Gensler
New York
With a build-it-and-they-will-come zeal, Millennial entrepreneurs Christopher Kelly and Ryan Simonetti developed a new kind of conference center in 2009—one based on a full-service hospitality model (think boutique hotel). The goal, says Kelly: to support the needs and aesthetics of both young start-ups and traditional businesses “from Google to Goldman.”
Three years later, with three Manhattan locations—all retrofits of existing office space—the New York–based venture (at the time called Sentry Centers) reported a growth rate of 3,463 percent, with revenues exceeding $15 million in 2012. Poised to expand after securing $10 million in financing last year, the partners renamed the company Convene, to better convey its mission, which, Kelly explains, “is to bring people together.”
They also tapped Gensler to create their first branded facility at 101 Park Avenue—a prototype, with a “kit of parts” that could be adjusted to suit future leased properties. Taking advantage of the generous glazing and street-level entrance of the largely sub-grade 20,000-square-foot site, the architects devised an inviting open lounge up front, with a concierge, café tables, and bold circular light fixtures that echo Convene's logo. The circular pattern continues on glass partitions that allow borrowed daylight to penetrate the various-sized meeting rooms throughout the deep space.
Designed for their use to be understood intuitively, these rooms feature state-of-the-art technology, modular furniture, and reconfigurable built-ins outfitted with necessities such as coat closets, printers, and office supplies, to help enhance occupant productivity. Nearby, self-service Nourish bars provide on-trend food and beverages prepared by Convene's staff in its small commercial-grade kitchen.
Fully booked during its soft launch, Convene 101 Park adds a level of human-centered design to an already successful formula. Recently named New York's fastest-growing company by Crain's New York Business and one of America's 100 most promising by Forbes, Convene opened its first branded facility outside of Manhattan this March in Virginia—built on Gensler's prototype.
Architect:
Gensler
1230 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
212-492-1400
212-492-1472
Size: 20,000 square feet
Total construction cost: withheld
Completion Date: November 2013
PeopleClient: Convene, Ryan Simonetti and Christopher Kelly Owner: Kalikow Architect: Personnel in architect's firm who should receive special credit: Architect of record: Interior designer: see above Engineers: Structural: Dubinksy Engineers Consultant(s): Lighting: HDLC- Michael Castelli & Michale Hew Wing Other: Audio Visual: HB Communications- David Fretz Information Technology: TekScape/ Minhua Zhu Furniture Manufacturer: Haworth- Nicole Freilich Furniture Dealer: Key International/. Justin bubeau Expeditor: Brookbridge Consulting Services, Inc./ Eileen Murphy Signage: Precision Signs and L&M Signs Environmental Graphics: Drive 21 and Designtex General contractor: JRM Construction Management, LLC / David B. McWilliams ú Photographer(s): |
ProductsDoors Hardware Pulls: Dorma Locking Ladder Pulls Interior finishes Suspension grid: Armstrong Silhuette XL Grid system Demountable partitions: PURE Enclose™ - Glass walls with pivoting doors Cabinetwork and custom woodwork: Nordic Interiors Paints and stains: Benjamin Moore Wall coverings: Carnegie Xorel ; Knoll Ultrasuede Paneling: DFB Track-Tex HT system Plastic laminate: Chemetal; Formica Special surfacing: Simulated Stone: Caeserstone Floor and wall tile (cite where used): Nemo Tile; Novabell Resilient flooring: Flexco Carpet: Interface Special interior finishes unique to this project: Silikal Quartz Flooring in kitchen; Crane Composites/ Fiberglas wall panel in kitchen; Ardex Flooring Furnishings Reception furniture: Datesweiser Fixed seating: Chairmasters Banquette Chairs: Haworth Tables: Haworth Planes, Patterns, & Compose, Davis, Cumberland Upholstery: Haworth Collection Other furniture: USM Cart Lighting Downlights: Zumbtobel Dimming System or other lighting controls: Douglas Plumbing |
