An experiential design agency gives their employees an open and comforting space to stay creative and innovative for their reputable clients
The award-winning agency dedicated to merging digitally immersive experiences and fine arts for top brands like Hermes, Marc Jacobs, and IBM has given it’s Brooklyn based headquarters the same kind of feel. After hitting quadruple in growth, the agency wanted to ensure that its employees were housed in a space that was just as innovative, inventive, and imaginative as they were.
In an interview, founders of Fake Love, Josh Horowitz and Layne Braunstein state “There is more to the agency’s chic DUMBO offices than meets the eye. When swinging on a swing, the movements change the digital projection of ‘Fake Love’ on the wall; or when clapping, portraits with overlying geometric art shifts in size and shape. There are surprises all over to experience as a visitor or employee.”
What is the name of the company?
Fake Love, located in Brooklyn, NY
When was the project completed?
2016
How much space?
4,500 square feet for the initial half of space, with additional 4,500 square feet in an area that has not yet been designed.
Was this new or renovated space?
It was originally a blank box, industrial space
How many employees?
40 employees
What is the average daily population?
55
Is there a mobile work or work from home policy?
At any one time, 5 percent of the staff is at a global location for work. People can work from home as needed, and hours are flexible.
Describe workspace types.
An open plan, with dedicated desks. Throughout the space, there are free desks as well various “lounge” spaces. The space is laid out to have a free flow of creativity and communication.
What kind of meeting spaces are provided?
Two dedicated, non-traditional closed meeting spaces that feel more like living rooms, and a few open area meeting spaces around the office. The founders’ offices are also set up as shared meeting spaces.
What other kinds of support space or amenity spaces are provided?
A demo room with a grid, lighting, and projectors to test out all projects; a full kitchen with a fully stocked bar and wine fridge, snacks, and a hot dog and egg maker. The office also has interactive art installations around the space for employees to enjoy.
Has the project achieved any special certifications?
No, but reclaimed materials were used, such as marble from build it green Brooklyn, reclaimed wood, and vintage chicken wire glass. Most furniture was sourced from eBay, flea markets, 1stdibs, and Craigslist.
What are the projects location and proximity to public transportation and/or other amenities?
It is right in the heart of DUMBO, Brooklyn, considered the current Silicon Valley of NYC. The office is right on the water, and next to all the best DUMBO has to offer and train-accessible to the F, A and C trains.
What kind of programming or visioning activities were used?
Traditional floor plans in CAD, and Pinterest.
Were any pre-planning surveys conducted to get employee input?
Yes, every employee had a say in the office layout and all had to sign off.
Please describe any program requirements that were unique or required any special research or design requirements.
Employees needed a transformable space. All the walls and office are modular and, if needed, can be rearranged. The floor plan was kept as open as possible while giving areas for privacy.
Was there any emphasis or requirements on programming for health and wellbeing initiatives for employees.
Yes. With the need to create a space that felt warm and modern, a lot of woods and textures were mixed in to create a retro-space feel. The need for windows without anything blocking them, for sunlight, and plants all around the office were also key features.
Were there any special or unusual construction materials or techniques employed in the project?
Glass made from vintage chicken wire and animated projections to fill in certain areas of the space.
What were the major furniture products used?
West Elm, Room and Board, and Vintage furniture shopping.
What kind of branding elements were incorporated into the design?
The general theme of Geometry and Love is seen throughout the space.
What is the most unique feature of the new space?
The glass walls, and an interactive swing.
Are there any furnishing or spaces specifically included to promote wellness/wellbeing?
Yes, a dedicated Wellness Room with bean bags and locks for privacy.
What kind of technology products were used?
Experiential demos are apparent around the office to showcase employees’ work, as well as to enhance the space.
If the company relocated to a new space, what was the most difficult aspect of the change for the employees?
Most of the staff lives in Brooklyn, so it became an easier commute.
Tell us more!
Fabrication and Buildout Designers: Maiden Brooklyn
Images Courtesy of Fake Love
