Cerami NYC Headquarters by Syness Architects is an acoustic office design project for a consultancy whose own workplace needed to become a living showroom.
That makes the brief more interesting than a standard office fit-out. The space has to support 100 staff, collaboration and private work, while also demonstrating acoustic and audiovisual solutions to clients.
Project overview
The headquarters occupies a full floor in a midtown Manhattan office building. The original project note records sound testing chambers, a virtual reality room, conference spaces, private offices, open-plan workstations, lounge areas and a generous cafe-pantry.
Cerami Associates’ work in acoustics, audiovisual design and technology shaped the project. The headquarters needed to show what the company does, not only house the people doing it.
How the living showroom works
- Acoustic materials are visible throughout the workplace.
- Sound testing chambers and specialist rooms support the consultancy’s core services.
- Open-plan areas encourage collaboration without ignoring acoustic control.
- Lounge spaces give staff alternative places to work.
- Colour and material changes help distinguish programme and discipline.
Technical details that matter
The original article names several product strategies: Starsilent products at ceiling level, Navy Island acoustic wood slats, MDC Interior Solutions felt panels and custom felt fins, plus Interface and Mohawk Group carpeting.
Those details are useful because acoustic office design is about performance as much as appearance. The materials, wall treatments, door treatments, floor treatments and sound masking systems all support the project’s purpose.
Project facts
- Project size: 12,000 ft2.
- Completion date: 2021.
- Building levels: 1.
- Photographer: Jon Nissenbaum.
Showcase a technical workplace project
Architecture Social can feature workplace projects where the brief, technical design and user experience are explained clearly.
- Explain what the client does and why that changed the brief.
- Show how the layout supports work, meetings and collaboration.
- Name technical materials or systems where they prove the design.
- Keep project facts visible for clients, students and candidates.
Architecture Social view
Stephen’s recruiter view is that technical workplace projects should not hide the performance story. A strong office case study shows what the client needed, what the design tested and how the interior proves the expertise.
Next step
Explore more professional projects, use the portfolio guide to sharpen workplace project presentation, or submit your own project.
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