MKDA Annual Review 2022

DRIVEN BY DESIGN. PROVEN BY PARTNERSHIP 2022

ANNUAL REVIEW

AWARDS, NOMINATIONS,

AMANDA HERTZLER, REGIONAL MANAGING PRINCIPAL, SOUTHEAST

Related HQ Featured in Interior Design

MKDA Miami’s Related Group project was featured in the 2022 August issue of Interior Design Magazine! Designed to be an art gallery first, and an office second, MKDA worked closely with Related’s expert in-house curators showcasing nearly 300 hand-selected pieces of artwork for its penthouse headquarters. Ensuring the artwork matched with executives’ respective tastes and preferences, the team curated art from emerging artists and master artists such as Jaume Plensa, Eduardo Ponjuan, Anselm Kiefer, Georg Baselitz, Frank Stella, Sol LeWitt, Nick Cave, Stanford Biggers and Ai Weiwei.

Cosentini’s new workplace gets it right on all accounts due in large part to a strong collaborative partnership between our firms.”

JULIA RISO LIVINGSTON, REGIONAL MANAGING PRINCIPAL, NORTHEAST

“Freshly’s workplace delivers a healthier environment with better air quality, biophilic elements, circadian lighting, sound and noise control.

EDIN RUDIC,

EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR, NEW YORK

NEW HIRES

// TEAM MKDA: NEW HIRES

From Area Director, House

From left: Matt Stone, Senior Project Designer, Washington, DC. Miami Team accepting award for 2022 Best Place to Work. Top: Brianna Hunter, Project Designer, Miami.

From left: Lisbeth Jimenez, Senior Interior Designer, NYC. Top: Nicole Woldar, Interior Designer, NYC. Bottom left: Parker Whitmore, Project Manager, Stamford. Bottom right: Doria Miller, Junior Architect, NYC.

From

Andres Carcamo, Junior Architect, NYC. From bottom left: NYC Team at an industry event.

We are proud to have added a fantastic group of new team members over the past year. These individuals include a diverse combination of seasoned professionals, who have decades of design and leadership experience, and young talent who constantly push the envelope with bold and innovative ideas.”

MICHAEL KLEINBERG, CEO

From

Top: Viktoryia Kiruschanka, Interior Designer, NYC. Bottom left: Haydn Lang, Junior Architect, NYC. Top right: Marianna Sullivan, Junior Architect, Stamford.

left: Antonello Musumeci, Design Principal, Law Firm Practice Leader. Bill Saltos, Director of BIM Technology. Jung Kim, Studio Director, NYC. New York & Stamford designers on a field trip to Glass House & Grace Farms.

top left: Kay Nguyen, Project Designer, Washington, DC. Lilya Dzis, Interior Designer, NYC.

left: Washington, DC team on a field trip to wineries with their MKDA hard hats.

“

// TEAM EVENTS

As a firm with a human-centric design philosophy at our core, MKDA understands that everything we do begins with our people. We strive to actively contribute to an office culture that is based on kindness, equity, collaboration, and mutual respect. As such, we offer a number of team building activities and events – both inside and outside the physical workplace – to drive engagement, foster creativity, and establish an overall sense of belonging among our people.

Want an inside look into the day-to-day lives of team MKDA? You can follow @mkda_dc, @mkda_stamford, and @mkda_miami as well as our NYC HQ account @mkda_designs on Instagram to learn more!

In 2022, as the world began to reopen, our team has (finally) been able to return to a number of reputable trade shows and industry events including NeoCon, BDNY, and Color Invasion. Similarly, MKDA has participated in several design competitions such as MillerKnoll’s Magis Puppy Design Challenge, transforming our puppy into NFTs with 8 digital identities, and Florida International University’s Festival of the Trees where our sculpture won an honorable mention in the “Most Colorful” category. Beyond these industry-sponsored events, we frequently hold lunch and learns, happy hours, and annual team outings – like our trip to Grace Farms and The Glass House in New Canaan, Connecticut – that boost morale and leave us feeling creatively inspired, connected and refreshed.

// PHILANTHROPY

At MKDA, philanthropy has always been a core value. Since its earliest days, the firm has supported a number of nonprofit organizations, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community. Our Philanthropy Committee is passionate about promoting “boots on the ground,” active volunteerism with the goal of creating a more equitable, enriching existence for all humans.

This past year our team members have participated and sponsored a few notable events that exemplify our altruistic mission. From organizing fundraising events such as our Folds of Honor golf outing and Stamford’s Western Hoedown gala in support of Stamford Hospital to leading social activities at JARC Florida, volunteering at beach cleanups and participating in toy drives, we are passionate about giving back to our local communities to establish a more just and equitable world for all. We look forward to engaging in many more events and fundraisers into 2023 and beyond!

