William Morris Endeavor | Rockwell Group

Transparency, transformation and a strong sense of presence are the underlying concepts of Rockwell Group’s design for William Morris Endeavor’s (WME) New York City office. Located on the 18th floor of 11 Madison Avenue, a landmark concrete and stone tower, WME will have sweeping views of Madison Square Park.

In a nod to the tower’s elegant concrete base and WME’s long history, Rockwell Group’s material palette will highlight the beauty, modernity and strength of concrete. A concrete feature wall divides the reception area from a stage area. A delicate glass and rose gold-finished copper reception desk in front of the feature wall will emphasize the contrast between raw and refined materials. The custom desk will also serve as a display case for objects and artifacts.

Cutout windows in the wall provide views from reception into the pantry and screening room – WME’s “heart space”.  This space can be divided into two rooms to separate the screening area from the pantry.  Client presentations, movie screenings, cooking demonstrations, yoga, or staff meetings can take place here.  Adjacent to the reception area are two conference rooms with unique, custom glass fronts.  The meetings in these rooms are on display unless the screens are pulled for privacy.

An open show kitchen and staff café are located next to the screening room. A marble counter with a cantilevered rose gold-plated copper base will provide a work area to prepare staff meals as well as a “stage” for high profile chefs, who are increasingly a part of WME’s client base. A wall of ebonized wood cabinets creates a minimalist backdrop for the chefs. Overhead, a custom copper chandelier with a rose gold finish and angled mirrors provide different views of a chef at work.

Offices will be designed to maximize transparency while providing audio privacy. Both in-bound and perimeter offices will have glass front walls to visually connect agents and staff. In-bound offices are shorter than ceiling height and will resemble floating jewel boxes, allowing natural light to filter throughout the office. The east and west flanks will serve as “terraces” – light-filled, informal meeting areas inspired by the park below.