Lobby Interior Design

Financial District Condominium Lobby Remodel

We are pleased to reveal a design concept that we created for a mixed-use tower located off of the world famous Wall street in the Financial District of NYC. The building is comprised of 346 luxury condo residences along with high-end hotel space. The Board reached out to us with a desire to redesign their modern but impractical lobby. They asked for a design that would help to differentiate the condo tower from the hotel next door. Additionally, the Board expressed concerns about an exposed backroom that revealed an unattractive electrical panel to all guests. They also requested additional package space, which is a prevalent pain point for nearly all condominiums and cooperatives across NYC.

Condo Lobby Design Concept Rendering Front Desk View

Our design process started with analyzing how we could separate the condo lobby from the hotel lobby both visually and aesthetically. The existing residential lobby is separated only by a transparent glass partition with a built-in seating area mirrored on both sides. Since the Board requested more privacy in their lobby, we envisioned a custom marble wall partition that contains a water vapor fireplace flanked with a custom, abstract wood/brass wall partition.

A seating area is situated in front of the focal fireplace wall to define the area and create an inviting space to wait. Not uncommon, the Board wanted to minimize the seating available in the new design because their existing chairs are gratuitously comfortable. This leads to guests lingering for prolonged periods of time as opposed to using the space as a waiting area. Therefore our proposed furniture was carefully curated to be stylish and comfortable but not overly loungey.

Condo Lobby Design Concept Rendering Front Entry View

The front desk position and its presence were of great importance to the Board. Because the Board wanted a memorable first impression when a guest walks into the building, we thought a custom-designed geometric desk made of the same white marble as the center of the wall partition would produce the “wow factor” that the Board desired. The marvelous lobby desk sits in front of a custom warm wood wall paneling with brass accents. This back wall was designed to conceal the new larger package room, the exposed backroom/electrical panel, as well as the entrance to the stairs. By implementing the special millwork paneling, we were able to extend the size of the package room by nearly four feet.

For the flooring, we selected a subdued tile that would pull from the marble on the desk and fireplace. Because the marble brought in lots of movement to the space, we chose a floor with a clean look that would not distract from the focal points of the space.

In the end, we were able to address all of the concerns the Board had with their existing lobby through our innovative design solutions. By custom-designing different elements of an interior in-house, we are able to offer cutting-edge options to our clients. Consequently, our clients receive greater value for money and a design that is catered precisely to their needs.

Birchwood Towers Lobby & Hallway Interior Design

Our team has been busy working on a lobby and corridor redesign project at the Birchwood Towers cooperative in Forest Hills, Queens. The quaint neighborhood of Forest Hills is primarily known for its role as the host of the U.S. Open Tennis Championships as well as its plethora of Tudor style architecture. The scope of this project includes two different buildings within the Birchwood Towers complex, Toledo and Kyoto.

Toledo Existing Lobby Versus ALine Lobby Design Concept (Rendering)

The buildings’ existing conditions are heavily themed. Toledo has a Spanish medieval theme which includes faux torch light fixtures while Kyoto has an Asian theme complete with a bridge and koi pond. The Board of Toledo and Kyoto reached out to us with an interest in overhauling the interiors of their existing lobbies and hallways. The Board told us that they were tired of the themed look and that they wanted something warmer with a residential feel. They also mentioned that they wanted a cohesive and timeless design with featured elements.

One of the major challenges of this project was incorporating ADA ramps into the design. The codes required for the ramps dictated much of the space planning in the lobbies. Once the renovation begins, the lobbies of both buildings will be taken down to the studs. The new spaces that we have designed are very modern and the schemes of each building relate to each other. Currently, the buildings’ common areas are vastly disconnected with no correlation between the design schemes.

Kyoto Existing Lobby Versus ALine Lobby Design Concept (Rendering)

Once construction is completed, the two lobbies will have the same flooring, wallcovering, custom lighting, and identical feature walls. The floor-to-ceiling Kinon feature walls will be flanked with frosted glass panels from Forms & Surfaces. Further, each building will have its own custom front desk made up of metal, wood, and stone. We designed the desks in each lobby so that they would accommodate all staff and visitors. There are different heights/levels on the desks which allows the staff to sit or stand while also giving them a clear view to interact with all visitors including those with disabilities. Finally, stylish ADA ramps built of metal and wood with cable wires will be incorporated into both public areas.

There are a few small differences between the lobbies. For instance, Toldeo has more open space than Kyoto and thus Toledo’s finished lobby will contain an additional seating area. Further, Kyoto’s lobby contains a portal that leads to the elevators and mailroom. For this unique area, we chose a chevron, wood-look wallcovering which is not only durable but also brings elegance and warmth into the space. Lastly, both buildings will have their hallways renovated entirely including wallcovering, light fixtures, mirrors, and carpet. Construction will kick-off in the Fall of 2019 and our team is eager to watch the extreme transformation unfold!

