High-End Venetian Plaster Work in NYC Condo

Venetian Plaster in One of the Oldest Buildings in Chelsea, NYC

One of my first large projects that I ran by myself came through a contractor named Ayn Riggs. She's based out of Missouri, but she operates all over the United States, working in many high-end circles. 

Ayn is an ambassador for Firenze, the manufacturer behind the Calce Cruda plaster system. They make really high-end Venetian plasters, the kind of work that has a lot of depth to it. She had a client in Chelsea, who was working to convert the Walker Tower, a historic telephone switching building, into condos in 2012 - 2013. The designer behind the condo project turned to Ayn to find an experienced plasterer on the ground in New York. Ayn recommended me based on my impressive portfolio of work, contractor experience, and required insurance. Right off the bat, we just clicked.

The designer on the project had a vision to update the look and feel while still making a nod to the history of the building. This project was a great example of how a contractor, designer, and plaster artist can work together seamlessly.

The Ask: Plaster Work Customized for the Designer and Contractor

They weren't going for the super high-shine, almost wet look that you see sometimes. It was more of a semi-polished, textured finish. They wanted movement. They wanted it to feel natural, like it had been there for a while. That's the thing with good Venetian plaster—it catches the light differently, you get these variations in the color and texture that you just can't get with paint.

We used a product called Firenze, which is great because you've got time to work with it. You're not racing against the clock like you are with conventional gypsum. You can get in there with the trowels and really manipulate it to build up the layers. That's where the depth comes from. The whole project took about two weeks. 

High-End Venetian Plaster Finishes to Match the Building’s History

The finish came out exactly how the designer desired. But honestly, the best part of that job wasn't the wall—it was the relationship. Ayn and I have been working together ever since. She has brought me several large scale plaster projects, often with really well-known designers. It's become a really solid partnership.

For me, that's the kind of work I love. It shows that I can be the guy a contractor or the designer calls when they have a complex job in New York City, or other cities across the United States. They know I'm experienced, I’m insured, I'm reliable, and I know how to seamlessly work with other trades. It's not just slapping mud on a wall; it's about artistry and being part of the team that makes the whole vision work.