Symrise, the world’s third-largest supplier and developer in the fragrance market, has opened a new laboratory and office at 505 Park Ave. in Manhattan.  The New York City Studio houses perfumers, the sales group, and a laboratory that features two computerized Modula Sintes1.7 chemical component storage units with 40,000 ingredient bottles. The space was designed by architect Montroy Andersen DeMarco (MADGI) .

“Before the renovation, the sales force was on one floor and the perfumers were on another, preventing the easy flow of ideas,” said Symrise Vice President Rhona Stokols.  “MADGI gave us an optimized working space, helping us to flatten the hierarchy within the office while still providing for privacy needs in terms of meetings.”  Reflecting the office’s New York City surroundings, one section, dubbed “the Speakeasy” is a meeting area where the sales force and evaluators (clients) meet with the perfumers.  Another meeting area was nicknamed “Times Square” after its rectangular table.
 
The increase in person-to-person interaction is quantifiable; there are noticeable efficiencies with real-time interaction.  For example, e-mail traffic within several departments has been cut down by a full 50%.  In addition, there are new ideas due to the cut-down of internal barriers and improved personal contact.  Employees can mingle and exchange ideas better.  “Departmental silos have been broken down,” says Stokols.  “This has resulted in building stronger teams across specialties that include evaluators, sales and marketing personnel, and sales coordinators. Smells have to be communicated in person, not electronically. So there’s a synergy that wasn’t there before, all due to a very successful collaboration between our team and MADGI’s designers.”
 
In addition, despite having less space overall, the new offices are neater and more organized, in part due to the hidden shelving along the walls and workstations for the scents and other ingredients.  The high-end space is comfortable and inviting with plenty of storage and functionality, said the company.