Milliken & Company underwent a corporate global rebranding and messaging in 2011, as well as a restructuring and expansion of its commercial flooring division. As part of that major evolution, Milliken worked closely with global design firm
M Moser Associates to reconsider all of its client-hosting spaces—not just to reflect the new corporate identity—but to express in these environments an emphasis placed on customer service and partnering.
A clean backdrop, a sort of “white box” concept, with Milliken blue judiciously used as an accent color, ties together the Milliken Studio New York in Midtown Manhattan—recently renovated by M Moser—with the other Milliken showrooms and studios also designed by the firm in South Carolina, Chicago, Beijing, and Shanghai. “The ‘white box’ concept puts our products centerstage and maximizes the wonderful views of the city,” says Barbara Haaksma, vice president of design and marketing, Milliken & Company. “It is a beautiful, functional, working space for client meetings and presentations.”
Modern, yet referencing Milliken heritage
Open common areas are punctuated by colorful and iconic meeting and lounge areas, which facilitate casual interactions. Spaces that facilitate collaboration—often referred to as “purposeful play”—were key to this studio’s design, allowing for Milliken to tell the stories of product development. Also, Milliken considers its lineage in mid-20th century design to be important, and thus M Moser included references to that heritage. “The eclectic mix of reused vintage and new furniture as ‘classics,’ —in bold, warm, vibrant colors—represent a nod to both the heritage and the future of modern design,” says Bill Bouchey, director of design at M Moser’s New York office.
A distinct arrival sequence reinforces Milliken’s brand identity through the entry and reception on the perimeter, and leads guests to unobstructed, panoramic views of the city. Circulation flows in a counterclockwise pattern around the floor’s core, and flexible flooring mock-ups and display installations anchor meeting and lounge settings. These areas are adaptable for frequent changes as new products are introduced to the market.
“M Moser’s design of our space exactly met our needs for providing an exceptional experience for our clients and our associates,” Haaksma says. “The space clearly communicates our corporate identity and provides the path and environment for visitor engagement and storytelling.”
SOURCES
Architect and interior designer: M Moser Associates.
Architecture project team: David Weinberg, AIA, head of office.
Architect of Record: Harry Meltzer, Meltzer/Costa/Paknia Architecture & Engineering, LLP.
Interior designer: Bill Bouchey, IIDA, design director, M Moser Associates.
Interior design project team: Charlton Hutton; Samantha Giorgio; Courtney Robinson. Project manager: Jennifer Graham, Assoc. AIA, IIDA, director.
Contractor/construction: Brian Flaherty, SPK Lewis; Kevin Foo Siam.
Consultants: Stephen Margulies, Onelux Studios (lighting); Miguel Quintanilla, CFS Engineering (engineering); Mike Coyle, Coyle & Co. (graphics)
Wallcoverings: Coyle & Co.; M Moser Associates.
Paint: Benjamin Moore.
Laminate: Wilsonart.
Flooring: Constantine (carpet); Flooring Solutions (hard); Milliken (carpet, carpet tile).
Lighting: Axis (fluorescent/industrial); Bartco (fluorescent/industrial); Delta Light (pendants/chandeliers); Graypants (pendants/chandeliers); Mark Lighting (recessed); Philips (fluorescent/industrial); vintage (floor/table); Vode (fluorescent/industrial).
Architectural glass/glazing: custom.
Workstations: custom with Tectum I and FilzFelt.
Seating: Herman Miller (conference); Hightower (cafeteria/dining); Knoll Studio (lounge/reception); Kristalia (other); Moroso (lounge/reception); reused existing (workstation/task); Steelcase (lounge/reception).
Upholstery: Designtex; Knoll; Maharam; WB Wood.
Tables: custom (reception); Knoll (conference, side).
Storage systems: Metro Shelving (shelving).
Architectural/custom woodworking: Peter Iwan, Custom Cabinetry, Inc.
Signage: Mike Coyle & Co.
