Highland Associates Rocks ABKCO Records With Architectural Re-Branding Of A Music Industry Icon

(New York, NY) – Music industry maverick ABKCO Records turned to the architectural branding artistry of architect Glenn Leitch of Highland Associates, a full-service Architecture/Engineering/Interior Design firm, to build their new office space in New York City’s Flatiron District. ABKCO wanted an architect who could embrace the history of the company that has grown from an independent record label – managing bands such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones in the 60’s – to a multi-faceted music publisher, film & video art production house.

Known for architecturally revamping iconic brands, such as the NY corporate headquarters of Playboy Enterprises and Elizabeth Arden’s Fifth Avenue boutique, architect Glenn Leitch was the perfect fit, blending the legendary music history of ABKCO with innovative design elements for their new space.

In addition to Highland Associates’ in-house architectural, engineering and interior designer talent, Leitch orchestrated a team of lighting designers, artists and photographers, reconfiguring the entire floor of the Old Glory Building on Fifth Avenue into an office environment that celebrates the history of the company while incorporating the most up to date technologies in office design.

The original space planning by Leitch was influenced by musical notes. Curving walls, inspired by the curving forms of musical notes, serve as a backdrop for much of the museum quality graphics and collection of gold records, movie posters and other rare memorabilia. The highlight of the space is the graphic imagery curving wall, conceived by Leitch and executed in collaboration with the famed rock and roll photographer Mick Rock, that incorporates super scale graphics of Sam Cooke, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and the Kinks as well as the many other rock and roll performers and business legends from ABKCO’s illustrious history.

Musical forms were consistent throughout. Ingenious lighting, designed by Randy Sabedra, accentuates the curvaceous architecture. A chandelier created from microphones was conceived by Leitch and executed by Donna Brady of Re-Surface Design. Unique “wallpaper” collage displays many of the company’s original BMI Citations of Achievement for compositions, ranging from “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” to “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and “We Belong Together”. Another wall is comprised entirely of CD covers representing the complete collection of the ABKCO library. So impressive was the design, detail and execution of this corporate office space, it was featured in the February 2011 issue of Interior Design magazine. The full spread can be found by going online to: http://www.highlandassociates.com/News.htm

Architect Glenn Leitch embraced the rich heritage of this music industry maverick and let their history resonate throughout the design process. In their new space, ABKCO Music & Records pays homage to their history while looking forward to the future.

For more information on Highland Associates, visit: www.highlandassociates.com

For additional branding projects by Highland Associates, please visit:
http://www.highlandassociates.com/RETAIL/elietahari_5th.htm
http://www.highlandassociates.com/RETAIL/elizabeth_arden.htm
http://www.highlandassociates.com/COMM/playboy.htm


About Highland Associates

Highland Associates is a multi-disciplined firm specializing in Architecture, Engineering and Interior Design with offices located in New York and Pennsylvania. Highland Associates offers a comprehensive list of services to satisfy the most difficult projects. Working as a team, Highland Associate professionals analyze client needs and create practical solutions to meet the function, aesthetic and financial objective of any project. Concept-driven and problem solving, Highland Associates is an award winning design firm, guided by a design process and team approach.

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Lauren Suarino

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Highland Associates

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