Spacesmith Retail and Showroom

Retail + Showrooms

Firm Profile

Founded in 1998, Spacesmith is an architecture, planning, and interior design firm based in New York City. Just as the word “smith” means “to craft, forge, or design,” the name Spacesmith reflects the firm’s commitment to the tradition of great craftsmanship, heightened service, and design excellence. Our 30-person firm is made up of a tight-knit group of professionals in the disciplines of architecture, interior design, project management, programming, master planning, sustainability, and wellness.

Hermès of Paris New York, NY

Our retail experience includes long lasting relationships with brands such as Hermès of Paris, Carolina Herrera, and Ralph Lauren. Spaces for our clients include boutiques, offices, showrooms, warehouse spaces, and production facilities worldwide. Our retail team understands the value of brand identity, the high level of detail required to maintain a brand’s design concept, and the unique ways in which retailers engage their customer base. We also understand the importance of back-of-house functions, clearly programmed and

executed to support all administrative functions, and to meet merchandise storage needs.

Collaboration is integral to our design process. Through an open, ongoing dialogue, we draw from the expertise of our team members, encouraging innovative thinking and exploration of design possibilities. The collective effort results in the creation of impactful, vital, and sustainable solutions that advance our clients’ mission, goals, and culture.

Hermès of Paris Worldwide

Role: Executive Architect

Scope: New Stores, Temp Stores, Renovations

Size: 500 to 35,000 sf

For over a decade, Spacesmith has acted as executive architect on behalf of Hermès of Paris, overseeing renovations and the construction of new stores both in the United States and abroad. Our team collaborates closely with Hermès’ in-house design team, RDAI, which is based in Paris. The projects undertaken include new boutiques, improvements to existing shops, and temporary stores set up to operate while other locations undergo renovations.

Hermès of Paris New York, NY

Hermès of Paris New York, NY

Branding is of the utmost importance to Hermès. For all projects, the traditional details and elegance clients have come to expect from Hermès are married with features unique to their locations. Hermès’ iconic mosaic tiles and cherry wood paneling mixed with Mamorino stucco panels are a part of every store design. The millwork and built-in cabinetry are custom made; fabricated in a temperature controlled environment. Colorful and engaging artwork, including displays of their iconic scarves, adorn the boutiques, adding a unique layer to the customer experience.

Spacesmith works meticulously with the European and American suppliers’ through-out the process of every project to ensure that each detail was addressed with the same precision as their world famous luxury goods.

Locations include:

• Scottsdale, AZ

• Newport Beach, Palo Alto, and San Francisco, CA

• Greenwich, CT

• Washington, DC

• Sarasota, FL

• Honolulu, HI

• East Rutherford, NJ

• Manhasset, and New York, NY

• Las Vegas, NV

• King of Prussia, PA

• San Juan, PR

• Nashville, TN

• Dallas and Houston, TX

• Luxembourg

Hermès of Paris New York, NY

Hermès

Carolina Herrera New York, NY

Role: Executive Architect

Scope: Renovation

Size: 6,900 sf

Spacesmith acted as executive architect on the renovation of Carolina Herrera’s three-story flagship store on Madison Avenue. The main goal of the project was to refresh and open the building’s façade and give clientele a comfortable retreat from city streets with a luxurious shopping experience. Using clues from Carolina Herrera’s archives, our team created a space that encompasses brand identity.

Located in a landmark district, Spacesmith worked closely with lead designers Studio Mellone and Chiara de Regi and code consultants on the NYC landmark review process.

The terra cotta cladding of the upper two thirds of the façade was delicately cleaned as to not damage the landmarked finish, and the lower third of the façade (not original to the building) was painted to match the restored upper portion. Awnings in red and white with the brand’s name give a splash of color to the exterior. Double French doors were added to the entrance and the building received new windows by Italian fabricators, allowing natural light to pour into the space.

The interior renovation addressed all three front-of-house levels and the lower level, in which the tailor’s workshop and employee spaces reside. The first floor is dedicated to women’s apparel, the second to more apparel and perfume, and the third to bridal wear.

Arched display niches play on the neoclassical roots of the townhouse and give the interiors a villa-like feel. Each floor has over-sized, plush seating in shades of pink, fuchsia, and turquoise, and coffee tables in the center, adding to the comfort of the boutique.

Global Brands Group

New York, NY

Role: Executive Architect

Scope: Consolidation Women’s Apparel Brands

Size: 100,000 sf

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.

The client requested an industrial aesthetic to reflect the day-to-day activities of garment production. 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.

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 achieved a LEED-CI Gold certification.

