Project Overview

Upon lease expiration, our confidential client opted to stay in their current building, drawn by its prime location, floor-to-ceiling glass façade, and contemporary amenities. They relocated to a higher floor boasting panoramic views of Lower Manhattan and the New Jersey Gold Coast. Our design by TMA maximized natural light and vistas, employing a monochromatic palette complemented by warm oak accents and soft cove lighting for an ethereal ambiance. The focus was on crafting a welcoming environment for guests and a personalized experience for clients. Central to this vision was the creation of a 'Book Bar', offering beverages, books, and a relaxed atmosphere for clients. Meeting rooms exude hospitality, while private phone rooms provide a quiet retreat. The open workspace balances comfort with playful collaboration zones. A spacious café with abundant greenery fosters staff well-being, energizing them for work and social interaction.

Organisation

Ted Moudis Associates

Team

Studio Principal: Mitchell Ross
Project Manager: Gene Mulone
Design Director: Jeff Knoll
Furniture Specialist: Lara Funderberk

Project Brief

TMA's lighting design isn't just about illuminating spaces; it's about crafting an experience that breaks away from the mundane corporate setting. Imagine stepping into the elevator lobby and being gently guided by a warm glow emanating from the limestone walls, subtly leading you toward the entrance. As you enter the Reception Area, soft lighting highlights the company logo, creating a cozy atmosphere complemented by a comfortable sofa and subtle hints of gold. Now, shift your focus to the 'Book Bar' – a dimly lit haven adorned with textured stone walls and back-lit shelves, inviting you to unwind and explore. The Meeting Rooms offer a blend of functionality and ambiance, with indirect lighting and drapery creating a serene atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Phone Rooms feature floating fabric panels, adding a touch of tranquility to the space. In the Open Workspace, dramatic track lighting and dark desks set the tone for productivity, while the café provides a more relaxed setting with rich tones and subtle lighting accents. With TMA's design, every corner of the space tells a story, inviting you to step out of the ordinary and into something truly exceptional.

Project Innovation/Need

This project pushes the boundary of what an office can look and feel like. While the industry has been talking about resi-mercial design and bringing the comforts of home to the office, this project takes it a step further—providing an experience like that of a high-end hotel with a curated and sophisticated aesthetic. This elevated hospitality experience is not only displayed in the amenity spaces such as the Book Bar and Staff Café but has also been woven throughout the workspace—with elevated details in meeting rooms, phone rooms, and even in the open work area that make this office anything but ordinary. The success of this project displays how design is a powerful tool in curating an exceptional experience and creating a place where employees want to work.

Design Challenge

Our primary challenge revolved around incorporating innovative materials and methods into the design while meeting stringent LEED requirements, ultimately achieving Gold Certification. For instance, in the open office areas, we implemented a custom-designed wood felt acoustical ceiling mounted to a felt tab system grid attachment. Additionally, a custom printed (wood grain) felt acoustical ceiling panel system was installed over circulation corridors, hung by panel-mounted magnets to a typical acoustical grid system. The task of seamlessly integrating track lighting that offered end-user adjustment into these systems posed complexities, which we successfully navigated. Multiple mock-ups were installed to ensure proper seaming and alignment, further adding to the project's complexity. With the product's extended lead time and the need for several rounds of shop drawing reviews and approvals, project scheduling was at risk. However, through meticulous diligence, coordination, and collaboration with vendors, we managed to meet and maintain project timelines.

Sustainability

Our sustainability strategy centered on minimizing the project's environmental impact while emphasizing a reverence for nature and enhancing occupants' health and wellness. Targeting LEED Gold certification, the project exemplifies our commitment to various sustainability aspects such as water and energy efficiency, material transparency, and indoor air quality. This achievement underscores the holistic sustainability approach embraced by the project team.
In addition to tangible sustainability metrics, the project embraced a nuanced approach by infusing biophilic design principles. Nature-inspired aesthetics dominate the space, characterized by natural materials, diverse textures, a soothing color palette, and gentle ambient lighting. These biophilic elements not only showcase an appreciation for the natural world but also foster a deeper connection with it, promoting human health and well-being. By marrying measurable sustainability goals with a softer, biophilic design ethos, the project embodies a comprehensive commitment to sustainability and wellness.