Playboy Enterprises Publishing Offices

Following the success of Playboy’s Chicago offices, our studio was commissioned to design new publishing offices within New York’s iconic Crown Building at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street. The project encompassed the third and fourth floors of the landmark tower, serving as the primary entry sequence, along with a fifteen thousand square foot annex uniting more than 85,000 square feet of editorial and administrative space.

A primary objective was to introduce natural light deep into the expansive floor plates while rethink-ing the conventional publishing office model. A dramatic two story atrium, combined with the exten-sive use of glass, allowed light to penetrate the interior while visually connecting departments across floors. The design reinterprets the traditional private office and open support layout into a more open, integrated environment that supports collaboration without sacrificing focus.

A sculptural stair links the two floors, acting as both a functional connector and a defining architec-tural moment. The arrival experience is anchored by the iconic Playboy “bunny head” logo, executed by renowned artist Ed Paschke, establishing a strong sense of identity and cultural presence from the moment one enters the space.

Executed within the constraints of a historic Midtown Manhattan landmark, the project balances re-spect for architectural legacy with a contemporary editorial workplace sensibility. Delivered on time and on budget through close collaboration between client, contractor, and design team, the finished publishing offices reflect a confident synthesis of light, transparency, and purpose—supporting the creative energy of a modern publishing environment while remaining rooted in its storied context.