Office Spotlight: 524 Broadway 

In 2016, CetraRuddy designed the Corcoran Group‘s new office in New York. We got the chance to speak with the designers about their work and learn more about this impressive design.

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What’s the first thing someone would notice in this office?

CetraRuddy 

One of the first things anyone notices when they walk through the door is a sense of openness and airiness — that real, authentic SoHo loft vibe that even new buildings now look to capture. High ceilings, wide-board wood floors, and monumental columns all contribute to this feeling. We also choreographed a sequence of visual focal points that draw visitors into the space, like the opaque, illuminated reception desk and custom glass tile screen in the lobby that helps create a feeling of privacy for employees while keeping the office open.

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What does this office say about the company you designed it for?

CetraRuddy 

The office really embraces the Corcoran brand, whose motto is “Live who you are.” The whole space is a celebration of company values and this unique SoHo location — from handcrafted detailing and historic elements, to floor-to-ceiling sliding glass panels that allow sunlight to penetrate the entire office and create the sense of trust and transparency that’s crucial between real estate agents and their clients.

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Describe the layout of this office. How does this office design encourage creativity, productivity, and team happiness?

CetraRuddy 

The office is fundamentally a user-focused environment. When it came to reimagining workspaces, we replaced isolating individual cubicles with an open benching system that encourages collaboration and community. It’s important to offer employees a chance to move around, relax, and interact, so we created a large open lounge area as the central heart of the office. With banquettes and movable seating, staff can adjust the environment for their needs. The office also features amenities like a meditation room, private break spaces, lounge-like “telephone booths” and various other areas for informal gathering, where employees and visitors can enjoy food and a drink or engage in conversation.

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What does the space do best?

CetraRuddy 

We think about all of our projects from the viewpoint of the people who’ll be using the space. This Corcoran office really addresses the many needs of the real estate agents and speaks to the variety of ways in which people work today  — it’s tech-savvy space that is both functional and beautiful, incorporating the historic elements of a SoHo loft and responding to the people in it, so they can be inspired to do their best work and help people find their new homes.

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What went into choosing the colors and materials for the office’s decor?

CetraRuddy 

Our goal was to create an office that responds to the Corcoran brand while also respecting the raw, historic character of a traditional loft environment. We focused on highlighting original elements, especially the exposed columns and wood floors, while also incorporating contemporary design features such as custom sculptural elements and light fixtures. Throughout the space, materials like wood and glass play off each other in a complementary way.

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What is your favorite part of this office?

CetraRuddy 

A favorite part of the office is the feeling people get when they walk in. Whether we’re designing an individual workplace or an office tower, apartments or a school, we create every space to feel like home. This approach is really the essence of our philosophy at CetraRuddy, and it makes us proud to hear Corcoran employees say they feel comfortable and happy in their new office. 

Photographer: Alan Schindler

Designer: CetraRuddy