Snøhetta moves NYC HQ to former Dumbo cardboard factory
Architecture studio Snøhetta has relocated its New York City headquarters to Dumbo, Brooklyn, converting the top floor of a former cardboard manufacturing warehouse at 55 Washington Street into an open-plan office. Designed in-house, the space features an L-shaped terrace overlooking the Manhattan Bridge, a large skylight, wooden stadium stairs, and bold-colored walls. The move was prompted by the expiration of Snøhetta's lease in Manhattan's Financial District and rising costs. Partner Elaine Molinar stated the studio sought a neighborhood conducive to informal collaboration. The office includes a material library, 3D printing room, and a lounge with reclaimed wood door from Queens. Snøhetta also designed an official Design District logo debuted during NYC design week. The studio is nearing completion of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota. Earlier this year, Snøhetta faced controversy over allegations of unlawfully dismissing eight employees after unionization efforts.
Key facts
- Snøhetta moved its New York City headquarters to Dumbo, Brooklyn.
- The new office is located on the top floor of 55 Washington Street, a former cardboard manufacturing warehouse.
- The space was designed in-house and features an open-plan layout, skylight, and terrace with Manhattan Bridge views.
- The move was due to lease expiration in the Financial District and rising Manhattan costs.
- Elaine Molinar, Snøhetta New York partner, said the studio wanted a more collaborative environment.
- Snøhetta designed the official Design District logo for Dumbo, debuted during NYC design week.
- The studio is nearing completion of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota.
- Snøhetta faced controversy in 2026 over alleged unlawful dismissal of eight employees after unionization attempts.
- Dumbo was designated a New York City Design District in 2025 and hosts over 150 architecture and design firms.
- The office includes a Counterbalance installation by Snøhetta, previously displayed in Venice, Italy.
Entities
Artists
- Elaine Molinar
Institutions
- Snøhetta
- Dezeen
- BIG
- Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
- New York City Design District
Locations
- New York City
- Dumbo
- Brooklyn
- Manhattan
- Financial District
- 55 Washington Street
- Queens
- Venice
- Italy
- North Dakota
Sources
- Dezeen —