brightspot Strategy
30 Vesey St., New York, NY 30 Vesey St., New York, NY 30 Vesey St., New York, NY 10007 Commercial

An office renovation for a strategy consultancy who wanted to build a space that was reflective of both their brand and the process they outline to get there.

brightspot Strategy, a consulting firm with expertise in Space Strategy, Service Strategy and Organizational Strategy have developed rapidly since opening in 2011 and have now outgrown the spaces that WeWork were able to offer them.  With a current staff of 16 and plans to grow to 30+ people in the next 3 years they wanted to identify and build out a space that was representative of their brand and working process.

We were asked by a brightspot Director to work with them in the ‘identification’ phase by undertaking test-fits of various sites to verify that they could accommodate the programmatic elements initially identified.

Test fits were undertaken to verify functionality for four sites, while at the same time, challenges were made to the program to ensure every element was really necessary. From this process, one site, 30 Vesey St., was selected on both the basis of fit, and the financial agreement secured with the landlord.

While the final agreement for the site was arranged, the process for the design and construction work was introduced to the wider brightspot team. As brightspot performs these services for their own clients, the chance for their team to engage with the process for their own office space was an opportunity relished by both ourselves and the client. This process involved a workshop to identify problems with their existing space, and ambitions for the new one. As part of the democratization of the design process, the participants were asked to bring and share images of office spaces that inspired them to be voted on and thus establish a direction for the design. Brightspot also undertook a survey of their staff to develop data on the performance of their current workspace and ideas for a way forward.

A second workshop was held where the brightspot team developed their own layouts to identify their preferred approach to desk sizes, seating configurations and the required number of collaborative spaces / offices / quiet spaces to best facilitate their work.

A third workshop, led by the architect and interior design team, introduced the final design and material selections to the brightspot team.

You can read an expanded explanation of the process regarding this project here.

Project Details >

  • Status: Complete
  • Date: January 21, 2016
  • Project Number: 005
  • Client: brightspot Strategy, Elliot Felix, Adam Griff
  • Area: 3,500 square feet
  • Cost: -
  • Martin Hopp Architect Project Team:

    • Martin Hopp

      Frank Lau

  • Design Team:
  • Contractor:

    • Bonomo & Sons, Inc.

The spaces in the project are arranged by program, with actions identified in each area to better understand the way spaces are used
Close proximity of various programmatic elements allows for smooth transition between working types and promotes interaction
The main program spaces are pushed to the exterior of the building to maximize natural light and views
Perspective views of the project were generated in order to be shared during the workshop process with the brightspot team
Informal meetings take place in the Yard space of the project
Secluded booth-like spaces called Dens allow for a more intimate, private working environment for those that need to concentrate on specific tasks
The Porch entrance space can serve as both a waiting and reception area, and place for informal meetings between staff members
Adjustable whiteboards in the Yard space have proven very popular with staff, as they boost efficiency and communication
Conceived of as a "wellness space" the Nest offers individuals a small private space to quickly rest and rejuvenate before returning to work
Individuals can sit and study material away from their desks without disturbing other workers
In the Porch area, clear and visible branding along with meaningful mementos immediately introduce the brightspot aesthetic and brand to visitors
A more conventional conference room space can be found in the Kitchen for meetings involving larger numbers of staff and clients
The set desk workstations of the Workshop contrast with the open more relaxed nature of the Yard, both spaces offering different functionality
Two separate, closed spaces, the Salon and Parlor offer private conference spaces along with areas for teleconferences in a quiet environment
With open plan desks instead of a series of cubicles, team members can quickly share information and materials without leaving their seats
The Kitchen acts as a social hub for the office, offering team member a place to socialize away from the work environment
The Parlor enables teleconferencing capabilities without excess noise from the office
Several large windows light the space, while blinds help to reduce unwanted glare and direct sunlight
Team members brought in meaningful mementos to decorate the space
Decorations were chosen that reflect brightspot's ethics as well as aesthetics