Preeminent workplace architecture firm helps human development organization efficiently relocate to new offices at 381 Park Avenue South
OTJ Architects has designed a dynamic new workplace for multinational human development organization, FHI 360 at 381 Park Avenue South. The mission of the 40-year-old non-profit is to improve lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, local solutions. FHI 360 is recognized for its work with vulnerable communities in New York City, throughout the United States, and around the world, providing resources for education, health, nutrition, technology, economic development and more.
“Our task was to create an efficient space for the New York office,” says OTJ Senior Project Manager Arch Tembulkar, LEED AP. “Our firm has a long history of working with non-profit organizations. During design and visioning meetings, we came to better understand the brand messaging and were able to design a workplace in line with this lauded organization’s core values.”
Adds Sheryl Etelson, Director, U.S. Properties, FHI 360, “Today requires a new way of working and OTJ brought forth ideas that we are implementing. They were comfortable working with economizing and augmenting with new furniture and design that updated the space.”
A highlight of the project is the reception area, which serves as both an inviting entry space and unique, open plaza area in which staff may conduct informal meetings. Other details include the redesign of the ceiling to provide improved acoustics and the addition of sophisticated LED light fixtures for greater illumination.
Among OTJ’s biggest challenges was the actual fast-track design and build-out schedule, in order to accommodate a November move-in date. To accomplish this, the architects re-purposed a substantial portion of the furnishings from the current offices, including previously donated original photographs and collectable artwork. In addition to designing a simple, clean and unencumbered floor plan, OTJ blended new, contemporary reception area furniture and an uplifting color palette with some of the existing finishes in the space. The design also maximizes the abundant natural light that permeates the space.
FHI 360 is expected to take possession of its new offices after Thanksgiving of 2017.
About OTJ Architects
OTJ Architects is a premier interior architecture and design firm that creates award-winning projects nationwide from its offices in Washington, D.C. and New York, N.Y. For nearly 30 years, OTJ has partnered with leaders in the commercial real estate, corporate, government, and non-profit sectors to help organizations meet their human, operational, and business objectives through the power of the built environment. Signature recent projects include workplaces for Adobe, BMW, and United Way as well as Innovation Centers for Booz Allen and Capital One. More information is available at http://www.otj.com.
