Alan Gaynor + Co. creates 10,560 s/f nautical office design

Architecture and design firm Alan Gaynor + Co., P.C. designed a 10,560 s/f office space on a full floor with a unique theme. And now, as the space is approaching its first anniversary, it seems to have paid off. When Water Quality Insurance Syndicate (WQIS), a maritime insurance company, first tapped Gaynor to design the space at 60 Broad St. in downtown Manhattan, it seemed only natural to create an environment that reflected a nautical theme. "The management of WQIS, for whom we had designed an office headquarters ten years ago, had no preconceptions about how the new office should look, and only asked that we create an environment that was clever, memorable and fun," said Alan Gaynor, principal at the firm. "This allowed us to stretch our imaginations, think big and create a space that captured the personality of the firm, all within the client's budget." In keeping with WQIS's clientele, Gaynor wanted to give the offices a "ship-shape" space - that is, the feel of a hull of a yacht or a ship. "We wanted employees and guests to experience the maritime theme as soon as they exited the elevator," said Gaynor, "so we designed silk screens of ship profiles in the entryway and showcased a large model sailboat in the reception area. Continuing to keep with the nautical theme, Gaynor installed a porthole window in the conference room, and chose a carpet that is blue-green with waves reminiscent of the ocean.