Her Justice Workspace

a resourceful transformation that strengthens this non-profit’s ability to support women in crisis through an empowering workspace

location

New York, NY

status

Completed, 2024

client

Her Justice, Inc.

team

Annie Barrett
Adriel Mesznik
Anastasia Yee
Deo Deiparine
Luke Warren

Contractor

Rockhill

MEP/FP

Cosentini

Non-profit law firm Her Justice advocates for and with women. Maximizing a modest budget, we transformed their office to reflect culture and support mission.

A view of the central millwork cube. In the foreground, a woman in a gray tunic and black pants is placing papers into a wire basket on a counter with cabinets below and shelves above holding books, files, and office supplies. To the left, a man in a white shirt and black pants walks down the hallway holding a folder. In the background, a woman in a light-colored top and dark skirt sits on a built-in bench, working on her laptop. The space has a neutral color palette with soft blue and gray tones, glass partitions, and bright overhead lighting.

The “organizer” consolidates sensitive meeting spaces, the “mixer” hosts staff gatherings, and the “metabolizer” strengthens individual workspaces.

Plan diagram gif showing the before and after layout of the consolidated meeting rooms

The staff “mixer” combines the pantry and board room to create a generous, flexible gathering space that amplifies Her Justice’s convivial workplace culture.

A modern office breakroom with employees engaging in casual conversations and taking a break. The space has white tables and chairs, a kitchenette with light blue cabinetry, and a refrigerator. In the foreground, two women sit at a table, one with a plate of croissants. Another woman sits at a different table, while two employees lean against the counter chatting. A woman in a gray tunic stands by the kitchenette holding a cup. In the background, a woman walks through the space, and green curtains partially enclose the area. The setting is bright and open, with a neutral color palette and contemporary design.

A collaborative workspace with employees engaged in a meeting or group discussion. The room is enclosed by floor-to-ceiling green curtains, creating a private setting. Tables have been reconfigured as a long central work surface with scattered notepads and pens. Some employees are seated, actively writing or conversing, while others move around or observe from a distance. The lighting is bright and uniform, complementing the minimalistic and modern aesthetic. The scene suggests a flexible, open-ended work session, possibly a brainstorming or strategy meeting.

A perimeter of drapery conceals kitchen millwork, transforming the space for formal gatherings.

View of someone pulling curtains closed to conceal the kitchen sink and counter

the “organizer” consolidates client meeting rooms in a central form lined with teal millwork, turning storage needs into enhanced acoustic separation and wayfinding.

A view of the millwork cube with an open-plan cubicle workspace before it. In the foreground, a woman in a navy blue top and beige skirt leans on a cubicle partition, engaging in conversation with a seated colleague wearing glasses. To the left, a hallway leads to a glass-enclosed meeting room where two people are seated at a table. Another woman in a blue blouse walks past the meeting room. The office features a neutral color palette with light blue and gray tones, sleek cabinetry, open shelving with office supplies, and overhead lighting.

View of the central millwork cube with integrated bench seating in the foreground at the corner, a person making copies at the copy counter in the left background, and a person walking down the hallway to another person standing at the rear right background

Spaces were thoughtfully designed to support highly sensitive, confidential client meetings, even amidst the office’s lively, sociable atmosphere.

A view of a sillhouetted figure standing behind the reeded privacy glass of a meeting room door with colorful millwork doors adjacent to it

View of a meeting taking place within the meeting room, partially concealed by drapery and people circulating around the colorful millwork in the background

Project goals were developed over the course of many conversations with staff, attorneys, and leadership.

A black and white image showing the group of clients gathered around a table, discussing and pointing at architectural plans and models, during a design meeting. Floor plans are laid out in the foreground. The meeting is taking place within their existing glass enclosed conference room.

the “mixer” is a palimpsest of existing acoustic tile and partitions blended with new lighting and curtain track, reflecting an economical and elegant approach.

Detail view of the drapery running past a soffit detail at the ceiling

Her Justice’s beautiful renovation was made possible by generous contributions of labor and material from Aronson’s Floor Covering and Rockhill Construction.

Detail view of the custom mailbox millwork

1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 taken by March Waters