School of Visual Arts
New York, NY

Spacesmith was engaged to provide architectural and interior design services to the School of Visual Arts for the design and construction of their new 500-bed residence hall. With a long history of collaboration with SVA across a master plan and several new MFA program built-outs, the firm earned the role of trusted advisor for the client. As executive architect, Spacesmith was responsible for lease review, design revisions, and construction administration, ensuring that the new residence hall adhered to campus-wide standards. Spacesmith, alongside design architects Ismael Leyva and a skilled sub-consultant team, created a new, state-of-the-art dormitory to attract and retain top students.

The 14-story building holds several administrative departments on the first floor: Title IX Office, Visual Arts Press, Residence Life, Student Health, International Student Services, and Disability Services. The lower floor houses student amenity spaces: communal cooking areas, student lounges, a fitness center, and a yoga and laundry room. Additionally, there is a multi-media theater that can seat 60. Dormitory rooms are spacious and accommodate a fully equipped kitchen, a flat screen tv, and study desk. A roof terrace with grills, picnic tables, and plantings is an opportunity for students to get some fresh air or socialize.