For Murat Mutlu, Principal of INOA Architecture, architecture is not an exercise in nostalgia. His work across Brooklyn, Queens, and New York’s next wave of residential neighborhoods stands out because it treats everyday housing projects as opportunities for invention with sculptural forms, expressive concrete, deep terraces, curved glass, and buildings that feel confidently of our high-tech times.
That makes his practice feel especially refreshing at a moment when much of New York’s new residential architecture is looking to the past, borrowing historicist language in search of comfort, context, or marketability. Mutlu’s buildings suggest that contextual design does not have to mean imitation. They show that new housing can respond to its surroundings while still believing in technology, experimentation, and the future.
In this Q&A, Mutlu discusses the forces shaping housing growth in New York’s outer boroughs and New Jersey, the promise and difficulty of adaptive reuse, the role of AI and emerging technologies, and how changing economics and expectations are reshaping the way architects think about the places we live.
That makes his practice feel especially refreshing at a moment when much of New York’s new residential architecture is looking to the past, borrowing historicist language in search of comfort, context, or marketability. Mutlu’s buildings suggest that contextual design does not have to mean imitation. They show that new housing can respond to its surroundings while still believing in technology, experimentation, and the future.
In this Q&A, Mutlu discusses the forces shaping housing growth in New York’s outer boroughs and New Jersey, the promise and difficulty of adaptive reuse, the role of AI and emerging technologies, and how changing economics and expectations are reshaping the way architects think about the places we live.
In this article:
Michelle Sinclair Colman: What is your background and how did you come into architecture?
Murat Mutlu: I grew up with a broad interest in design, from objects and furniture to buildings and spaces. Architecture felt like the ultimate design profession in terms of scale and complexity. I remember thinking that if I could learn how to design a building, designing smaller objects would come naturally. That idea ultimately led me to architecture school and has kept me on this path ever since.
Various residential projects designed by INOA Architecture
A lot of your work has been in New Jersey, Queens, and Brooklyn. Do you see that as the future of housing growth in the metro area?
Yes, this is a phenomenon we are seeing across virtually all major cities. As long as cities remain safe, economically vibrant, and attractive places to live and work, their populations will continue to grow, placing sustained pressure on housing supply and increasing demand for new housing.
Adaptive reuse has become one of the city's defining architectural movements, particularly with office-to-residential conversions. What opportunities do you see in transforming existing buildings rather than starting from scratch?
Adaptive reuse of low-rise buildings is not a new strategy. The conversion of high-rise buildings, however, has recently become a major topic of discussion. These projects can be particularly challenging and costly, as they must comply with all applicable zoning and building codes while still producing efficient, attractive, and marketable residential units.
At present, this level of intervention is generally more feasible in luxury markets, where higher unit values can support the cost of substantial structural, façade, and building-system modifications. In more price-sensitive submarkets, high rise conversions are more likely to be financially viable when the existing building can be adapted without significant structural or façade alterations
At present, this level of intervention is generally more feasible in luxury markets, where higher unit values can support the cost of substantial structural, façade, and building-system modifications. In more price-sensitive submarkets, high rise conversions are more likely to be financially viable when the existing building can be adapted without significant structural or façade alterations
Adaptive reuse and new construction at 144 South Harrison Street in East Orange, NJ
How are technologies like computational design and AI influencing the way you approach projects today, particularly in dense urban cities?
AI is certainly not a new concept in the field of architecture. Automation, computational design, and self-generative design processes have been explored within the profession for many years.
In our daily practice, we increasingly benefit from the latest AI and automation tools, particularly for visualization and research. These tools have significantly accelerated our concept design process and expanded our ability to quickly explore and communicate different design ideas.
However, the tools currently available still tend to generate approximate rather than precise solutions. While they can be highly effective during the exploratory and conceptual stages of design, they are not yet sufficiently reliable or accurate to meaningfully assist architects in producing coordinated, technically precise construction documents.
