Looking Back as We Look Ahead: 25 Years of Memorable Project Moments

The First Installment in Our Anniversary Blog Series

At elite|studio e, we spend most of our time looking forward—toward the next space, the next solution, the next opportunity to elevate our clients’ visions. But celebrating 25 years in business? That deserves a pause.

It’s not just about marking the time — it’s about appreciating the people, places, and projects that have made this journey so meaningful. So, over the course of 2025, we’ll be sharing a few blog posts highlighting some of the standout moments from our first 25 years. You’ll see examples of the Elite Way in action, glimpses into projects we’re incredibly proud of, and even a few behind-the-scenes stories that shaped who we are.

With that said, here’s our first installment — featuring a mix of timeless memories and one very recent moment that made us smile.

And Just Like That…

We always love when a project we’ve worked on gets a little time in the spotlight—but this one was extra special. Just last month, Red Rooster Harlem, a space we helped bring to life, was featured in the Season 3 premiere of And Just Like That. That’s right—Carrie Bradshaw and crew stepped into a restaurant we know intimately, and we couldn't be more thrilled. But Red Rooster isn’t just any restaurant.

Located in the heart of Harlem, Red Rooster serves up comfort food that celebrates the roots of American cuisine and the diverse culinary traditions of the neighborhood. Co-creators Marcus Samuelsson and Andrew Chapman envisioned a space that would be more than a dining destination—they wanted a platform for local artists, musicians, and culinary talent. That purpose is infused into every inch of the space. From the carefully curated artwork to the kitchen layout designed for creativity and flow, it’s a place that tells a story.

Our role? Helping translate that vision into a functional, welcoming, and soulful environment. One that supports not just the food, but the cultural heartbeat that gives Red Rooster its rhythm.

So yes, seeing it on And Just Like That was a fun TV moment—but for us, it was a reminder of the pride we take in building spaces that matter.

Read more about our role. View the coverage in Eater NY.

Private Residence in the Hamptons

We can’t name names, but we had the opportunity to collaborate on the private residence of a well-known celebrity chef. The goal: design a space where their family could host, cook, and gather—merging the sophistication of a commercial kitchen with the warmth of home.

The result? A “resimercial” kitchen composed of three distinct spaces—the indoor kitchen, lanai, and outdoor kitchen—all coming together to form an entertainer’s dream. Highlights include a 10-burner stove, salamander, and Woodstone pizza oven.

Post-project, the family hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for 50 guests, complete with two 30-pound turkeys — a true testament to both the kitchen’s capability and the joy that comes from thoughtful design.

Swiss Re: A Study in Quiet Elegance

When we were brought in to design for Swiss Re in Armonk, NY, the expectations were crystal clear: the design had to match the sophistication and intentionality of their world-class art collection.

The building features clean, modern architecture and finish selections that allow the art to shine—including a privately curated 50-foot mural in the lobby, framed by cathedral ceilings and architecture that enhances the space’s acoustics.

Our contribution? A custom-designed barista/event bar in the lobby, crafted to complement the surroundings and spotlight the mural. Understated, elegant, and practical—just the way it needed to be.

This birds-eye view of the lobby, showcases the architectural elements, artwork and how our team designed the barista/event bar to work with and compliment these features.

Magic (and Secrecy) in the Air

We can’t say exactly what happens in the most magical place on Earth … but let’s just say we’ve been there too. elite|studio e has been trusted to work on several projects for the Walt Disney family of companies, including Mickey’s homes in Orlando and Los Angeles — and while the details remain confidential, the sense of wonder is something we’ll never forget.

Speaking of Disney…

Lights, Camera, R/GA

One of our more unique projects was with R/GA, a global advertising agency, at their Hudson Yards office in NYC. The space was already notable—it was one of the first buildings to open in the newly redeveloped Hudson Yards—but what happened inside made it unforgettable.

While working in a dark, soundproof room during the buildout, we learned (in whispered tones) that something top-secret was underway: the trailer for a new Star Wars movie was being finalized.

Our team maintained our professionalism, of course — but let’s just say some of our inner 12-year-olds were geeking out. (Apologies to my own 12-year-old for not remembering which movie it was despite it being a memorable project moment.)

A Café with a Purpose

Last but certainly not least, Café Joyeux holds a special place in our hearts. Originally from France, Café Joyeux provides employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities — and we were honored to be part of the team that helped bring it to the United States.

The project was not only meaningful in purpose, but also personal —many of our team members visit the café regularly when in the city. It serves as a daily reminder that good design can foster inclusion, connection, and joy.

As always, the elite|studio e team brings professionalism, discretion, and our signature level of service to every project — no matter how high-profile or heartfelt. But we’re also human, and we’re incredibly grateful for these opportunities, proud of the work we’ve done, and inspired by the memories we’ve made along the way.

We look forward to sharing more of these moments with you throughout the rest of the year.

Here’s to 25 years of excellence—and the many more ahead.