Architectural firm Alan Gaynor + Co. (AG + Co.)has designed a new 6,300 s/f office space for the New York branch of Tokyo-based print and communications giant Toppan Printing Co., Ltd., at 747 Third Ave. Toppan was founded over a century ago in 1900.
Toppan, relocating from 650 Fifth Ave., commissioned AG + Co. for the build-out. Involved with the project from the onset, AG + Co. worked with a Japanese broker to evaluate all of the potential locations for Toppan, and enlisted staff architect Yoshio Katagiri, a Japanese native, to serve as the client liaison.
Later, AG + Co. worked with the landlord's architect, Roy Gee Associates LLC, and the landlord's general contractor, John Gallin & Son, to build out and renovate Toppan's new space, a former leasing office. The firm modified the space to suit, thereby saving the landlord both time and money on extensive alterations.
"We coordinated throughout the project with both Toppan's Texas-based IT department and a local consultant - Mr. Morais Miranda of Technology Solutions Design Group - regarding phone, data and audio-visual systems. As the client is in the printing business, we incorporated its color correction booth - a large viewing machine used to match colors - into the new layout," said Michele Boddewyn, AIA, president of AG + Co.
"To go further," she said. "All of our collaborators were extremely on top of their respective games throughout the process. On the landlord side, Sage Realty Corp. was easy to work with, and very agreeable toward our design ideas. And there are few if any general contractors that we'd trust more than John Gallin & Son to carry out our design. It's easy to see how they've managed to flourish in a competitive business for over 125 years. Finally, Yoshio from our staff was of the utmost help in the early phases, working with the client to bridge any cultural gap and let us know exactly what they wanted."
In addition to printing, Toppan divides its business over three main fields: information and networks, living environment and electronics. The company also contributes to solving social issues via its next-generation product division, which focuses on clean energy and life sciences.
Alan Gaynor + Company, founded in 1974, provides full-service architecture, interior design and planning services to a wide range of corporate, not-for-profit, commercial and medical clients. The firm's work ranges from highly individual designs for image-conscious clients to flexible, functional spaces for complex organizations. In 2010, the firm was designated a Women's Business Enterprise by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council.
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08/23/12 Tags: