Big Brothers Big Sisters

New York, New York

25,719 SF

Conveying the spirit of outreach and accessibility in a lively environment that provides mentorship to children.

The Switzer Group worked closely with this unique client to not only design a space indicative of their mission and vision, but to also help them successfully relocate their operation from two locations to one on the tight schedule of 12 weeks. With the main goal of creating a welcoming and youthful environment for the children, parents, mentors and team, a great deal of vibrant color, posters and collages were integrated into the walls and finishes. The workplace houses offices, conference rooms, multi-purpose rooms and a café with the Switzer Group also providing Relationship Branding to define the “Bigs and Littles” mentoring program.

Bringing in natural light to add to the friendliness of the environment was key, and so the ceilings were exposed to maximize height and low-height work-stations were combined with private glass-fronted interior offices to allow for better light-penetration and increased visibility. Porcelain tiles for the floors and elements of reclaimed wood, behind the reception desk, add to the brightness and warmth of the overall experience.

“You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.”

Walt Disney