Swiss Re

When the clients at Swiss Re came to elite|studio e to re-imagine its lobby bar offering we knew that it needed to be top notch and the interior design had to be very high end. In addition to providing a premium offering, the client desired a flexible space that could function during normal business hours and act as a catering space and venue to host events at night.  

The Switzerland-based reinsurance company building features extremely clean and modern architecture and finishes specifications to highlight its exclusive, high-end art collection. As such, the existing lobby space boasts a 50’ privately curated artists mural, cathedral ceilings and architectural elements complimenting the acoustics. 

From concept to completion, our Interior Designers were involved with the design of a nearly all white concept to coordinate with the existing room. The foodservice grade custom counters and architect surrounds also provide a focal point when brewing the coffee or creating the beverage. To draw attention to the artwork, a mirror adorns the back wall allowing the decor to be viewed from anywhere in the room. 

 

To provide a true high-end experience, the menu offering needs to align with the environment. Our team worked with the operator studying local roasters in the surrounding areas. We reviewed some of the newest and most innovative coffee programs, and eventually honed in on ForFive Roasters, a stellar barista program that provides some light, after hours food too. In addition, to coffee and light bites, this concept serves cold brewed coffee, nitro brewed coffee, cold brewed tea, bubble tea and kombucha during the day; and beer and wine during night events.

Once the offering was established, our team was responsible for specifying equipment that would support both menus. We coordinated with local manufacturer reps to identify synergies between equipment such as the used to under counter kegerator that works with 

those coffee, teas and beers. 

The intense coordination of this project, didn’t cease with the design and specification process. COVID-19 put a tremendous amount of pressure on the timeline. In mid-March 2020 when New York was beginning to shut down, the elite | studio e team mobilized driving several hours to hand deliver permits so signatures could be obtained prior to the office closing for quarantine. Though construction came to a stand still and some deliveries were delayed due to the pandemic, Swiss Re's experience was complete in September 2020.

The elite|studio e team provided a true turn key solution, including foodservice consulting, kitchen equipment contractor scope of work, and the architectural, engineering, and general 

construction services.