In our daily practice, we increasingly benefit from the latest AI and automation tools, particularly for visualization and research. These tools have significantly accelerated our concept design process and expanded our ability to quickly explore and communicate different design ideas.
However, the tools currently available still tend to generate approximate rather than precise solutions. While they can be highly effective during the exploratory and conceptual stages of design, they are not yet sufficiently reliable or accurate to meaningfully assist architects in producing coordinated, technically precise construction documents.
Rowan II condo presently selling in Astoria, Queens (INOA Architecture)
What do you think of the movement towards more historicist/traditional architecture? Are people getting too conservative/nostalgic and no longer seeking to push the envelope in terms of design and technology?
I find this to be a highly subjective topic, as people from different cultural backgrounds often have very different architectural preferences. That said, I do not see a broad nostalgia for classical architecture among younger generations, particularly since many have little or no lived memory of it.
Architectural styles have historically reflected the construction methods, materials, technologies, and economic realities available at the time. Highly articulated Art Deco or classical façades, for example, are simply not financially feasible for most contemporary projects to replicate, even where that aesthetic may be desirable.
At the same time, advances in glazing technology have made larger expanses of glass more economical, while the market increasingly favors bright, open interiors—particularly as average apartment sizes continue to shrink. In that sense, contemporary architectural expression is not driven by taste alone, but also by economics, technology, construction efficiency, and changing expectations about how people want to live or work
At the same time, advances in glazing technology have made larger expanses of glass more economical, while the market increasingly favors bright, open interiors—particularly as average apartment sizes continue to shrink. In that sense, contemporary architectural expression is not driven by taste alone, but also by economics, technology, construction efficiency, and changing expectations about how people want to live or work
15 new and upcoming projects by INOA Architecture
55 Eckford Street, Greenpoint
Developed by Giron Contracting Inc.
Design by INOA Architecture
20 residences | 5 stories | 55 feet
Under Construction | Completion 2028
Developed by Giron Contracting Inc.
Design by INOA Architecture
20 residences | 5 stories | 55 feet
Under Construction | Completion 2028
55 Eckford Street (Credit: INOA Architecture)
A new boutique residential building (likely condos) has restarted construction at 55 Eckford Street in Greenpoint, near McCarren Park. Permits re-filed in 2025 call for a five-story, 55-foot-tall development with 20 apartments across roughly 22,400 square feet of total floor area. The project is being developed by Daniel Kaykov’s Giron Contracting Inc.
Renderings show a muscular, contemporary design that is more expressive than the typical Brooklyn infill project. Broad dark horizontal bands frame walls of glass, while deep setbacks, terraces, and carved-out outdoor spaces give the low-rise building a stacked, villa-like quality. Located on a quiet block near McCarren Park, the residences will provide gracious private outdoor spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a strong architectural presence near the Greenpoint-Williamsburg border.
Renderings show a muscular, contemporary design that is more expressive than the typical Brooklyn infill project. Broad dark horizontal bands frame walls of glass, while deep setbacks, terraces, and carved-out outdoor spaces give the low-rise building a stacked, villa-like quality. Located on a quiet block near McCarren Park, the residences will provide gracious private outdoor spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a strong architectural presence near the Greenpoint-Williamsburg border.
245 Duffield Street, Downtown Brooklyn
Developed by FBL Development / Golden Stone Management
Design by INOA Architecture
158 residences | 30 stories | 450 feet
Planned | Anticipated completion late 2028
Developed by FBL Development / Golden Stone Management
Design by INOA Architecture
158 residences | 30 stories | 450 feet
Planned | Anticipated completion late 2028
Zoning diagram for 245 Duffield Street (via NYC DOB)
A slim new condo tower is planned for 245 Duffield Street in Downtown Brooklyn, where a compact site between Fulton and Willoughby streets is expected to give way to a 30-story, 492-foot mixed-use building with 158 residences, ground-floor commercial space, and no parking. The site was purchased for $31 million by Steven Shi of FBL Development/Golden Stone Management.
