When this leading global financial and risk advisory firm relocated into One World Trade Center, they needed more than a workplace—they needed a branded destination that would welcome clients, connect employees, and reflect their culture.
The existing space, a legacy from Conde Nast, felt cold and monotone. With a limited budget, condensed schedule, and the complexities of building in one of the most secure towers in the world, the client turned to Unispace. Having delivered their Chicago office, Unispace already understood their brand and vision—making New York a natural next step.
The result: a warm environment delivered on time, on budget, and on brand.
At a Glance
- Culture transformation: From black-and-white monotone to sunny, modern, and client-ready.
- Smart spend: Creative reuse of existing materials—including re-purposed wood-look baffles—minimized budget impact.
- Agile delivery: Last-minute changes, including a full flooring swap just weeks before completion, delivered without delay.
- Unified approach: One team from strategy through construction, ensuring seamless collaboration and real-time solutions.
A Workplace that Reflects the Brand
The client envisioned a business-casual, contemporary workplace with earthy textures and a palette of blues and greens inspired by their branding carried across their global offices.
Unispace delivered on that vision by:
- Introducing a reception area to create a strong client arrival experience.
- Re-imagining the café as both a social hub and a client-facing showcase with sweeping views.
- Balancing open collaboration with privacy through neighborhood-style planning.
- Infusing natural textures of stone and wood for warmth, acoustics, and brand alignment.
Built to Perform
Building inside One World Trade Center brought unique challenges: rigorous security, complex permitting processes, and landlord requirements. Unispace’s integrated model meant the team could respond quickly, minimize risk, and keep the project moving.
During the final three weeks of construction, there were natural design updates with move-in preparations in full swing, as well as a few unforeseen challenges. By embedding our lead designer on-site daily, Unispace expedited approvals, avoided delays, and delivered every adjustment—without compromising schedule, quality or budget.
Sustainability in Action
Unispace re-purposed existing materials, transforming wood-look ceiling baffles from the café ceiling into a striking ceiling in the reception and board room, elevating the design for both spaces while maintaining design continuity. This sustainable move not only reduced waste but reinforced the branded journey throughout the space.
A Seamless Experience
From the moment clients step into reception, the workplace tells a clear story: this is a global firm rooted in expertise, precision, and human connection.
- Reception: Elevated first impression with natural warmth and expansive views.
- Board Room: Positioned adjacent to reception, designed for access, impact and acoustic performance.
- Open Office: Neighborhood-style zones blend private offices and collaborative areas.
- Café: A branded social hub with an acoustic felt ceiling feature and sweeping skyline views.
Impact
The client’s CEO personally thanked the Unispace team for creating a workplace that feels like home while meeting the needs of a global professional services brand.
Delivered under intense constraints, the project demonstrates the power of our integrated approach—where strategy, design, and build come together to deliver a seamless, branded, high-performing workplace.