We are proud to have sponsored the 4th Annual Patriot Golf Classic at the Village Club of Sands Point. The esteemed event raises funds for Folds of Honor, an organization that primarily provides financial support and academic scholarships for the families of fallen and disabled soldiers.

In Miami, the MKDA team event at the Boys & Girls Club crafted ornaments using rings for the kids to take home

team volunteered at MillerKnoll’s annual We Care Club of Miami-Dade. As is our tradition, we beads, colorful pipe cleaners, and light up home to their families.

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We sponsored the annual Western Hoedown charity event at The Village in support of Stamford Hospital’s Campaign for Women and Babies, where funds raised went directly towards the renovation of Whittingham Pavillion and the expansion of services and programs.

It was such a joy and privilege to share my passion for building model cars with the JARC residents. I’m already looking forward to providing additional support to JARC and to further developing the relationships established through future social activities.”

JEFFREY KLEINBERG, PRESIDENT

Partner Jeffrey Kleinberg led a social activity for residents of the Boca Raton JARC Florida, an organization that provides residential, vocational, and recreational programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Jeffrey personally donated over 200 model car kits and guided the Supported Living Apartment residents on how to plan and assemble them.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS/

HIGHLIGHTS/ ON THE BOARDS

FRESHLY

NEW YORK, NY

“Through incorporating hospitality-like services and amenities, Freshly creates a culture that is welcoming with an emphasis on human-centric design. Each of its speciality areas and microenvironments were carefully crafted to be adequate for privacy, socialization and creativity.

EDIN RUDIC, EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR, NYC.

Freshly’s post-pandemic workplace features a best-in-class hybrid work model with the flexibility to support future growth. The plan contains a number of speciality spaces including a library, extensive, all-hands cafe area, podcast studio, and outdoor terraces to transform the office into a memorable experience.

“We incorporated a mix of neutrals and colors to enhance the space’s robust modern industrial charm. Recessed linear lighting functions as a wayfinding tool and complements the black ceiling and mullion office fronts, accentuating the existing architectural details..”

Opening up a new workplace in The Village, a highly-amenitized waterfront building in Stamford’s South End, Wheelhouse wanted to establish an impressive, stimulating backdrop for attracting new talent and investors. The space was specifically designed to serve the creative, entrepreneurial community, inspiring its users with a number of experiential and collaborative areas.

JULIA RISO LIVINGSTON , REGIONAL MANAGING PRINCIPAL, NORTHEAST.

AVESI

STAMFORD, CT

“The custom moss wall in reception is extremely versatile, providing aesthetic benefits, sound-absorbing qualities and physical separation all in one. It even features back-painted glass on its opposite side, which can be used as a collaborative, whiteboard surface.”

BETH GENOVA , SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, STAMFORD

This office blends an industrial backdrop with residential-inspired details, creating a timeless aesthetic with optimal flexibility and functionality. Blurring the lines between work and home, MKDA incorporated various warm materials and elegant furnishings to instill a sense of comfort, wellness and luxury into the boutique environment.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

BLACK CAR FUND

NEW YORK, NY

“The Black Car Fund’s workplace forms a unique connection between natural and urban influences. Matching its Long Island City location, we fused an industrial aesthetic –emulating its manufacturing roots – with natural components to echo its thriving waterfront parks.”

The Black Car Fund expressed a desire for its new workplace in Long Island City to be transformed into a destination to entice employees back to the office. After conducting comprehensive interviews and visioning sessions with department heads, MKDA designed a workplace centered on three themes: comfort, wellness and flexibility.

ARI WEISFELNER, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, NYC.

HAVEN TECHNOLOGIES

NEW YORK, NY

“Capitalizing on biophilic design principles, we incorporated circular tree banquettes, “forest” breakout spaces, and unique pergolas to mimic the outdoors and promote feelings of comfort and relaxation among users.”

Representing the workplace of the future, this space consists of employee-centric amenities with whimsical, unexpected elements at the end of every turn. The team implemented a generous amount of open and flexible workspaces, featuring a range of eclectic themes and bold color schemes to infuse the space with the company’s distinctive personality and culture.

HEATHER HOUPE , INTERIOR DESIGNER, NYC.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

THE

CLOUD ONE

HOTEL NEW YORK - DOWNTOWN “

Made to inspire and thoughtfully designed to care for our environment, the intimate yet cosmopolitan atmosphere mirrors an oasis, functioning as a refuge from the bustling urban landscape.”

NYC.

Working in tandem with the German hotel company’s in-house design team, MKDA provided architectural design services for the redevelopment and refurbishment of the lobby, cafe, lounge, and guest rooms at The Cloud One in Downtown Manhattan. The newly completed hotel delivers an authentic New York experience based on an urban jungle concept with a particular emphasis on sustainable design and practices.

JASON WEST, VICE PRESIDENT, DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS,

“In order to construct a branded environment, we selected a number of pure materials –which naturally included raw metals – to emphasize the company’s work and mission.”

