Alexander Butler Design Services

Alexander Butler founded ABDS (Alexander Butler Design Services) more than a decade ago as a small boutique office specializing in residential construction in Manhattan. The firm's work centers on beautiful moments, livable spaces and bespoke design. For Butler, that means homes that feel lived in rather than staged: livable, approachable, warm and inviting.

That aim led ABDS to bring interiors in-house. When clients brought in outside designers, Butler found the result was rarely as seamless as it could be. Now the firm works as one voice, with head of interiors Panmela Alvim shaping furniture, fabric and finishes alongside the architecture from day one. Every project is bespoke, designed outward from moments inspired by the clients themselves.

That approach defines Sovereign House, a 6,000-square-foot duplex on Manhattan's East Side, where ABDS opened a heavily partitioned layout to the skyline. The floor was the first decision. Working with their clients in Carlisle's showroom, Butler and Alvim selected a custom-color Engineered White Oak in Heirloom Grade, laid in 8-inch planks with an Extra Matte finish to carry light through the open plan.

Butler has worked with Carlisle for more than a decade, with many of the same people throughout. "We've never had a client complain about a product failure or any maintenance issues," he says. "Carlisle is among the select few for us… our go-to guys that we can always recommend with 100% confidence."