Luxury and Functionality with Architect Camila Nuñez of Fogarty Finger
Advancement necessitates vision. That may sound obvious but for architectural firm Fogarty Finger (New York, Atlanta, Boston) this means recognizing and procuring the best and brightest of a generation; those like Camila Nuñez. Founder Robert Finger declares, “Ms. Nuñez has played an indispensable role in the design and execution of numerous key projects. Her ability to seamlessly blend luxury with functionality has positioned her as a leader within our firm. That’s high praise considering the recognitions Fogarty Finger has received which include an AIA New York Design Award, an Interior Design Best of Year Award, the NAIOP NYC Award for Excellence, a New York Magazine Design Award, and more. That aforementioned “vision” is something Camila possesses in abundance; an attribute she engages with incredible skill. We were fortunate to spend time recently with Ms. Nuñez and ask her about some of the projects she has been instrumental to manifesting with Fogarty Finger. Her words are a unique look into one of the most talented and unique architects of the industry today.
Your design for the Teng Yue Partners office in New York expertly integrated elements of Chinese culture, such as a tea library room and the use of marble and wood, while maintaining a timeless, elegant environment. I’m wondering, where does a sense of cultural identity and rich history intersect with a modern sense of purpose?
Camila Nuñez (CN): For a project like this, where the client’s identity and cultural background play a significant role, it’s common for certain ideas to be initiated by the client, particularly when it comes to expressing their heritage in a space as personal and functional as an office. In this case, Teng Yue Partners communicated their desire for the office to reflect aspects of their cultural heritage, while maintaining the professionalism and modernity expected in such a prestigious location. The tea library room, for example, is a quintessential element that ties directly to Chinese culture — a space where tradition, social interaction, and calm reflection intersect. This feature shows that the client valued a cultural expression that would resonate with both their team and their business ethos. However, our role as the design team cannot be understated. As the architects, we took these cultural cues and translated them into a spatial language that is cohesive with the modern demands of a corporate environment. The choice of high-end materials like marble and wood is not only culturally significant — marble representing permanence and wood symbolizing natural strength in many Asian philosophies — but also aligns with the aesthetic goals of creating an elegant, timeless workspace. These materials were used to provide a sense of luxury and stability, while also grounding the space in a natural, harmonious atmosphere that enhances productivity and well-being.
This also brings up an interesting concept; as an architect, you need to make some assumptions about how a space will emotionally affect your clients as well as how much cultural familiarity the space should possess. How do you gauge this in your designs?
CN: As an architect, it’s important to ask: How much of the cultural identity should be visibly expressed and how subtle should that expression be to maintain a balance between tradition and modern corporate sensibility? To gauge this, the design process begins with a deep engagement with the client, understanding not just their operational needs, but also their values, their brand, and how they wish to present themselves to both employees and visitors. For Teng Yue Partners, whose business operates on both a global and cultural scale, the office needed to project a sense of both corporate excellence and cultural heritage without overpowering the workspace with overt symbolism. This is where subtlety and finesse in design come into play — using materials, textures, and layout to evoke cultural familiarity without making the space feel thematic or out of context for a professional environment.
For these types of high-end clients, it’s necessary to establish a tone in the physical space that communicates luxury with a sense of being at ease. That’s not always easy to establish. Can you give us an example of creating this?
CN: The design of Värde Partners’ office on Madison Avenue was driven by the goal of creating a sophisticated yet welcoming environment that reflects the firm’s core values of quality, precision, and inclusivity. The aesthetic blends Scandinavian minimalism with luxury, using premium materials like wood panels, high-end finishes, and adaptable lighting to establish a calming and professional tone. This approach creates an inviting atmosphere that balances elegance and warmth, conveying a sense of stability and trustworthiness to both employees and clients.
Concealed infrastructure, such as built-in appliances and soundproofing, reinforces the sleek, efficient look of this office, enhancing functionality without compromising on aesthetics. Adaptable lighting plays a crucial role, adjusting the mood and intensity depending on the space’s needs, ensuring comfort and productivity throughout the day. Together, these elements reflect Värde Partners’ commitment to precision, efficiency, and a thoughtful approach to creating a high-performing yet welcoming workplace.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the office is designed to foster collaboration and inclusivity, with open seating areas, lounges, and wellness rooms offering spaces that encourage interaction and well-being. The residential-style touches in these collaborative zones create a more approachable environment, aligning with the firm’s value-driven, inclusive work culture. Overall, the design balances luxury and functionality, reflecting Värde Partners’ global identity while promoting a positive, productive atmosphere for employees and clients alike.
The design for the Spiral Building by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) emphasized innovation and sustainability; two things that we know are quite important to you. How did your work on this project include these concepts.
CN: The Spiral, an iconic addition to the New York City skyline, is known for its innovative architecture, characterized by cascading terraces that wrap around the building, providing green spaces on every floor. The Spiral itself is an architectural marvel, and our design sought to align seamlessly with this forward-thinking vision. For Centiva Capital, an investment firm known for its cutting-edge approach, it was essential that the workspace in the Spiral not only reflected their sophisticated and innovative brand, but also leveraged the building’s sustainable features to enhance the working environment.
One of the most significant ways we integrated innovation was through the use of biophilic design principles, which emphasized the connection between people and nature. The terraces of The Spiral allowed us to incorporate natural light and greenery into every part of the office, fostering a sense of well-being and productivity among employees. Open-plan workspaces and flexible meeting areas were carefully positioned to encourage collaboration while maintaining a visual and physical connection to the building’s unique architectural features. These spaces were complemented by quiet zones and private offices that balanced the open layout, ensuring that there were also areas for focused work and privacy when needed. By using glass partitions and bespoke furniture that reflected Centiva Capital’s identity, we created a modern, sleek environment that embodied the firm’s forward-thinking ethos.
