Symrise Fine Fragrance Penthouse, Park Avenue

Symrise Fine Fragrance has unveiled its newest creative flagship, The Penthouse, located on the 16th floor of its Park Avenue office in New York City. Designed and built by Affect Build in collaboration with Interior Architects, this project exemplifies Symrise’s Iconoclast Spirit, creating a space where groundbreaking ideas and innovation thrive.

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Following successes such as the Little Red House in Shanghai and Jardin Arabia, The Penthouse solidifies Symrise’s presence as a leader in the fine fragrance industry within North America.

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Key Project Stats

Location: Park Avenue, New York
Scope: Design and Build Contract
Budget: $4.2M
Timeline: Preconstruction: 12 weeks | Construction: 20 weeks
Consultants:
- Interior Architects (AOR)
- Severud Associates (Structural Engineer)
- CFS Engineering (MEP-FP)
- Integrated Projects (Scan to BIM)
- As Built World (BIM Consultant)
- Matrix Technologies (Low Voltage)
Features: Creative spaces, luxury finishes, advanced technology integration, and expanded lab facilities.

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Symrise Fine Fragrance Penthouse, Park Avenue

‍

Following successes such as the Little Red House in Shanghai and Jardin Arabia, The Penthouse solidifies Symrise’s presence as a leader in the fine fragrance industry within North America.

‍

Key Project Stats

Location: Park Avenue, New York
Scope: Design and Build Contract
Budget: $4.2M
Timeline: Preconstruction: 12 weeks | Construction: 20 weeks
Consultants:
- Interior Architects (AOR)
- Severud Associates (Structural Engineer)
- CFS Engineering (MEP-FP)
- Integrated Projects (Scan to BIM)
- As Built World (BIM Consultant)
- Matrix Technologies (Low Voltage)
Features: Creative spaces, luxury finishes, advanced technology integration, and expanded lab facilities.

all projects Chat With Us About Your Upcoming Project

Gallery

Scope of Work

Affect served as the design-build contractor for this landmark project, undertaking a comprehensive renovation of the 15th and 16th floors of 505 Park Avenue in collaboration with Interior Architects.

The scope included:

Full Gut Demolition: of the 16^th Floor Space inclusive of a structural opening formation for a new interlinking feature stair between the existing 15^th Floor Symrise Space and the new 16^th Floor Space.
Lab Enhancements: Transformation of the 15th floor to include two new lab spaces—a compounding lab featuring negative air pressure systems, Lab Crafter hoods, I-Flex lab desks, snorkel extraction canopy hoods, and a Modula automated vertical storage system with the second serving as an application lab.
Full Design Management: Retaining and coordinating a full suite of design consultants under our umbrella to deliver a seamless, one-stop solution for the client.
BIM Coordination: We utilized a full BIM Execution strategy for Architectural, MEP-FP, Structural, Low Voltage coordination which was inclusive of client equipment and furniture integrations to meet technical and operational needs.
Custom Millwork and State-of-the-Art Integration: Incorporating bespoke millwork, cutting-edge lighting, lab space, and advanced technology.
Collaborative Vision: Working closely with Interior Architects to craft a unified design that reflects Symrise’s core values.

Innovative Initiatives

Key to the project’s success was Affect Build’s proactive preconstruction planning, emphasizing efficiency and precision through:

Scan-to-BIM Deployment: Conducted in collaboration with Integrated Projects, this initiative uncovered critical discrepancies in the as-built conditions, such as structural slabs being up to five inches lower in some areas. This early discovery allowed for timely rework of RCPs, MEP-FP infrastructure, and avoided downstream issues and delays in the field.
BIM Coordination: Streamlined design and construction planning, ensuring clashes were resolved well before site implementation.
Advanced Logistics Management: Implementation of just-in-time delivery, strategic material storage planning, and efficient waste removal systems.
Vision Zero: Our safety and quality initiative.

Design Features

The Penthouse captures Symrise’s ethos of creativity and innovation through sophisticated design elements, including:

Creative Spaces:
- Fragrance formulation labs integrated seamlessly with luxurious office settings.
- Open collaborative zones for brainstorming and client engagement.
Luxurious Materials:
- Custom oak and Wilsonart high-gloss red laminate millwork.
- Porcelanosa flooring, champagne bronze detailing, and textured wallcoverings from premium brands such as ARTE and Casamance.
Technology Integration:
- Advanced AV systems for global collaboration and immersive presentations.
- Fully connected spaces blending art and technology to tell Symrise’s fragrance story.
Ambiance and Views:
- Wrap-around terraces with Restoration Hardware furniture offering breathtaking Park Avenue views.
- Thoughtfully curated lighting, blending functionality with warmth.
Lab Innovations:
- Expanded lab space with I-Flex workstations, Modula storage systems, and specialized hoods for precision fragrance development.

Challenges and Solutions

The project presented several significant challenges that were resolved through meticulous planning and innovative solutions:

Discrepancies In As-Built Conditions: The Scan-to-BIM process revealed incorrect as-built surveys, such as slab height discrepancies and errors in prior contractors’ drawings. These were proactively corrected during preconstruction, preventing costly rework.
Structural Staircase Integration: A complex slab opening for the feature staircase required detailed coordination with engineers and temporary shoring during installation.
Structural Slab Reinforcement for New Modula Storage System: Due to the increased point load on the slab, additional reinforcing was required with the original design calling for under slab beams to be added which would have resulted in access to the tenant space below costing our client significant financial outlay. Working in conjunction with Severud Associates the Structural Engineer, the Affect team worked on an over slab spreader plate solution which negated the need to access the tenant space below which would have resulted in significant cost to the client and delays in the schedule.
Tight Timeline: The accelerated schedule required seamless collaboration between all stakeholders. Off-site millwork fabrication at the make X affect millwork fabrication facility in Yonkers saved critical time on-site.
Live Environment: Working in an occupied building required minimizing disruption to neighboring tenants. A detailed logistics plan and regular communication with building management and neighboring tenants ensured smooth operations.
Sustainability and Safety: The project was completed with zero lost hours or safety incidents, highlighting Affect Build’s commitment to health, safety, and environmental stewardship.

Outcome

The Penthouse is now a creative flagship for Symrise, a physical embodiment of the company’s vision for innovation, collaboration, and artistry. This sophisticated space seamlessly integrates technical functionality with luxury design, cementing Symrise’s leadership in fine fragrance.

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‍Client Testimonial

"The Penthouse embodies everything we stand for at Symrise Fine Fragrance: bold innovation, meticulous craftsmanship, and a commitment to pushing boundaries. The partnership with Affect Group and Interior Architects has brought our vision to life in a way that is nothing short of iconic." — Julianne Purett, President, Global Fine Fragrance

Conclusion

“As Builder, Thinkers & Makers this project underscores Affect Build’s expertise in delivering high-profile projects that marry technical complexity with innovative design.

The Penthouse stands as a beacon of creativity, collaboration, and craftsmanship—an inspiring space for Symrise to continue shaping the future of fine fragrance.” – Bernard McNamee, Managing Director

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