Flatiron Co-op Lounge & Breezeway Design

Lounge Design Concept (Rendering)

We are delighted to announce that our firm was recently awarded a project to redesign the lobby/first floor, breezeway, hallways, elevators cabs, basement, and basement corridor at a cooperative building in the Flatiron district. The diverse and bustling Flatiron neighborhood includes some of the city’s most popular restaurants, a trendy retail environment, and an array of beautiful architecture including the famous triangular-shaped Flatiron building along with an abundance of Beaux-Arts and cast-iron buildings. The Flatiron district is also home to Madison Square Park which has become the go to spot for public art installations and free concerts. As property values rise and competition increases in this prominent neighborhood, buildings must constantly stay focused on providing competitive services, amenities, and high-end interior design to retain current occupants and attract new buyers.

Existing Breezeway vs. Breezeway Design Concept (Rendering)

We were awarded this great project after competing in an interior design contest arranged by the Board. We were asked to redesign a section of the existing public spaces within the co-op as well as create three-dimensional renderings of the designs. The board asked for a creative and efficient use of their existing spaces. Aside from that request, the Board gave us complete independence to express our creativity and showcase our unique design personality. Our team decided that we would address the lobby/first floor and breezeway areas for the design competition because of the Board’s concern for these spaces. Additionally, we felt that that the current first floor layout was not maximizing the space appropriately. Thus, we thought it would be a fantastic idea to transform the underutilized space in the lobby sitting area, management office, and conference room into a multipurpose lounge.

Breezeway Design Concept (Rendering)

For the lounge, we custom-designed a water vapor fireplace to be the centerpiece of the space. If approved in the final design, the transparent fireplace will be embedded within a gorgeous, gray bookmatched stone partition. For the furnishings of the lounge, we chose modular furniture that could be easily moved and adapted for any event. We elected to build windows seats into the existing architecture to allow for more flexibility in the space. For the flooring, we chose a wood-like porcelain tile to provide durability in a high-traffic area while also adding warmth to the space. We opted for three different sources of lighting in the lounge: lighting coves, dainty sconces made by Arteriors, and decorative lighting within the bookshelf/sculptural dividing wall. Once completed, the lounge will be a flexible space that can be used to host holiday parties, resident functions, board meetings, etc.

For the breezeway, we selected an asymmetrical floor pattern because it easily leads and guides guests in between the two buildings while being visually pleasing. For the lighting in the breezeway, we wanted it to feel and look almost like an art installation thus we opted for a statement-making, hanging LED wire chandelier. Lastly, we chose floor-to-ceiling glass walls to replace the existing curtain walls which will make the space feel more open and airy.

By engaging in these common area design projects, the building is staying on top of the massive changes happening in the Flatiron district and staying relevant. These upgrades will be a radical shift in style from the co-op’s current traditional design to a much more modern aesthetic. We are ecstatic with how the designs have turned out and the Board seems to agree. However, since the official design process has yet to begin, there is a chance the final designs could take a different route and differ dramatically from the renderings presented in the design competition. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting project!

Condo Lobby and Corridor Redesign in Williamsburg

We are currently in the design development phase of a lobby and corridor redesign project on Kent Avenue. The 14-story condominium is located on the waterfront in the trendy Williamsburg district of Brooklyn. The area has been on the rise for quite some time with countless hotels, restaurants, and residential buildings popping up all over the neighborhood. Due to this extreme growth, the competition between condos and co-ops has become quite fierce.

Across Williamsburg, Boards and building owners are now looking to redesign their common areas much sooner than they normally would in order to keep their building relevant as well as to attract prospective buyers. Considering the competitive nature of the area and our expertise, the Board elected to give us complete freedom to design their common spaces. Since being engaged on this project, our designers have been hard at work creating interior designs that are appealing and enticing to the hip crowd of Williamsburg.

Lobby Rendering

For the lobby, we opted to create a focal point using bookmatched beige onyx stone slabs. The stone will be installed behind the front desk and it will resemble a piece of abstract art. Alongside this gorgeous slab of gemstone, there will be a hidden package closet. This closet will help manage the flow and volume of packages from all the Amazon enthusiasts and online shoppers. We selected a geometric counter for the front desk and pendant lighting to delicately hang above the modern work-space. To the side of the front desk, a lush green wall will extend towards the resident lounge. The vertical garden will bring in natural elements of the outside surroundings and create a refreshing atmosphere. Lastly, we designed a custom three-dimensional pattern of carved stone for the elevator landing wall. This accent wall will be lit from above to catch all the highs and lows of the stone.

For the corridors, we custom designed a bold, graphic abstract carpet pattern. We selected a wood wallcovering, consisting of warm tones to balance out the strong carpet pattern. As for the lighting, we picked two different types: a cove for the left side and sconces for the right side. The dual asymmetrical lighting will add layers and depth to the hallways. As you will notice in the rendering, the corridor design is noticeably different than most condos and co-ops. Once completed, the corridors will feel like an upscale, chic hotel rather than a residential hallway.

For this project, our team had to really think outside the box. Our goal was to please our client, but it was also to create something totally different and unique that will motivate prospective buyers to choose this condo on Kent Avenue as their new address. We look forward to seeing this space come to life (literally).

If your condo or co-op is considering a lobby and corridor redesign, please reach out to us. We are deeply experienced in designing timeless and beautiful public spaces including lobbies, hallways, fitness centers, rooftop decks, lounges, amenity spaces, and meeting rooms.

Lobby Interior Design

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