Do i need an interior designer/architect?

I would think that if you want to add basic closets that you could probably work with your contractor, but ask the contractor. If you're looking for the closet in the film, "Sex and the City", then maybe you need an architect for that (we can only dream).

i just had a GC do a closet for me, and on top of that, i pretty much left it up to him to design. he did a completely awesome job, it was retardedly cheap, and he used unfinished birch as per my request so that i can paint/stain to my liking once i have the other apt colors down. of course, maybe i got lucky.

Glamma, good for you.

But it's very rare to find a GC who's talented enough to act as an architect and designer. You happened to luck onto one of the very few who is.

NYCMatt, why do you feel that a general contractor wouldn't be a good choice to make a closet? We are interested in adding a basic linen closet and I was hoping that the GC could do that.

When asking for the permission to do the work with the managing company you may need to prepare a draft of what will be done, by whom with insurance certificates etc. Ultimately management may have the building’s architect review the project and give you the green light before you start, but remember that having a designer (or architect) on board may make it easier to prepare and submit the paperwork and more importantly to have the project planned and designed the right way (and know where to find what ever professionals may be needed along the way).

For a budget job, you may try to go the dirty way and just do it “short and sweet” between you the contractor if you don’t care for a good design, but you are exposing yourself if ANYTHING goes wrong with the management the neighbors or the department of buildings. It can be very easy to fly below the radar but it is even easier get in trouble in NYC.

Either ways I could refer you to some qualified professional if you need.