Fir Tree Partners Offices – New York City
Kostow Greenwood Architects completed the office design for private investment firm, Fir Tree Partners, located in New York City, New York.
Fir Tree Partners is a New York City based, private investment firm that invests worldwide in public and private companies, real estate and sovereign debt, managing assets on behalf of leading endowments, foundations, pension funds and sovereign wealth funds.
Founder and President, Jeffrey David Tannenbaum, established Fir Tree Partners in 1994 and immediately distinguished the company by establishing a work and life culture respectful of people and their work environment. What would become known as a “sustainability mission” was at the time, an innovative approach to raise the standards on workplace design for the benefit of the employees.
Fir Tree Partners engaged Kostow Greenwood Architects for four separate office designs beginning in 1999 (NYC – 535 Fifth Ave; NYC – 505 Fifth Ave; Miami; NYC – 55 W 46th) and through incremental and determined decisions, has proven that the relationship-focused financial industry can thrive in a people-centric office designed with the highest standards of wellness.
As a company, Fir Tree Partners is committed to environmentally responsible design that conserves energy and reduces impact on our natural resources. This project was designed to exceed the LEED Silver standard in terms of sustainably sourced materials and MEP systems and controls. Further, in order to support a healthy and productive workplace, many concepts of The WELL Building Standard were incorporated including: improved air quality, drinking water and nourishment, access to natural lighting and lighting control, acoustical and thermal comfort, and ergonomic seating and work-stations.
Abiding by an “eco scorecard” while identifying construction and design components that meet industry code and serve the function and purpose of the workplace environment.
Defying the industry assumption that incorporating sustainable elements into corporate design is costly, Fir Tree Partners’ directive to Kostow Greenwood Architects was to identify sustainable solutions within an established budget and to raise the awareness level among employees as to the reasoning behind the design elements.
Repurposing of existing and in good condition furniture, as well as other notable elements from the previous NYC office location was a driving principle to reducing waste. The client’s now famous directive that “Not one thing goes into a landfill” guided several decisions.
Designer: Kostow Greenwood Architects
Contractor: Structure Tone
Photography: Adrian Wilson
