Commercial and Institutional

Asia Art Archive in America

Front facade of a three-story brick rowhouse with black doors, a black cornice, and brownstone accents. A large tree sits on the sidewalk in front of it.

This project began the fourth chapter of the building's 130-year life. Originally constructed as a carriage house in 1886, the building was converted into a commercial auto garage in the early 1900s. From the 1960s until it was purchased by Asia Art Archive in America, artists John and Richanda Rhoden lived, worked, and created in the building.

All-white kitchenette and office space with cement floors and a pop of red paint surrounding the front door. — At the front of the first floor, we removed leftover studio equipment and materials, opened up the space, and created an ultra-modern office space with red accents that pay homage to the colors found in the Rhoden's bright studio.

First floor of a Brooklyn Heights carriage house with painted exposed brick walls, dark blue ceilings, and narrow plank wood floors. — At the front of the first floor, we removed leftover studio equipment and materials, opened up the space, and created an ultra-modern office space with red accents that pay homage to the colors found in the Rhoden's bright studio.

Staircase leading from the first floor to the cellar in a Brooklyn Heights building with storage space for an archive of Asian Art history — In the lower level, we removed the spiral red staircase and wall separating the rear of the building from the front. Converting the elevator shaft into a convenience stair honored the history of the building while connecting the levels of archival space.

Red spiral staircase in a mostly empty room with painted exposed brick walls. — In the lower level, we removed the spiral red staircase and wall separating the rear of the building from the front. Converting the elevator shaft into a convenience stair honored the history of the building while connecting the levels of archival space.

Wood and metal staircase in an old elevator shaft

Meeting space with restored stone floors, bookshelves housing Asian Art History books, and an exposed brick elevator shaft converted into a stairwell.

The elevator shaft and steel guide rails, flooring materials, and numerous elements of original industrial hardware from the garage and foundry where John Rhoden cast sculpture are incorporated, some integrally and some as decorative accents.

All-white office space of the Asia Art Archives with cement floors and red-and-black entry door

The stair design was carefully composed to refer to parts of an elevator, giving it a strong presence that, like an elevator, is held lightly with cable-like structures.

Staircase leading from the first floor to the cellar in a Brooklyn Heights building

Gathering and research space with exposed beam ceilings, track lights, antique wood bench and table, and cement floors.

Staircase leading to a cellar with exposed ceiling beams, antique bench, and antique table with a vase and plants on top of it

Stair landing with a wood-and-metal staircase in a converted elevator shaft with exposed brick

Most of the elements of the facade were retained, protected, and refurbished. Exterior finishes were carefully restored or refinished for optimal weather management and breathability.