Architecture and interiors studio Fogarty Finger has completed the redesign of the office for The Davis Companies, an integrated real estate investment, development, and management firm headquartered in Boston. Keeping the prized downtown locale, the architects completely overhauled the existing footprint to accommodate increased staff, creating new areas for working and socializing.
Fogarty Finger, based in New York, announced their own expansion in the Boston market in 2021, marked by a project for Tishman Speyer in the Financial District. It was quickly apparent, however, that each city embraces different aesthetics. “When we started doing research, we noticed that the offices in Boston lacked some character,” said Tin Min Fong, director of the interiors studio and head of Fogarty Finger’s Boston office. “We knew that we could change that, by doing what we do so well in New York, which is to bring in warmth and hospitality.”

Expansive, unobstructed vistas, a rarity in Manhattan, are ample at the High Street location due to the single-story buildings.The goal was to highlight and democratize the views so that every employee could take them in from almost anywhere in the office. “In Boston, most of the buildings are fairly low, and there are amazing views, so we tried to take advantage of that,” Fong noted.
Several private offices were removed, and spaces with the premium views were designated as common areas. Fong noted that there was less of a need for secluded areas than anticipated, which added to the 16,000 usable square-footage total. “They just needed a few executive offices,” he said. “Most of the other units don’t need that level of privacy. We were able to relocate the boardroom away from the existing space to introduce the pantry lounge area.”

The pantry lounge is reminiscent of a hotel environment that is multifunctional, designed as a place to hold impromptu meetings or company events. Staff members can have a meal or enjoy a beer on tap during happy hour, which, as Fong explained, enhances the workplace experience. “The leadership teams were thinking about how to bring people back to the office, and they knew they had this opportunity to change the culture. They didn’t have a communal space before, and now they have a place where they can all come together.”
With a variety of seating and table options, a range of activities are supported. The banquettes are ideal quick check-ins with two or three people, while an individual can sit on a barstool and have lunch at the counter. “We put this island right in the middle as a focal point, this central gathering spot,” Fong said. “There are smaller round tables and high-tops to suit any mood throughout the day. In this large area, we created different programs based on what people want to do.”
Color and material palettes were utilized to create a welcoming look, while aligning with the updated logo. Rich red and navy tones pop against a soft backdrop, while providing contrast with the lighter tones. A custom stained white oak complements the other hues in natural harmony. “We received the new branding color scheme,” Fong noted. “We used the light blue in it as a base color to work with the finishes. A taupe, grayish color is a soft background. It’s kind of a modern neutral, but warmer.”

Decorative objects provide the finishing touch, curated to look as if it is a cherished piece that’s always been there, not precious. “I call the art and accessories team the spice team, because they’ll come in and sprinkle in that extra layer, and it’s surprising how much it can elevate a space,” Fong added.
The main work area is purposefully lighter. Strategically placed artwork draws attention to the line of windows, once again emphasizing the views and the connection to the outdoors. “The screens are lower, so even if you are seated at a desk, you can still see the vast views and the colleagues nearby. We kept it as open as possible,” Fong said.
The key was to maximize employee space, and Fong said the revamp was a success because it matched Davis management’s own vision for a more inclusive, cooperative workplace. “Everything was compartmentalized and they wanted there to be more spontaneous interaction between the different units,” he explained. “They were envisioning this new identity, and they wanted to be more collaborative.”


