Sorema N.A. / Groupama Asset Management N.A.

Location: 199 Water Street, New York, NY

Area: 66,000 sq. ft.

This reinsurance company and its separate asset management company determined it would be more prudent to consolidate their three separate offices into one location. The programming and planning for this project required a methodical analysis of the company’s structure and workflow to determine an acceptable reduction in square footage and rent.

The location at 199 Water Street was chosen for the consolidation since the company already occupied the 20th floor and was able to acquire the 21st floor.

The program was to include the company’s future expansion forecasted over the next 10 years, totaling approximately 200 people. Standard office and workstation types were developed to simplify the design. Filing, storage and common equipment areas were to be consolidated and centrally located.

The build-out was phased for minimal disruption to the occupants. Design and construction was completed at a rigorous pace dictated by the dates of terminating leases at the other office locations. The new organized structure and adjacencies bring order and efficiency to the new work flow.

The sophisticated design solution expresses the stability and philosophy of the company. Glass walls at the asset management company allow managers to visually interact with the traders.

The monochromatic color scheme is soft and comforting with warm wood tones and unique marbles. The furniture is smart, functional, handsome and tailored. The architectural details, special lighting, patterned wallcoverings and carpet inlays are tastefully combined.