The zoning diagrams show a slender tower rising from a podium just off the corner of Fulton Street. Sculptural balconies climb both the east and west facades. The tower will have rather high ceilings and an amenity level near the top, roof terrace, and a bulkhead brings the structure to just under 500 feet tall overall. Notched upper levels and a distinctive crown will help give the give the Downtown Brooklyn more skyline. The site is close to City Point, Abolitionist Place Park, MetroTech, and both the Borough Hall and DeKalb Avenue transit hubs.
The zoning diagrams show a slender tower rising from a podium just off the corner of Fulton Street. Sculptural balconies climb both the east and west facades. The tower will have rather high ceilings and an amenity level near the top, roof terrace, and a bulkhead brings the structure to just under 500 feet tall overall. Notched upper levels and a distinctive crown will help give the give the Downtown Brooklyn more skyline. The site is close to City Point, Abolitionist Place Park, MetroTech, and both the Borough Hall and DeKalb Avenue transit hubs.
Sectional drawing for 245 Duffield Street
29 Clay Street, Greenpoint
Developed by Investmates
Design by INOA Architecture
68 residences | 14 stories | 149 feet
Under Construction | Completion estimated for late 2027
Developed by Investmates
Design by INOA Architecture
68 residences | 14 stories | 149 feet
Under Construction | Completion estimated for late 2027
19-29 Clay Street (INOA Architecture)
Renderings of the new building planned for 19-29 Clay Street show a sprawling, bright white building with floor-to-ceiling windows, a five-story podium with inset loggias and a landscaped terrace on top, and a setback tower with multiple private terraces. Between this aesthetic and an amenity package set to include a fitness center, a pool, a coworking lounge, a playroom, and a roof terrace, the project gives the air of a Miami resort in a formerly industrial section of Greenpoint that has seen incredible residential development in recent years. Waterfront mega-development Greenpoint Landing is practically across the street from the site, and the Greenpoint Central rental complex is around the block.
The Icon, Long Island City
25-08 43rd Avenue
Developed by Central Realty LIC LLC
Design by INOA Architecture
39 condos | 9 stories | 119 feet
Now selling | Completion: Early 2027
25-08 43rd Avenue
Developed by Central Realty LIC LLC
Design by INOA Architecture
39 condos | 9 stories | 119 feet
Now selling | Completion: Early 2027
The Icon in Long Island City
The Icon is a super sleek, mostly glass boutique condominium in Long Island City with 39 residences and an emphasis on privacy, generous proportions, and refined contemporary design. Homes feature soaring 11- to 14-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, open layouts, and private terraces in select residences. Custom kitchens pair wood cabinetry and marble countertops with integrated Bosch appliances and fully vented hoods, while spa-like baths feature radiant heated floors, Kohler fixtures, and oversized porcelain tile.
One and two-bedrooms are available ranging from $799,000 to $1,450,000 with two units currently under contract.
One and two-bedrooms are available ranging from $799,000 to $1,450,000 with two units currently under contract.
Rowan II, 21-11 31st Street, Astoria
Developed by RockFarmer Properties
Design by INOA Architecture
86 residences | 7 stories | 75 feet
Completion estimated for 2027
One- to three-beds from $695K - $2.185M
Developed by RockFarmer Properties
Design by INOA Architecture
86 residences | 7 stories | 75 feet
Completion estimated for 2027
One- to three-beds from $695K - $2.185M
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Rowan II is a seven-story condominium that brings a sophisticated new standard of modern luxury to Astoria. With a facade reminiscent of Zaha Hadid's 520 West 28th street, the residences feature 10-foot ceilings, Miele kitchens, marble baths, and thoughtfully designed layouts filled with natural light. A full-time doorman and impressive amenity package include a private pool and sauna, fitness center, coworking lounge, conference rooms, and golf simulator. The rooftop terrace offers BBQ and dining areas with sweeping Manhattan skyline views.
