Avery Hall Investments, New York: Creative, Technical, Passionate.

Avery Hall Investments is part of a growing movement of development firms integrating architecture into their practice in order to create value and have more control over the design process. The company’s offices are located on the bustling corner of Broadway near Union Square. 

When setting out to design their office, Avery Hall brought in Cloth Interiors as a co-collaborator on the space and quickly determined that the primary focus would be to maintain the openness and transparency while still defining unique areas and offices. With fantastic light and volume, they were able to use the existing attributes as a jumping-off point. The challenge became designing an office that would encourage collaboration and cross-pollination between a range of professionals working on property acquisitions, financing, design, construction and sales. So the practice organised the office around a central high table and faced the kitchen towards the larger office, both of which create fluid, casual and work-focused interactions throughout the day. 

The palette is largely wood and blackened steel along with large amounts of glass separating the spaces. Partners’ offices line the perimeter for privacy, while glass walls throughout encourage openness and allow natural light to flood the space. Open-plan desks mix acquisitions, accounting, design, development and construction staff, facilitating exchange of ideas, methods and best practices. 

The integrated structure creates a collaborative work culture that allows for a holistic understanding of the whole process, from financing to the design of a building. “I think there are very few offices where you are able to take part in every aspect of a project from start to finish,” says Berta Willisch, Vice President of Development. 

The firm chose Union Square for its vibrancy, energy and proximity to almost everything. Frequent group outings help reinforce the office bond, including glass blowing, visits to neighbouring construction sites, architecture visits, paintballing, art viewing and visits to the High Line. 

“The energy and culture of the office is positive and everyone works hard. The strong emphasis on thoughtful design and quality is also a major component of the appeal,” says Principal Jesse Wark.