Highland Associates Completes New York City Office Renovations

It is said that the most difficult project an Architect can work on is an area which they themselves will inhabit.  In 2013, Highland Associates faced and met this challenge when the firm made a move into a new office space at 33rd and Fifth Avenue under the shadow of the iconic Empire State Building. 
 
The existing space was an old garment center loft with eight skylights which Highland developed into an open, communicative design that fosters and enhances communication.  An open grid ceiling exposes the internal workings of the space, including ductwork, cabling and sprinkler piping to become a sort of laboratory for newly hired design professionals to appreciate how the infrastructure of a functioning office comes together.  The grid however, creates a veil and datum line that goes beyond your typical “exposed ceiling.”
 
The centerpiece of the design is a weathered, wood “box” that houses the reception area along with a sophisticated, multi-media conference room.  The box is “opened” by an eighteen foot barn door emblazoned with photographic images of the firms work. The barn-like box pays tribute to Highland’s home state of Pennsylvania where the firm was founded in 1988.  This homage to the Commonwealth’s rich agricultural history is a significant juxtaposition to the modern, city space.
 
Natural light, pouring through the new skylights, engulfs the reception and studio space while a glass wall of private offices on the south side, striped in Highland’s trademark red, creates contrast and privacy.
 
About Highland Associates  - Celebrating our 26th year in business, Highland Associates is a multi-disciplined firm specializing in Architecture, Engineering and Interior Design with offices located in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania and New York, New York.  Highland Associates offers a comprehensive list of services to satisfy the most difficult projects.  Each day, our 170+ design professionals and support staff work as a team to analyze client needs and create practical solutions to meet the functional, 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. 

Contact Information

Bridget Goryeb

Business Development

Highland Associates

(1) (1) 570-586-4334

bgoryeb@ha-pa.com