The new headquarters for this start-up investment firm opened January 1, 2016 at 620 Fifth Avenue, one of the lower buildings flanking the Channel Gardens at historic Rockefeller Center. In addition to representing the aspirations of this exciting new brand, the project had to be ready for business on the first day of the New Year: A design, documentation and construction period of just seven months.

The project began with an expedited discovery phase that explored the client’s vision for the new brand and defined a space program that anticipated the business needs. The program consists of executive offices, administrative support areas and generous lobby, conference and break out spaces that will serve as the meeting hub for the global business. The building floor plate is unique at only forty eight feet wide, and a large central core effectively divides the space into two halves.

The design team was inspired by this beautiful setting and articulated the space to amplify the lightness, spatial height and extraordinary views. Respecting the inherent symmetry of the building, the plan projects clean architectural lines defined by natural wood and lacquer finish walls, full height metal and glass office fronts and floating ceiling planes.