MKDA designs new PDE office

Real Estate Weekly, Oct 17, 2007

MKDA has designed 10,000 s/f of office space at 485 Madison Avenue for New York's largest residential brokerage firm, Prudential Douglas Elliman. According to MKDA president Michael Kleinberg, the contemporary space was designed to bring several departments and more than 115 high-powered brokers and employees together under one roof.

"Prudential Douglas Elliman wanted a warm and inviting office environment for its busy brokers who juggle client meetings, complicated contract negotiations, and after-hours calls and emails," said Kleinberg.

"The firm also wanted a flexible workspace that could accommodate its current and projected space needs."

According to Stan Judovits, an account executive and project manager at MKDA, the firm's elevator doors open onto a fully outfitted lounge area that leads directly to reception.

"The lounge, outfitted with the company's signage, a video display of its website, and Florence Knoll chairs, sets the mood for the entire workspace," said Judovits.

MKDA created a central hub with ample banquet seating and tables that consists of reception, virtual workstations, and casual meeting places for brokers and clients. Flexible individual workstations, comprised of 50 percent recycled materials, feature elegant privacy screens, ample storage, and metal post-and-beam structures that distribute power and communications. Conference rooms, also flexible, can be subdivided with elegant frosted glass sliding doors.

According to Robin Alexander, IIDA, a lead designer at MKDA, the firm used a warm and serene color palette of pumpkin and deep green throughout the office environment to contrast some of the more dynamic design elements: brushed stainless steel finishes, contemporary glass light fixtures, and an industrial ceiling. An attractive but durable environmentally friendly flooring solution was created through use of ceramic and modular carpet tiles.

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