Property of the Month: Montroy DeMarco Architecture completes 16,000 s/f Pem-America’s HQ and showroom; Project team includes MEP engineer Goldman Copeland and structural engineer Severud

Manhattan, NY Montroy DeMarco Architecture (MD Architecture) and the interior design firm Montroy Andersen DeMarco have completed construction of the new headquarters and showroom for Pem-America – a leading supplier of soft home products and bedding accessories to U.S. retailers.

“Our expanding operations called for a new, larger showroom and offices. The dramatic new space designed by Montroy DeMarco represents the quality of Pem’s merchandise and accommodates our frequently changing collections,” said Pem-America’s COO Chuck Brannon.

MD principal Daniel Montroy, AIA, said, “Pem-America was facing an expiring lease and an office space that was too small for their growing needs at its previous location. The firm’s new 16,000 s/f headquarters are within Pem’s office condo located on the second and third floors at 70 West 36th St. in Manhattan.”

Pem required a space to both showcase collections and entertain customers during Home Fashion Products Association Market Week. “In response, we developed a design that incorporates modern materials, extensive open spaces, and custom fixtures,” said MD project manager Ajay Waghmare, LEED AP. “These include the custom-designed, powered, movable wall panels, engineered by our team for flexibility and ease of reconfiguration.” 

The 8,000 s/f second floor houses the reception lobby, 4,500 s/f showroom space, open plan and private offices, and a glazed conference room.

The lobby flooring is natural wood, complimented by large-scale, vertical, perforated metal accent panels separating the reception from the showroom space. The screens, manufactured by AJK Design Studio, stretch from floor to ceiling, filtering the light coming from the windows and creating a hospitality-inspired feel in the area. 

The showroom features a movable wall system designed by MD. The designers could not find an existing system that met Pem’s requirements, so they custom-designed one. “The client has to be able to change the configuration of its displays frequently,” said Shauna Dack, MD’s interior designer. “The displays have to hold a combination of large and small items and entire collections, so flexibility is paramount.” Each rolling modular-build wall unit is encased at the base in a wood-and-metal frame with wheels, with drywall as the main surface. Each unit has an electrical outlet. 

MD’s job captain Christopher White, AIA, said, “The design team has specified an architectural L-shaped staircase to connect the two floors. The stair’s first two steps have been designed as platforms for product display.” 

The project team also included mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineer Goldman Copeland Associates and structural engineer Severud Associates.