We designed the executive suite for Leonard Riggio, chairman of Barnes and Noble, to showcase his extensive personal collection of contemporary art, and to provide operational space for Mr. Riggio, his director of marketing, and his chief financial officer. In addition, the program required a 10-seat library/dining space, a boardroom with seating for 16, pantry, private restrooms and workstations for support staff.

The material palette—travertine, brass, walnut, and glass—is intentionally “high modern,” while the layering of the ceiling planes and soffits (which help enclose and distribute the a/c ductwork) is intentionally more fragmented and energized. Floor-to-ceiling etched bronze glass walls bring natural light into the interior while providing visual privacy to the occupant. We added a skylight over the library/dining room to illuminate the windowless room.