Located in the vibrant NoHo neighborhood of New York City, the newly renovated Great Jones Street office of Daun Curry Studio offers a nuanced approach to designing a workspace for an interior designer. The collaboration with Room & Board for Business creates a space that’s neither purely residential nor a typical office, striking a unique balance between comfort and functionality.
In conversation with DNN, Daun Curry walks us through the design choices that make the studio a place for creative work, while still reflecting the warmth and personal touch of the residential projects her team creates — without crossing the line into a fully “home-like” environment.
A design office that communicates brand identity
DNN: How does your office communicate your brand identity and how does it reflect your design philosophy?
DC: Our studio is a living extension of our brand – an inspiring, layered, and highly functional space that reflects the way we approach design.
Every element was curated with intention, from the materials atelier showcasing a dynamic mix of textures and finishes to the comfortable yet refined seating and work areas that encourage collaboration. The design balances sophistication with a sense of play, which is a core tenet of our work.
Beyond aesthetics, the studio reflects our values: craftsmanship, quality and detail and community. Our collaboration with Room & Board for Business ensured that we sourced high-quality, sustainable pieces, reinforcing our commitment to thoughtful, responsible design.
The space also fosters engagement, serving as a hub for our team, clients, and the creative community around us. In essence, our office doesn’t just house our work – it tells our story.
DNN: What are the non-negotiables in your office design?
DC: For our studio, certain design elements and design principles were absolutely non-negotiable because they directly impact creativity, collaboration, and the way we work.
Natural light and a well-balanced lighting plan were essential – we aimed to create a space that feels bright, welcoming, and energizing during the day, while incorporating layered lighting and dimmable options to set the perfect mood for evening events.
The most important principle that we focused on throughout the design process was that functionality had to meet beauty; every element, from the layout to the furniture selection, was designed to be both inspiring and practical.
DNN: How does your office layout support your creative and business process? Do you have dedicated areas for brainstorming, client meetings, materials selection, or solo work?
DC: Our newly renovated space now features a specialized materials atelier, additional workspaces for collaboration, dedicated areas for hosting events and presentations, and a cozy library wall with comfortable and chic seating for moments of inspiration.
A creative sanctuary
DNN: What personal items or rituals make your office feel like home? What makes it feel distinctly like a workspace?
DC: Our office is designed to be more than just a workspace – it’s a creative sanctuary, so incorporating personal touches and meaningful rituals was essential.
One of my favorite elements is our library wall, filled with design books, art monographs, and unique objects collected over the years. It’s a constant source of inspiration and a reminder of the broader creative world we’re part of.
We also have small rituals that make the space feel like home. We incorporate weekly fresh flowers and always have a favorite candle burning – small details that bring warmth and familiarity.
I don’t necessarily think that anything makes it feel distinctly like a workspace and that’s the point. Our studio is designed to be welcoming, inspiring, and deeply personal – just like the homes we create for our clients.
DNN: Do you have a favorite piece of furniture from Room & Board in the project?
DC: Absolutely! My favorite pieces from Room & Board in our studio are the Lars lounge chairs. They are the perfect blend of comfort and chic design, which is exactly what we strive for in our work.
We positioned them intentionally by the windows, overlooking the entire showroom space, creating a beautiful and functional moment in the studio. It’s the ideal spot to take a phone call, enjoy a morning coffee, or just take a moment to reflect before diving into the day.
