New Haven, CT Architecture and art integration firm Svigals + Partners has completed the new headquarters for wealth management company, Kreitler Financial, that brings a “comfortably curated,” non-corporate setting into the professional work environment.
Located at One Century Tower overlooking Yale University’s historic campus, the flexible workplace relocates the private financial practice into a larger, newly renovated fifth-floor suite in the same building they have occupied for nine years. Their new, 5,200 s/f space unites the business, conferencing, and meeting needs of Kreitler’s current team and anticipated growth, while also expressing Kreitler’s personalized approach to client service.
Advantaging the building’s long, linear floorplate, the architects and designers situated the breakroom and three conference rooms in the center of the headquarters floor. This configuration helps create a sense of connectivity between the shared zone and the enclosed offices and open workstations located on either end.
The 650 s/f breakroom features a flexible design allowing for staff interactions and client meetings. “The breakroom benefits from natural light transmitted at both the northern and western exposures of the building. By orienting the millwork toward the windows, we were able to maximize views to the outdoors, making this space a destination for Kreitler Financial’s clients and staff,” said interior designer, Melissa Milano, NCIDQ. The new furnishings, including a wood table made from locally sourced slab timber, can be moved around in different configurations for meetings, all within view of a wall-anchored monitor with video access.
Key collaborators on the project included Innovative Engineering Services, Verwol Glass Walls, Illuminate Lighting, Execuspace Construction, and for furniture, Jefferson Group and Citybench Furniture.
“The world is changing rapidly and financial and investing tools are increasing complex,” says Charlie Kreitler, president of Kreitler Financial. “Our goal is to give our clients confidence through clarity, and that begins with making them feel at home as soon as they arrive with an environment that helps foster deep and meaningful conversations about what’s important to them.”
The work environment presents a rich, textural finish palette, consisting of a mix of earth tones and contrasting woods accented by brass and dark metals. These residential-inspired settings are marked by lighting, area rugs, and curated artworks and pieces. The design intent, according to the Svigals + Partners team, conveys a blend of professional sophistication with homelike comforts to promote client ease, attract new talent, and foster opportunities for casual staff interactions.
“We’ve been working with this client, now for a second time, to create a new and dramatic entry sequence aligned with Kreitler Financial’s practice of personally accompanying clients from the building’s lobby and into their offices and hospitality spaces,” says Svigals + Partners’ director of interior design. Katherine Berger, NCIDQ, WELL AP. “When clients enter the reception area, they’re greeted by a large, windowed expanse that floods the interiors with daylight and opens to picturesque views of natural greenery and the landmarks on Yale’s campus. It’s like a wall of naturally occurring art, yet it’s deeply connected to this city and community.” Private and collaborative spaces feature artwork selected to celebrate the individual interests of employees. “Curated artworks and accessories improve the overall comfort of the space by providing employees a sense of belonging seeing their interests and hobbies articulated throughout,” says Berger.
“We are glad to collaborate with Svigals + Partners for our company’s second new headquarters in this same building, creating a terrific space for our staff and clients,” says Kreitler. “The design team’s focus on the most comfortable furnishings and bright, daylighted interiors makes our environment feel warm and welcoming, while performing as a highly professional and flexible workplace. The results put our clients at ease and encourage the creativity and collaboration our team values.”