manufacturing plant in Long Island City and eventually several successful showrooms across many cities.

This era of growth introduced New York Custom Interior Millwork to a lot of walk-in traffic where the consumer appreciated the personalized service and handcrafted attention to detail. Liz learned firsthand what it took to run a business like a well-oiled machine and appear seamless. She realized that knowledge is power: a tool to help you achieve success and gain an advantage over others. She worked side-by-side with her father and helped make educated and informed business decisions. Their “Mom and Pop” approach deepened their relationships with patrons and the communities they served. New York Custom Interior Millwork became sought-after and eventually the team started connecting with several well known architects and designers, leading to working directly with facility management. The showrooms became unnecessary and “Custom” was born. Teddy and Elizabeth knew it was time to switch gears.

New York Custom Interior Millwork began focusing exclusively on high-end commercial and residential jobs. As true artisans, they knew they had the talent, resources, and tenacity to share their custom designs with the world. Today, New York Custom Interior Millwork is truly in the big leagues: with work to be seen in stadiums, studios, hotels and five-star restaurants and many other venues across the globe.

This commitment and integrity was ingrained into Liz at a young age, helping her to carry on her father’s American dream and succeed in a male-dominated industry. When Teddy would spend summers in his homeland of Greece, he entrusted his business to Elizabeth, who not only made her father proud, but made it her mission to learn every aspect of custom millwork.

She especially understood that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. As the business grew into the high-end, luxury corporation it is today, Liz grew to become one of the top female entrepreneurs in the industry. When others doubted her, she used it as fuel to prove that hard work, dedication and true grit pays off.

Although retired, Teddy continues to remain the backbone of the business by mentoring, consulting, and overseeing projects. Some may say not to mix blood and business, but this dynamic duo has mastered the ability to combine old school values with modern times and read each other like a blueprint. This passion for excellence, innovation, and service continues to show in every creation.

With over 50 years in the business, our experience and strong relationships with architects, designers, developers, and construction companies has established New York Interior Millwork as a specialist in the field. We offer in-house design, fabrications, all-in-one solutions, as well as quality materials that go way beyond wood. Our state-of-the-art facility can make your dream a reality with many choices, finishes, fabrication, and installation. With go-to experienced professionals, we can help you narrow down your choices in a world where finishes seem to never be finished!