Jimlar Shoe Corporation

New York, NY

Role: Executive Architect

Scope: Renovation

Size: 100,000 sf

Spacesmith was enlisted by Li & Fung Ltd. as the executive architect for the build-out of 100,000 sf in the Empire State Building to house their footwear division Jimlar Corporation. Key elements included work areas for various brand designers, showrooms, a fitting studio, design library, marketing space, private executive offices, open plan workstations, video and teleconference rooms, storage, and pantries.

The project is on two floors; the lower dedicated to designers and the upper to administrators, with showrooms on both floors. The shape of the floor plate allowed for perimeter offices with centralized workstations, granting access to daylight and views.

The overall design palette is a sleek mix of contemporary and classic. Flooring is mostly polished concrete with soft carpet tile in open office areas. Walnut is used to accent the predominately white and grey space. Original structural columns and core spaces remain.

The Empire State Building is undergoing a major sustainability retrofit to become a leading example of economic and environmental revitalization. The project had to adhere to new energy standards, therefore energy savings items were incorporated into the design: efficient mechanical and temperature control systems, low VOC finishes, low flow plumbing fixtures and Energy Star rated appliances are specified throughout. Jimlar’s operations are healthier, the work quarters cleaner, and the impact on the environment is lower. This project is LEED Platinum Certified.

Avon Inc.

New York, NY

Role: Architecture/Interior Design

Scope: Multiple Renovations

Size: 10,000 sf

Spacesmith worked closely with Avon to design several spaces as part of Avon’s HQ relocation. Our team began with the product shop, a self-serve store for employees and includes advanced merchandising and lighting technology integrated into flexible displays. Simultaneously, our team designed an adjacent image room, a comfortable, flexible space for webcasts, photo shoots, product launches, and entertaining celebrity guests.

Moving on to the executive suite, our team collaborated with senior management on the design of highly personalized spaces to meet individual work styles and aesthetic preferences. As part of the strategy to reduce construction costs and waste, existing smaller offices were repurposed for use as huddle rooms for informal meetings.

All offices are fully integrated with the latest technology for lighting, security, media, and communications. The executive suite includes a new boardroom and employee lounge/pantry which also hold the latest technology.

Our team combined Avon’s tradition and history with a contemporary quality, creating a warm, welcoming environment that is gracious, as well as efficient and functional. The space is light and open allowing views out and daylight in through glass walls and open vistas. A clean, modern luxury permeates the suite.

As part of Avon’s goal to reduce the environmental impacts of their buildings worldwide, sustainable materials, such as sustainably harvested wood, were implemented, contributing to the new headquarters achieving LEED Gold certification.

Cremieux New York, NY

Role: Architecture/Interior Design

Scope: Renovation

Size: 800 sf

Spacesmith designed Cremieux’s first retail store in Manhattan. Located in a landmarked building in Soho, the design marries the brand’s classic sporting style with the neighborhood’s urban chic.

The challenge was to open up the two-story, 800 sf space without compromising the structural integrity. Spacesmith replaced and enlarged windows to increase the amount of natural daylight filtering in. Original brick was left exposed lending warmth and character to the space, a beautiful compliment to the pure white walls. The dividing walls of the stairway were modernized with glass to enhance light and transparency, providing an open view to the street.

Spacesmith designed merchandise displays that include adjustable shelving and hanging racks. The units appear to float in the space as all installation items are hidden and discreet cove lighting utilized.

The store reflects the atmosphere of a long-standing establishment with a twist of modern boutique.

Bonpoint

Houston, TX

Role: Executive Architect

Scope: Renovation

Size: 1,100 sf

Spacesmith worked closely with repeat client Bonpoint on the build-out of their new 1,100 sf store at the renowned River Oaks Mall in Houston, TX. Nestled between other luxury boutiques such as Harry Winston, LVMH, and Hermès of Paris, this is our team’s second project with the Paris based children’s clothing retailer. Our goal was to create an exquisite place where fairy tale imaginations can run free.

Our team not only assisted in design development and programming, but represented Bonpoint in the coordination of local consultants and base building teams.

The concept is similar to other locations yet is adapted to Houston’s site specific requirements. The store includes a play area with sections dedicated to boys, girls, and infants. The open plan retail space is bright and inviting with charming details that maintain Bonpoint’s global brand.

Key elements include a locally fabricated metal and glass wall that defines the check-out area, European fabricated cantilevered shelving displays that appear to float off the walls, and Bonpoint’s signature ceiling hung crystal pendants that provide a whimsical yet elegant feel.

