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The art of accommodating multiple generations under one roof is challenging for companies today. It is a task made even more daunting by the upheavals in work/life expectations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Bessemer Venture Partners (BVP), which Venture Capital Journal named one of the eighth largest venture capital firms in the country and known for its innovative startups such as Shopify, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Yelp, Wix, Fiverr, and Toast, approached the problem as it might when deciding whether to add a company to its portfolio: What would enhance BVP’s strong growth potential?

Graceful curves and fluid geometries define the interior, softened with a combination of textures and warm, wood finishes. A striated, linear ceiling is manufactured from recycled plastic bottles.

Photos: Robert Benson Photography

Location, Location, Location

The first step was deciding where to locate its new office. BVP decided on a 12,000-square-foot space in a building next to New York City’s Grand Central Station. This would provide convenience to commuting staff of all ages, and help entice them back to the office.

The social heart of the office is a large work café that can accommodate formal programming for catered events while serving as a casual haven for staff to work away from the confines of a traditional office.

Leverage Design

The company then decided that leveraging the power of design would engage young talent and potential clients. They desired a contemporary office environment to support multiple working modes, social connection, employee well-being and the firm’s corporate identity.

The open workstation area is punctuated by a transparent ‘pod’ of offices for mobile team members or staff who require privacy or a quiet space.

Graceful Curves, Fluid Geometry

Amenta Emma developed a design concept rooted in movement, fluidity, and connection to the iconic NYC cityscape outside. The program is organized to accommodate visitors and formal meetings off of the reception area, with offices, workstations, and huddle spaces positioned to the south to maximize daylight. The social heart of the office is a large work café that takes advantage of views to the neighboring NYC Public Library building. This space accommodates formal programming for catered events while serving as a casual haven for staff to work away from the confines of a traditional office. The open workstation area is punctuated by a transparent ‘pod’ of offices for mobile team members who require occasional office space.

Views of the New York City Public Library can be seen from the work café and the large conference room, creating a connection to the iconic NYC cityscape.

Graceful curves and fluid geometries define the interior, softened with a combination of textures and warm, wood finishes. A striated, linear ceiling – manufactured from recycled plastic bottles – leads occupants from the reception to the work café and delineates public spaces from the workspaces. Curved edges and arches are highlighted through the use of wood, softening the exposed concrete floors and ceilings that characterize the space. All interior finishes were selected with consideration to eliminate harmful chemicals in support of occupant health and wellness. “We sought to use a fluid vocabulary in the floor plan, and that led us to integrate curves into the vertical surfaces as well, unifying the space,” said design principal, Michael Tyre.

Culture & Brand

The resulting office reinforces BVP’s broader brand identity, while creating a dynamic and cozy environment that resonates with a younger generation of professionals.

Augie Wilkinson, BVP’s Director of Portfolio Monitoring & Analysis, said, “The design was able to capture the raw elements of the space and a vibrancy of New York City that is core to our history. Our foundations go back to the Carnegie Steel era. The Amenta Emma team was able to identify areas in the space that highlight that history and bring elements of our brand to life."

Project Team: TriStar Construction; Creative Office Resources; Habitat Matter; Robert Benson Photography

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