Sustainability was at the forefront of the project, both in terms of materials and construction methods. We prioritized regional, recycled, and eco-friendly materials to support local industries and minimize transportation emissions. Efficient bathroom and lighting fixtures were installed to reduce energy & water consumption, while construction waste was meticulously managed to minimize environmental impact. These sustainable elements were not just add-ons but integral to the overall design strategy, reflecting my belief that innovation in architecture should always include environmental responsibility. For me, sustainability is more than just a trend — it’s a fundamental component of good design, and projects like this are an opportunity to demonstrate how thoughtful design can harmonize with sustainability without compromising on aesthetics or functionality.
Functionality and luxury are the dream for most people and businesses in a space that they live and/or work in. How do you approach the combining of these two elements which are not necessarily intuitively linked.
CN: Combining functionality and luxury in architectural design involves a thoughtful approach that harmonizes user needs with aesthetic aspirations. In the amenity spaces for Rockwood Capital at 2 Grand Central Tower, we created a multifunctional hub that balances relaxation and social interaction with sophisticated design elements. High-end materials like custom terrazzo, marble and rich woods, along with a calming color palette, establish a sense of luxury, while flexible furniture arrangements encourage collaboration. Natural light, greenery & curved surfaces enhance the tranquil ambiance, making the space a seamless extension of the building’s identity. Similarly, the design for Joele Frank’s office at 22 Vanderbilt prioritizes collaboration while maintaining a luxurious aesthetic. The open-plan layout fosters communication and adaptability, utilizing high-quality materials and maximizing natural light to create an energizing work environment. Informal breakout areas and curated artwork reflect the firm’s culture, adding depth to the workspace. Both projects exemplify how meticulous attention to detail and a holistic understanding of a client’s brand can result in environments that inspire and uplift, effectively merging functionality with luxury in today’s fast-paced urban landscape.
Do you feel that the opportunities you have at Fogarty Finger push you in new ways and allow you to be tested, thereby expanding your creativity?
CN: Absolutely. My work on the 565 5th Ave building for Stawski Partners marked a pivotal milestone in my journey at Fogarty Finger. I was entrusted with complete ownership of the project, serving as both the sole developer and designer. This level of autonomy allowed me to bring my vision to life, and I was involved in every phase, from the initial schematic design to the final stages of construction administration for the 21st floor. Throughout this process, I benefited from the invaluable guidance of my mentors, Tin Min Fong & [CN1] Viviana Bernal, whose insights helped shape my decisions and refine my approach. This project was significant not only because it involved the creation of a sophisticated marketing suite but also because it established the prebuild standards to be implemented throughout the entire building. This dual focus on both immediate functionality and long-term strategy provided a unique challenge and an opportunity for innovation. I worked diligently to ensure that the design met the highest standards of aesthetics and functionality while reflecting the values of Stawski Partners. The suite itself was designed to be a showcase of modern elegance, featuring high-quality materials and thoughtful layouts that cater to potential tenants’ needs. Currently, my attention is directed toward the 27th floor, which is scheduled for substantial completion in February 2025. This ongoing phase presents exciting challenges and opportunities as I apply the lessons learned from earlier stages of the project. Each step forward allows me to contribute to a cohesive vision that ultimately reflects the innovative spirit of Stawski Partners, reinforcing my growth as a designer within Fogarty Finger.
You’ve obviously found a great professional home at Fogarty Finger but, do you think you could have found this anywhere? I guess what I am asking is, for other young architects who want to challenge themselves, do you feel that there is an “ideal” professional setting to make this happen.
CN: My decision to join Fogarty Finger as an architect was driven by a combination of the firm’s ethos, its commitment to innovative design, and the collaborative environment it fosters. From the very beginning of my interactions with the team, I was drawn to the firm’s emphasis on creating spaces that not only meet functional needs but also enhance the user experience and reflect the unique identity of each client. This approach resonated deeply with my own design philosophy, which prioritizes the integration of aesthetics and functionality. Fogarty Finger’s portfolio showcases a remarkable range of projects, from corporate interiors to dynamic public spaces, all underscored by a commitment to sustainability and a respect for context. I was particularly impressed by how the firm embraces challenges as opportunities for creativity. The chance to work on diverse projects, such as the innovative office spaces for leading firms like Teng Yue Partners and Rockwood Capital, meant I could continually grow and expand my skill set while contributing to impactful designs. The firm’s commitment to staying at the forefront of architectural trends and technologies is inspiring, and it encourages an atmosphere of continuous learning and exploration. Another compelling aspect of Fogarty Finger is its collaborative culture. The firm values teamwork and open communication, creating an environment where ideas can flow freely and where each team member’s voice is heard. This collaborative spirit fosters not only creativity but also a sense of community, making it a place where I feel supported in my professional growth. Working alongside talented and passionate colleagues allows for the exchange of diverse perspectives, which ultimately enriches the design process. I truly believe that great architecture is a result of collective input, and at Fogarty Finger, I found a firm that shares this belief. I am excited to contribute to projects that have a meaningful impact on the communities we serve and to be part of a team that is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of design excellence. This role allows me to grow as an architect while aligning my values with those of the firm, making it a perfect fit for my career aspirations.
