A New York-based design team consisting of contractor Essential Design + Build, architect thread collective and interior design firm Dan Fink Studio has collaborated to create a new working environment that feels residential, rooted in history and libraries, and of things old and new.

Its downtown location offers access to the pulse of New York, its cultural happenings, the vibrant hubbub of Union Square, and the ever-changing views of the park from its generous 6th floor windows. “It was an exciting challenge to be the first to transform this first floor-through space in an aggressive amount of time,” said Rich Hiler, President of Essential Design + Build, who was pleased to deliver the completed space in 16 weeks from lease signing.

The design team was given the task of creating a home-like environment in the office to encourage discourse, comfort, and creative thinking. They began by placing a large open kitchen at the heart of the space to signal that communal engagement would be important to the culture. Immediately across is a library that serves as a place for group discussion and comfortable study. “It was important to us that books be very present in the office, so we designed walls out of glass-backed steel bookshelves that allow you to see the books from both inside and out,” explains Gita Nandan, principal architect of thread collective. Other thoughtfully planned spaces include brainstorming lounges, open plan seating, and conference rooms.

Generally, glass and steel was used where possible as wall partitions to allow for much openness and light. In selecting materials, the team aimed to balance ingredients both vintage and modern – oil-rubbed bronze, brass, and painted steel, and walnut. They restored the original brick walls, hidden by time, that feel urban and New York. “For the furnishings and fixtures, we chose ones that are new but spoke of an earlier time,” said interior designer Dan Fink, “we considered references from wonderful old offices of the 1920s and 30s, and some of our great public buildings and institutions.”