Following our previous nARCHITECTS visit, this week we continue our “Meet Your Next Employer” series in New York City to explore the work of Michael K. Chen Architecture.
The company, led by Michael K. Chen, describes its mission as providing “innovative, masterfully crafted pieces to clients who seek thoughtful, considered design.” In 2021, Chen spoke with Archinect as part of the Studio Snapshot series, providing readers with insight into how the company playfully blends the boundaries between architecture, interiors, and product design.
For Archinect Jobs, the company is currently hiring a Junior Architect/Designer to join its team in New York City. For candidates interested in applying for a position or for those who want to learn more about the company’s accomplishments, we’ve put together three creative interiors by Michael K. Chen Architecture that embody the company’s spirit.
Park Avenue Apartments. Image provided by: MKCA
Park Avenue Apartments (New York, NY)
Located in the prestigious Carnegie Hill Co-op Building, the 2,800 square foot Park Avenue Apartments have been redesigned for contemporary family living while maintaining an elegant and formal appeal. The renovation enhanced spacious formal areas such as the entrance gallery, living room and dining room, while transforming cramped storage and service zones into practical, contemporary living spaces.
Park Avenue Apartments. Image courtesy of MKCA Park Avenue Apartments. Image provided by: MKCA
To improve the flow of the originally segmented layout, wider openings were created to improve circulation. Furniture, finishes, and carefully selected art and design pieces contribute to increased natural light, visual connectivity, and an overall vibrant atmosphere. The interior features a vibrant and playful mix of custom and carefully selected furnishings, lighting and artwork created by MKCA, which was responsible for both architecture and interior design.
Park Avenue Apartments. Image courtesy of MKCA Park Avenue Apartments. Image provided by: MKCA
Children’s Library at Concourse House in the Bronx, New York
MKCA designed the children’s library at Concourse House, a Bronx shelter that supports women and young children transitioning from homelessness. Since 1991, Concourse House has provided safe and stable housing along with social services to help families move into permanent housing. The new library will serve as an important educational space dedicated solely to reading, providing opportunities for children to access books and participate in volunteer-led read-alouds and story times to improve their cognitive and emotional well-being. can promote growth.
Children’s library located in Concourse House. Image courtesy of MKCA Concourse House Children’s Library. Image provided by: MKCA
Inspired by this mission, MKCA expanded its involvement beyond its general design role. They provided pro bono design and construction services and coordinated in-kind contributions from designers, suppliers, and contractors. Located in an underutilized mezzanine space, the library features a colorful and playful design that breaks the institutional feel of the building and invites children into an engaging environment. Bright lighting, curved shelving, and durable yet homey materials transform what was once a dark and crowded area into a warm, flexible space perfect for individual or group reading activities.
Children’s library located in Concourse House. Image courtesy of MKCA Concourse House Children’s Library. Image provided by: MKCA
East Side Townhouse, New York, NY
This landmark townhouse on the Upper East Side was originally built as a single-family home in 1879, but fell into disrepair after being divided into 17 apartments. MKCA restructured the site and added a new 9,600 square foot steel and concrete structure to expand the footprint and enhance light, air and flow throughout. New features include an elevator, sculptural staircase, floor openings and double-height glazed spaces, all of which emphasize the building’s grandeur and interconnecting floors.
Eastside townhouse. Image courtesy of MKCA Eastside Townhouse. Image provided by: MKCA
The design combines advanced technology and craftsmanship, combining the building’s historical elements with a contemporary approach. Traditional machine-made decorations are combined with modern techniques such as computer-controlled milling to achieve a modern aesthetic. The interiors combine custom-designed pieces by emerging American designers with iconic modernist furniture from Italy, Scandinavia, and the United States, many of which were commissioned specifically for the residence.
Eastside townhouse. Image courtesy of MKCA Eastside Townhouse. Image provided by: MKCA
‘Meet Your Next Employer’ is one in an ongoing weekly series highlighting opportunities available on our industry-leading job site. Our Job Highlights series features interesting and topical employment opportunities currently available on Archinect Jobs, and our weekly roundup curate job openings by location, career level, and job description.