MKDA designed an updated trading hub for this distinguished metal trading company, centered on showcasing natural materials to capture the firm’s core essence. The team juxtaposed warm earthy tones and textures with a neutral backdrop to highlight the beauty of these raw elements.

JULIA RISO LIVINGSTON , REGIONAL MANAGING PRINCIPAL, NORTHEAST.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

NEARWATER CAPITAL

NEW YORK, NY

“Nearwater’s new office couples a high level of detailing with unbeatable surrounding scenery in one of Manhattan’s premier buildings. Its timeless nature will support and inspire its users for many years to come.”

DANIEL DE SIENA, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & DESIGN DIRECTOR, NYC.

Moving from one iconic building to another, Nearwater Capital relocated from the Seagram Building to a new workplace at One Vanderbilt. Emulating its growing prominence in the financial market, MKDA highlighted the client’s impressive art collection and extraordinary views, to establish a luxurious, memorable experience.

MAJOR FINTECH CLIENT

NEW YORK, NY

“The MKDA team brought so much inspiration and professionalism to the project and the new dynamic workspace would not have been possible without their efforts. From the top down, they shared a wealth of knowledge and technical expertise and actively listened to the client’s needs with attentiveness and positivity.”

HAGAR ADMI , CO-DESIGNER ON PROJECT

Collaborating with an Israeli-based team, MKDA created a human-centric 25,000 square foot workspace for a growing Israeli fintech firm at the newly developed Zero Irving. In contrast to its previous confined co-working space, the project team placed an emphasis on crafting an open and inviting work environment that creates meaningful opportunities for engagement, elevates creativity, and prioritizes the employee experience.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

BIZZABO

NEW YORK, NY

“Post-pandemic workplaces are no longer just for work—it’s a place to have experiences and innovate. Bizzabo’s workplace does just that as it places a huge emphasis on flexible team collaboration and community gathering areas.”

ARI WEISFELNER, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, NYC.

As a leading events management platform, Bizzabo’s new workplace reflects the same immersive, people-centric experience as the company provides its clients. The space has a number of fun and engaging vignettes including an extensive front of the house cafe, cozy lounges, and a playful gaming room meant to connect and energize employees.

MIAMI, FL

This mixed-use project consists of two 12-story buildings programmed to support a 24-hour neighborhood environment, including 542 multi-family residential units and terraces; over 60,000 square feet of flexible office space; and 40,000 square feet of engaging retail and dining destinations. The two structures feature shared architectural motifs of color and form, evoking the site’s history as ‘Little San Juan’ and its future as modern day Wynwood

MIAMI, FL

This 76-room hotel marries Brazilian architectural and geographical influences with Wynwood’s bold artistic charm. The program includes an open air market, ground-floor retail and restaurant, underground speakeasy, and rooftop pool and gym to build a unique oasis and cultural experience for its guests.

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The new workplace exudes warmth and elegance without sacrificing functionality. We created ample opportunities for privacy, collaboration, and creativity to encourage flexibility and efficiency.”

KRISTIN ALDAN GUDMUNDSDOTTIR, EXECUTIVE MANAGING PRINCIPAL, MIDATLANTIC

BANK POLICY INSTITUTE

WASHINGTON, DC

With a design concept that was playfully dubbed “History Buff,” the new workplace for this public policy and advocacy group integrates historical and traditional elements into a modern setting. The team selected a color palette that is rich in texture with natural tones, supplementing it with various art and furniture accent pieces.

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This workplace is truly one of a kind. It fuses hospitality elements with modern design and pulls inspiration from the Art Deco Architecture Miami is known for.”

KAMILAH BERMUDEZ, SENIOR PROJECT DESIGNER, MIAMI

MIAMI FINANCIAL FIRM

MIAMI, FL

The design concept is centered on Miami’s signature Art Deco style combined with a distinct hospitality atmosphere, which highlights comfort and luxury. Some amenities include high-end lounges, breezy corridors, covered galleries/ courtyards, double-height tunnel stairs, and glass walls to maximize natural sunlight for the health and wellness of its staff.

NW 27th Street

MIAMI, FL

This five-story, boutique building consists of 17 multifamily units and 3,000 square feet of ground floor retail with special units on the mezzanine and the penthouse level. These units were specifically crafted to highlight views and exterior experiences with access to a vast rooftop terrace fitted with exterior kitchens, bars, and plunge pools.

Keeping the history and aesthetics of Dupont Circle in mind, MKDA selected natural materials mixed with scattered vegetation to create a unique environment to match its surrounding location. The neighborhood’s multi-directional crossroads serve as inspiration for the layout and space identity of the 7th floor footprint. Landmarks and major roads, for example, identify various areas and suites, functioning as a distinctive wayfinding and branding strategy.