Shearman & Sterling

When Shearman & Sterling set out to design its global headquarters, it wanted a client-first environment that would honor the legacy of the firm. Founded in 1873, Shearman & Sterling has one of the most established and consequential legal legacies in American history and has inhabited the same space at 599 Lexington Avenue over multiple decades. Our task was to deliver bold, modern designs that support a future-focused program, while simultaneously rooting the design in the significant historical context of the client.

The emphasis throughout was to create a hospitality-rich environment that felt like a high-end gallery, while still being warm and people-focused. With the first two floors of the design dedicated to conference rooms, assembly spaces and amenities, special attention was paid to the visitor experience. The main reception is centrally located in the 3rd floor lobby, establishing human connection at the onset. A dramatic sculptural staircase that we installed connects the main lobby with the 2nd floor conference rooms, allowing programming to be split between the two levels. The angular rotated design of the staircase breaks away from the grid of the office, drawing inspiration from 599 Lexington’s unique geometry, providing a dynamic moment off the second-floor lobby.