NewHavenBIZ

12 n e w h a v e n B I Z | D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 2 | n e w h a v e n b i z . c o m Newman Architect's new offices have expansive views in addition to an open-feeling workspace demarcated by low, opaque dividers between desks Workplace Rethink Office spaces evolve to suit post-pandemic workforce Melinda Marlén Agron and A. Brooks Fischer, principals at Newman Architects, in the dining area of the firm's new offices at 265 Church St. PHOTOS | GARY LEWIS By Liese Klein T he view from Newman Archi- tects' new office on the 15th floor at 265 Church St. is not just scenic, it's a showcase of the firm's portfolio across New Haven. e expansive windows over- look much of Yale University, an important client since Herbert Newman first set up shop in 1964. Also visible are Newman-designed apartment complex- es like the new build at 18 High St., and civic projects like the East Rock Com- munity Magnet School. "We can stand here and just point to building aer building of work that we've done over the years," said Melinda Marlén Agron, a principal at Newman. But she adds the view also about the firm's future, designing projects across the city and the state for a range of clients. "We were on Yale campus and it was very much about Yale and Yale as a client. But being up here, I think makes us much more about the city as a whole," Agron said. Illuminated workspaces Since shortly aer its founding, Newman had occupied a two-level space at 300 York St., tucked into a courtyard behind Toad's Place and adjacent to the Yale campus. With the lease up for re- newal and extensive renovation needed, the firm's principals decided to look for a new location in 2020. Top of the list of wants was an office space that allowed for both collabora- tion and privacy, said A. Brooks Fischer, a principal at Newman. "One of the biggest difficulties [of the York Street office] was that we were on two different levels," Fischer said. "We also really had no flexibility – the furni- ture was essentially fixed and it was very hard to get teams to work together." "We had a lot of open work spaces in the old office, which we have here. But they were very hard to use in the old office because you could hear everything that was going on," Fischer added. "We want the place to feel alive and want to hear people, but we don't want to hear everybody's conversations." Occupied by lighting distributor Acuity until soon aer the start of the pandemic, the 15th floor of 265 Church, also known as the Century Tower building, offered a dramatic change of scenery without the need for a complete space revamp. e 9,500-square-foot footprint allowed for expansion com- pared to the 8,000 square feet the firm occupied on York Street. Acuity also le behind a state-of-the- art lighting system that clearly illumi- nates workspaces without an institu- tional glare, in addition to a top-notch HVAC system that ensures air quality. "What was great about this space is it just had a lot of the things we were look- ing for already built in," Fischer said. e architecture firm also decided to use much of the former tenant's furni- ture and the existing carpet – serendip- itously in a shade close to a hue dubbed "Newman Blue." Homey offices Walking into Newman's new offices, a visitor is greeted by that expansive view in addition to an open-feeling workspace demarcated by low, opaque dividers between desks. Whites and light grays help give the space a calming and serene atmosphere. Sounds remain at a low hum throughout the floor-through office. Part of the firm's work in recent months has been ensuring the space feels both modern and homey, in part to help employees transition from remote work. "We were designing the space at the height of the pandemic so I think we didn't quite yet know what people would want from the space," Agron said. By adding a spacious dining area, full kitch- en and wellness room, the firm aimed at "making the space as comfortable and welcoming for people as we could." "Many architecture firms are strug- gling to get their employees to come back to the office and that really hasn't been a problem here," said architect

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