Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design

Graduating with High Honors

Manhattan Riding Club was created for the NYC equestrian, offering superior riding experiences, and multi-disciplinary training opportunities. In addition, the club brings together a community of individuals with a love of equestrian sports, who work and live in the Greater New York City Area.

This project is to create the clubhouse for Manhattan Riding Club from an existing historic estate in the Westchester, New York area. Founded in 2019, the long-term goal for the club is to have a property within the equestrian community that will include a clubhouse for members with lodging as well as space for coworking, socializing, and larger events. Not included in the scope of this project, but part of future development, are complete equestrian facilities to house the club’s horses and host their various riding events.

In addition to addressing the unique programming required for an equestrian community, clubhouse, and future equestrian facility, this project addresses the design question of how to merge functionality and historic preservation. Tradition is deeply rooted in the foundation of the club and is honored through design sensitivity to the site’s historic nature. Careful analysis of the current structures and how to address them - whether through restoration, adaptive reuse, or renovation was a critical component of the project.