Select Clients

CORPORATE

Abrams Books

Abington Properties

AdMedia Partners

Bacardi-Martini Rossi

Bankers Trust

BBDO Worldwide

BlackRock

Braver Stern

Brookfield Properties

Brooklyn Brewery

Boies Schiller Flexner

Chase Manhattan Bank

Christofferson Robb

Citibank

Crédit Agricole

EarthCam

Ericsson Inc.

Exxon Mobil Corporation

George Weiss & Associates

Globo TV

Gray Healthcare

Grubb & Ellis Offices

Guardian Life Insurance

Heraeus Inc.

IBM Procurement

Interpublic Group - GlobalHue

IPath

Jack Resnick & Sons

Jupiter Communications

Lowe & Partners

Major League Soccer

MarketAxess

Momentum

Morgan Stanley Dean Witter

MTV Networks

Peterson Management Services

Pseudo Programs

The Publishing Agency

Quad

Quantum Management

RED Distribution - Sony Music

Riverview Center

Sun Studios

T-Capital

Titleserv

TradingScreen

Upriver Film & Television Studios

Viacom

Wilkinson O’Grady

Zirinsky Realty Co.

NON-PROFIT

Breaking Ground

Brooklyn Community Services

Building & Construction Trades

Council

Consortium of Workers Education

Daytop Village

Doubleday Babcock Senior Center

Emerging Markets Trades Association

Family Justice Center

Forge

French American Chamber of Commerce

Hearst Foundation

Interchurch Center

International Rescue Committee

Local Six

New York Legal Assistance Group

NYC Central Labor Council

Operation Hope

Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute

Part of the Solution

Robin Hood Foundation

SCO Family of Services

United American Healthcare Corp.

United Auto Workers Locals

PUBLIC SECTOR

American Museum of Natural History

Bronx Terminal Market

Brooklyn Bridge Park Dev. Corp.

Brooklyn Navy Yard Dev. Corp.

Federal Hall National Memorial

Federal Reserve Bank

Flushing Community Library

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office of the UK

General Services Administration

Hudson River Park Trust

Hudson Senior Center

Irish Arts Center

Lower Manhattan Dev. Corp.

Luxembourg Permanent Mission to

the United Nation

Midwood Public Library

National Parks Service

NY Capital Defender’s Office

NY Harbor Conservancy

NY Metropolitan Trans. Council

NYC DCAS

NYC Police Dept.

NYC Dept. of Design + Construction

NYC Economic Dev. Corp.

NYC Mayor’s Office to Combat

Domestic Violence

NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission

NYS Banking Dept.

NYS Dept. of Audit & Control

NYS Dept. of Health

NYS Dept. of Housing & Community

NYS Dept. of Insurance

NYS Dept. of Labor

NYS Dept. of Motor Vehicles

NYS Dept. of Public Svc. Commission

NYS Dept. of State

NYS Dept. of Taxation & Finance

NYS Dept. of Transportation

NYS Division of Budget

NYS Division of Parole

NYS Office of Child & Family Svcs.

NYS Office of Comptroller

NYS Office of General Services

NYS Office of Temporary & Disability

Assistance

NYS Office of the Inspector General

NYS Strategic Plan

NYS Workers’ Compensation Board

Olana State Historic Site

Port Authority of NY & NJ

SCO Family of Services

Staten Island Family Justice Center

UNICEF

United Nations Dev. Corp.

UN Office of Project Services

US Dept. of State

ACADEMIC

Baldwin Union Free High School

Brooklyn STEAM Center

Carnegie Mellon

Chapin School

Columbia University

Cooper Union

Henry Viscardi School

Hewlett-Woodmere School District

Hewitt School

Learning Project Charter School

Long Island School District

New Heights Charter School

NYC Dept. of Education

New York University

Oyster Bay E. Norwich School District

Pace University

Pacific Park Middle School

Port Washington USFD

Reisenbach Charter School

School Construction Authority

The School of Visual Arts

St. John’s University

University of Pennsylvania

Urban Peace Academy

Vernon Middle School

W. Hempstead School District

William Paterson University

FASHION/RETAIL

Avon

Bonpoint

Carolina Herrera

Cort Furniture

Cremieux

David Meister

Donna Karan Company

Dualstar

Edelman Leather

Edun

Ellen Tracy

Foundrae

Graff

Global Brands Group

Hermès of Paris

Kellwood

Komar Brands

Ladurée

LF USA

Li & Fung

Liz Claiborne

Marchon Eyewear

Mulberry

Nine West Company

Polo Ralph Lauren

Track & Field

HOSPITALITY

Aquavit

Joe’s Pub

L’Ami Pierre

Ladurée

Padrona

Pret A Manger

She Wolf Bakery

Talbott + Arding

Worldbar

Hermès of Paris Meatpacking District New York, NY