My Time With Robert A.M. Stern

"The office was located at 211 West 61st Street, just behind Lincoln Center. It took up most of one floor in an industrial loft building. I was impressed by the witty postmodern design, characterized by a central axis of reception area with classical columns opening into a library with classical millwork-the heart and soul of the plan-which in turn opened to Bob's office and the view beyond."

"This central enfilade of three house-like honorific rooms was painted a classical color scheme of terra cotta, sky blue and pale grey with glossy off-white trim. It was flanked by open-plan design studios on the left and right, with low partitions surmounted by overscaled classical table lamps that seemed to be marching through the space. Bob's office was also open-plan-albeit with high partitions-which allowed him to call out to summon any member of the architecture staff without getting up from his desk."

The office at 211 West 61st Street occupied most of a loft floor behind Lincoln Center, organized around a witty postmodern enfilade: reception with classical columns, a library with classical millwork, and Bob's office framing the view. The enfilade used terra cotta, sky blue and pale grey with glossy off-white trim and was flanked by open-plan studios with low partitions and oversized classical table lamps. Bob's office had high partitions that still enabled vocal summons. Projects ranged from furniture to pool houses to resorts. Bob combined rigorous research with hands-on engagement, extensive review, disruptive feedback, and active mentorship that welcomed junior contributions.

Read at Architectural Digest