Located near Ditmars Boulevard, Rowan II currently offers 13 one- to three-bedroom residences priced from $695,000 to $2,750,000.
Located near Ditmars Boulevard, Rowan II currently offers 13 one- to three-bedroom residences priced from $695,000 to $2,750,000.
Rowan II, #3-J (Nest Seekers LLC)
2720 Church Avenue, Flatbush
Developed by Walid Shehadeh
Design by INOA Architecture
56 rentals | 17 stories | 179 feet
Completion estimated for 2028
Developed by Walid Shehadeh
Design by INOA Architecture
56 rentals | 17 stories | 179 feet
Completion estimated for 2028
A dramatic new rental tower is planned for 2720 Church Avenue in Flatbush, where approved permits call for a 17-story, 179-foot building with 56 apartments rising from a through-block site whose bulk appears to sit along 119-121 Erasmus Street, while the one-story Associated Supermarket on Church Avenue looks likely to remain.
The sculptural building is wrapped in winding concrete bands, floor-to-ceiling glass, and terraces on nearly every level, giving it an almost organic, stacked mitochondrial appearance above the surrounding low-rise blocks. The lot-line walls are expected to remain blank, but the north and south elevations should make a good eye-catching impression. Upper-floor apartments will enjoy far-reaching views across Prospect Park and toward Manhattan. Planned perks include an attended lobby with a green wall, a fitness center with outdoor terrace access, and a location one block from the Church Avenue 2/5 trains.
The sculptural building is wrapped in winding concrete bands, floor-to-ceiling glass, and terraces on nearly every level, giving it an almost organic, stacked mitochondrial appearance above the surrounding low-rise blocks. The lot-line walls are expected to remain blank, but the north and south elevations should make a good eye-catching impression. Upper-floor apartments will enjoy far-reaching views across Prospect Park and toward Manhattan. Planned perks include an attended lobby with a green wall, a fitness center with outdoor terrace access, and a location one block from the Church Avenue 2/5 trains.
500 Kingston Avenue, East Flatbush
Developed by Daniel Halevy / 510 Kingston Partners LLC
Design by INOA Architecture
32 rentals | 7 stories | 70 feet
Stalled since 2021
Developed by Daniel Halevy / 510 Kingston Partners LLC
Design by INOA Architecture
32 rentals | 7 stories | 70 feet
Stalled since 2021
500 Kingston Avenue (INOA Architecture)
500 Kingston is envisioned as a design-forward mixed-use residential building in East Flatbush. Permits filed back in 2021 call for a seven-story, 70-foot project with 32 apartments, community facility space across the lower floors, and enclosed parking. The developer listed is Daniel Halevy’s 510 Kingston Partners LLC and it appears no work has happened at the vacant site in several years. Renderings show a faceted, glassy structure with sharp cantilevers, angled setbacks, floor-to-ceiling windows, and generous terraces that wrap the upper floors like stacked outdoor ledges. The project will rise from a vacant corner lot at Kingston Avenue and East New York Avenue, near the Sterling Street 2/5 trains.
Lumina, 176 20th Street, South Slope-Greenwood Heights
Developed by New Leaf Development
Design by INOA Architecture
26 residences | 11 stories | 121 feet
Opened in 2025 | Immediate occupancy
One- to three-beds from $875K - $1.75M
Developed by New Leaf Development
Design by INOA Architecture
26 residences | 11 stories | 121 feet
Opened in 2025 | Immediate occupancy
One- to three-beds from $875K - $1.75M
With its wraparound balconies and sculptural curves, and floor-to-ceiling glass, Lumina could practically be considered the Brooklyn equivalent of 520 West 28th Street, the condo overlooking the High Line designed by Dama Zaha Hadid, Mr. Mutlu's former employer. As one of the taller buildings on its block, it naturally allows for sweeping views from floor-to-ceiling windows in all one- to three-bedroom homes. Similar attention to detail can be seen in amenities like a dramatic lobby, a windowed fitness center, and an outdoor recreation terrace. Closings began earlier this spring.
