According to Sara and Marc Schiller, New York lacks stylish meeting spaces, so to fill the void they are opening Meet at the Apartment, a bilevel 2,500-square-foot loft in SoHo built specifically for conferences and other business-related gatherings. The husband-and-wife team, who run an art organization and a digital brand marketing agency, wanted this to be a place creative executives could brainstorm and pitch to potential clients. It will be available starting this Saturday, November 1.
Stefan Boublil and Gina Alvarez of design firm the Apartment, who previously used the space as their offices and as a retail space, designed the location's new incarnation. Key to the development of the space was the black color palette and nightclub aesthetic, strategically chosen so that Meet could also serve as a place for small private events, press presentations, and photo shoots. In addition to outfitting the duplex loft with attractive furnishings, the owners equipped the site with plenty of audiovisual gear and a concierge service. The Schillers also partnered with Taste Caterers to provide set menus for breakfast and lunch.
The 1,300-square-foot main floor, which can be divided by curtains into five smaller sections, features a library, a parlor, a lounge, a kitchen, and a private alcove dubbed the Work Nest. Shelves in the library section hold more than 100 reference books on art, photography, and design. The parlor and lounge are appointed with plush couches, high-definition TVs, and iMac work stations. The entire main floor seats 35 for presentations or holds 100 for receptions.
Downstairs is the 1,000-square-foot conference area called the White Room. Conceived as a blank space for companies to present ideas and proposals, this is a brightly lit section with an 18-seat table, whiteboard walls, and a movable 65-inch screen.
Designed as a one-stop shop with a flat-rate price that includes staffing, presentation equipment, and unlimited beverages and snacks, Meet at the Apartment is a concept that the Schillers are looking to take to London and Dubai.
