Following our previous visit to nARCHITECTS, we are keeping our Meet Your Next Employer series to New York City this week to explore the work of Michael K. Chen Architecture.

Led by Michael K. Chen, the firm describes its mission as to provide “innovative and superbly crafted work for clients seeking thoughtful and well-considered design.” In 2021, Chen spoke with Archinect as part of our Studio Snapshot series, offering readers an insight into how the firm playfully blends the boundaries between architecture, interior, and product design.

Over on Archinect Jobs, the firm is currently hiring for a Junior Architect / Designer to join their New York City team. For candidates interested in applying for a position or anybody interested in learning more about the firm’s output, we have rounded up three creative interiors by Michael K. Chen Architecture that exemplify the firm’s ethos.

Park Avenue Apartment, New York, NY

In a prestigious Carnegie Hill co-op building, the 2,800-square-foot Park Avenue Apartment has been redesigned for modern family living while preserving its elegant, formal charm. The renovation enhanced spacious formal areas like the entrance gallery, living, and dining rooms, while transforming cramped storage and service zones into practical, contemporary living spaces. 

To improve flow in the originally segmented layout, wider openings were created for better circulation. Furniture, finishes, and carefully chosen art and design pieces contribute to increased natural light, visual connection, and a lively atmosphere throughout. The interiors feature a vibrant, playful mix of custom and curated furniture, lighting, and artwork, all crafted by MKCA, which handled both the architecture and interior design.

The Children’s Library at Concourse House, Bronx, NY

MKCA designed a children’s library for Concourse House, a Bronx shelter supporting women and young children in transition from homelessness. Since 1991, Concourse House has offered safe, stable housing along with social services to aid families in moving to permanent homes. This new library serves as an essential educational space, dedicated solely to reading, where children can access books and attend volunteer-led readings and story times, fostering cognitive and emotional growth.

Inspired by the mission, MKCA extended its involvement beyond typical design roles. They provided pro-bono design and architecture services and coordinated in-kind donations from designers, suppliers, and contractors. Located in an underused mezzanine space, the library breaks from the building’s institutional feel with a colorful, playful design that invites children into an engaging environment. Bright lighting, curved shelving, and durable yet homey materials transform the once dim, crowded area into a warm, flexible space perfect for individual and group reading activities.

East Side Townhouse, New York, NY

Originally built as a single-family home in 1879, this landmark townhouse on the Upper East Side had deteriorated after being divided into 17 apartments. MKCA reconstructed the property, adding a new 9,600-square-foot steel and concrete structure, expanding the footprint, and enhancing light, air, and flow throughout. New features include an elevator, sculptural stairs, floor openings, and double-height glazed spaces, all highlighting the building’s grandeur and interconnecting floors.

The design blends advanced technology and craftsmanship, linking the building’s historic elements with a modern approach. Traditional machine-made decoration informed contemporary techniques, like computer-controlled milling, for an updated aesthetic. The interiors mix custom-designed pieces by emerging American designers with iconic modernist furniture from Italy, Scandinavia, and the U.S., many uniquely commissioned for this residence.

Meet Your Next Employer is one of a number of ongoing weekly series showcasing the opportunities available on our industry-leading job board. Our Job Highlights series looks at intriguing and topical employment opportunities currently available on Archinect Jobs, while our weekly roundups curate job opportunities by location, career level, and job description.