Lumina, #4-C (Nest Seekers LLC)
A14, Astoria
30-12/30-18 14th Street
Design by INOA Architecture
9 rentals
Completed in 2023
30-12/30-18 14th Street
Design by INOA Architecture
9 rentals
Completed in 2023
30-12 14th Street
30-12 14th Street is a boutique rental building in Astoria that shows INOA Architecture working in its signatures of raw concrete, curved glass, deep recesses, and sculptural outdoor space. Located in a waterfront section of the neighborhood, the building uses its concrete frame as both structure and expression, with rounded corners, projecting floor plates, and glassy setbacks that make the facade feel fluid rather than boxy.
The small rental project has nine apartments, including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts, with floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceilings, in-unit washer/dryers, individual climate control, and heated hardwood floors, while building amenities include a gym, elevator, community garden/recreation area, and rooftop access with Manhattan skyline views. It is a compact midblock project, but visually one of the more distinctive recent Astoria infill buildings.
The small rental project has nine apartments, including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts, with floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceilings, in-unit washer/dryers, individual climate control, and heated hardwood floors, while building amenities include a gym, elevator, community garden/recreation area, and rooftop access with Manhattan skyline views. It is a compact midblock project, but visually one of the more distinctive recent Astoria infill buildings.
204 MXB, 204 Malcolm X Boulevard, Bedford-Stuyvesant
Developed by 200 Malcolm X Realty
Design by INOA Architecture
8 residences | 4 stories | 63 feet
Completed in 2023
Developed by 200 Malcolm X Realty
Design by INOA Architecture
8 residences | 4 stories | 63 feet
Completed in 2023
This Modernist-looking building makes a striking statement on the corner of Malcolm X Boulevard and Putnam Avenue, a section of Brooklyn largely populated by prewar brownstones. Apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows start on the second floor and feature high ceilings, sleek kitchens, marble baths, and in-unit laundry; additionally, the penthouse comes with a large private terrace. As of August 2026, the building is fully leased.
The Forma Collection, 74-76 South 2nd Street, Williamsburg
Developed by Investmates
Design by INOA Architecture
3 residences | 4 stories | 55 feet
Completed in 2022
Developed by Investmates
Design by INOA Architecture
3 residences | 4 stories | 55 feet
Completed in 2022
Photos courtesy of Shannon Dupre of DDReps
Two blocks from Domino Park and the Williamsburg waterfront, The Forma Collection comprises three townhouse units with bright white molded concrete facades, curvy niches, and oversized windows that offer a futuristic take on industrial Williamsburg architecture. All the four-bedroom, three and a half-bath houses feature soaring ceilings, double-height atriums with access to private gardens, rooftop terraces with outdoor kitchens, and all levels connected by wooden staircases enclosed by glass walls. 76 South 2nd Street sold for nearly $5 million earlier this summer.
153 Green Street, Greenpoint
Developed by Idan Shitrit / 153 Green Street LLC
Design by Murat Mutlu of INOA Architecture
10 condos | 6 stories | 70 feet
Completed in 2021
Developed by Idan Shitrit / 153 Green Street LLC
Design by Murat Mutlu of INOA Architecture
10 condos | 6 stories | 70 feet
Completed in 2021
153 Green Street, Greenpoint
153 Green Street is a 10-residence condominium that pairs distinctive architecture with a warm, contemporary interior aesthetic. Curved Schüco glazing and glass balconies give the façade a sculptural quality, while the residences bring in natural materials and refined detailing for a softer take on modern design.
Homes feature seven-inch white oak flooring and custom cabinetry, with kitchens outfitted with Neolith Calacatta surfaces, integrated Liebherr refrigeration, Bosch and GE appliances, induction cooking, and externally vented hoods. Bathrooms continue the sophisticated material palette with natural stone, floating vanities, soaking tubs, glass showers, and polished cement floors.
