Project Spotlight

Introducing ShareNYC: Affordable Co-Living in Brooklyn

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We’d like to introduce ShareNYC – a small-scale development project in Brooklyn that began as a response to a Request For Proposals aimed at repurposing existing residential buildings and reconfiguring them into shared housing (‘co-living’) by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) in New York City. Recently, we kicked off construction and we look forward to sharing updates on this project that has been several years in the making.

Generally, new construction and substantial rehabilitation projects can take a long time in development. That timeline can be even longer for development projects within affordable housing programs, and especially –as is the case here- when we are at the forefront of designing a new housing typology. The project proposes to convert the existing two-family, three-story building into a safe, legal, and permanently affordable Single Room Occupancy (SRO) building. The HPD development program also set out to provide legal status to shared housing in NYC, and through the existing public-private partnership framework of the city’s Third Party Transfer Program, provide a pathway for a local entity, Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation, to manage the building.

There are typically many people involved and invested in the development process guided by the principle of ‘wanting to get it right’ so that the project can serve as a model for the future. ShareNYC, although relatively small in scale, is a testament of that guiding principle, and HHA is extremely proud to be part of the process. It is a unique opportunity to show how we can sustainably add much needed affordable housing units to NYC’s housing stock by re-utilizing and adapting existing buildings. We’re thrilled to finally see the physical work started on this “ground-breaking” project.

Stay tuned for more…

Elevating Emerging Brands: Heitler Houstoun Architects’ Journey with Pure Glow

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Crafting Spaces that Tell a Brand’s Story

As a design service business, Heitler Houstoun Architects (HHA) specializes in translating the core values and essence of a brand into experiences and habitable spaces. Our collaboration with Pure Glow, an innovative sunless tanning brand, serves as a prime example of how we assist emerging brands in establishing a unique and signature physical presence.

When Pure Glow approached us, they were seeking more than just an architectural concept design for their brand. They wanted a space that would reflect their commitment to organic beauty and wellness, and create a serene, luxurious experience for their clients. With our commitment to high quality design and custom-tailored service, we set out on the challenge of translating Pure Glow’s brand ethos into a tangible, spatial experience.

Our design process is deeply collaborative. We immerse ourselves in the brand’s world to understand their core values, aspirations, and the nuances of their customer experience. For Pure Glow, this meant creating a space that was not only aesthetically aligned with their brand but also functionally catered to the unique requirements of their services. The concept was required to be replicable and scalable to support with their franchise launch.

“We love projects like this – where the goal is to create something truly new and unique,” says Josh Heitler, founder of HHA. “With Pure Glow, our goal was to create a space that resonated with their clientele, reinforced their brand, and set a new standard in the beauty and wellness industry.”

The resulting design for Pure Glow is a testament to our ability to blend beauty, functionality, and brand storytelling. The use of natural materials, a calming color palette, and thoughtful lighting creates an ambiance of organic elegance. The layout facilitates a seamless customer journey, enhancing the overall experience of the services offered.

Lauren Rampello Becotte, Founder of Pure Glow, reflects on the collaboration: “HHA brought our vision to life in a way that exceeded our expectations. Their understanding of brand identity and customer experience is unparalleled.”

Our work with Pure Glow exemplifies how HHA can work alongside emerging brands. We believe that a well-designed and thoughtful space is a powerful tool in a brand’s arsenal, one that can significantly enhance customer perception and brand loyalty.

As a firm we’re in the business of creating unique spaces and lasting experiences for our clients and partners.  Our journey with Pure Glow showcases our commitment to a collaborative design process that is deeply and richly informed by the brand’s ethos and values. As a result of that process, we’re able to assist emerging brands create spaces that are not just places of business, but destinations that tell their story and connect with their audience on a deeper level.