Global Brands Group
New York, NY

Spacesmith acted as executive architect in the build out of 100,000 sf of space in the Empire State Building for repeat client Global Brands Group, consolidating several women’s apparel brands onto one floor. The client requested a space where their sales and corporate teams, brand designers, and back-office employees could work seamlessly together: a marriage of the creative and the administrative. The program includes over 25 showrooms, multiple work areas, a fabric library, pattern making room, model fitting rooms, offices, lounges, and a state-of-the-art telepresence room. Our team worked closely with Hong Kong based architecture firm B&Co’s on the design which mimics a downtown loft, taking advantage of the 17-foot-high ceilings.

Upon entering the double-height reception area, visitors can view the latest runway fashions generated by Global Brands Group on a 12-foot video screen wall. Guests proceed to the galleria of showrooms which are framed by a smooth curved wall finished in hand-applied concrete veneer.

Design studios and offices are located on the perimeter while open and closed meeting spaces float in the circulation area, as well as showrooms can that accommodate between 8 and 40 people.

The client requested an industrial aesthetic to reflect the day-to-day activities of garment production. The concrete floors were hand-troweled, custom millwork retains its natural wood finish, and hanging Edison bulbs help illuminate the space. Pipes, ducts, and brickwork were left exposed to enhance the high ceilings and loft-like atmosphere. A neutral color palette creates a tranquil setting for employees and allows the designs to stand out.

Adhering to the stringent sustainability standards of the Empire State Building, efficient mechanical and temperature control systems were integrated, and low VOC finishes, paints, and adhesives were used. This project is LEED® Gold Certified.