Homes feature seven-inch white oak flooring and custom cabinetry, with kitchens outfitted with Neolith Calacatta surfaces, integrated Liebherr refrigeration, Bosch and GE appliances, induction cooking, and externally vented hoods. Bathrooms continue the sophisticated material palette with natural stone, floating vanities, soaking tubs, glass showers, and polished cement floors.
137 Carlton Avenue, Fort Greene
Developed by 137 Carlton LLC
Design by INOA Architecture
6 residences | 5 stories | 50 feet
Completed in 2021
Two-bed for $1.395M
Developed by 137 Carlton LLC
Design by INOA Architecture
6 residences | 5 stories | 50 feet
Completed in 2021
Two-bed for $1.395M
137 Carlton Avenue is an intimate six-unit condominium on the edge of Fort Greene, combining contemporary architecture with a highly convenient neighborhood setting. The building's sculptural exterior is defined by pale stone, expansive glazing, and strong vertical detailing. Residences range from one to two bedrooms and feature private outdoor space, smart-home entry, and virtual doorman service.
137 Carlton Avenue, #2A
$1,395,000 (-3.8%)
Fort Greene | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,097 ft2
137 Carlton Avenue, #2A (Corcoran Group)
78 Freeman Street, Greenpoint
Developed by Idan Shitrit / 78 Freeman LLC
Design by Murat Mutlu of INOA Architecture
5 condos | 4 stories | 50 feet
Completed in 2019
Developed by Idan Shitrit / 78 Freeman LLC
Design by Murat Mutlu of INOA Architecture
5 condos | 4 stories | 50 feet
Completed in 2019
78 Freeman Street is a boutique four-residence condominium in Greenpoint, completed in 2019 just one block from the East River waterfront Esplanade. Defined by a distinctive concrete façade, angled inset balconies and oversized windows, the building offers full-floor loft-like residences with generous layouts, private outdoor space, and abundant natural light.
Interiors feature white oak floors, custom kitchens with quartz countertops and stainless steel or Bosch appliances, in-unit laundry, and marble- or stone-clad baths with deep soaking tubs and separate showers. The two-level penthouse adds a private roof deck, while the ground-floor residence features a private backyard with swimming pool. As of mid-August 2026, the building is sold out.
Interiors feature white oak floors, custom kitchens with quartz countertops and stainless steel or Bosch appliances, in-unit laundry, and marble- or stone-clad baths with deep soaking tubs and separate showers. The two-level penthouse adds a private roof deck, while the ground-floor residence features a private backyard with swimming pool. As of mid-August 2026, the building is sold out.
108 India Street, Greenpoint
Developed by Idan Shitrit / 108 India Street LLC
Design by Murat Mutlu of INOA Architecture
3 condos | 4 stories | 40 feet
Completed in 2018
Developed by Idan Shitrit / 108 India Street LLC
Design by Murat Mutlu of INOA Architecture
3 condos | 4 stories | 40 feet
Completed in 2018
108 India Street
108 India Street is an intimate three-unit condominium in Greenpoint designed around a seamless connection between indoor living and the outdoors. Each residence is a three-bedroom duplex with generous proportions, private exterior space, and a contemporary material palette.
The homes are distinguished by chef-caliber kitchens, sophisticated spa-style bathrooms, and layouts designed for both entertaining and everyday living. Ample outdoor space adds a rare sense of privacy and greenery, complementing the building's boutique scale and residential character. The building is close to McGolrick Park, the East River waterfront, neighborhood restaurants and cafés, and the area's growing collection of shops and cultural destinations.
The homes are distinguished by chef-caliber kitchens, sophisticated spa-style bathrooms, and layouts designed for both entertaining and everyday living. Ample outdoor space adds a rare sense of privacy and greenery, complementing the building's boutique scale and residential character. The building is close to McGolrick Park, the East River waterfront, neighborhood restaurants and cafés, and the area's growing collection of shops and cultural destinations.
108 India Street, #1 (Sothebys International Realty)
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