‘Historic Brooklyn Meets Contemporary Creative’: A Production Company’s Cobble Hill Office by Elizabeth Roberts

We don’t often cover workplace projects, but when we do, it’s generally because the office has been designed in such a thoughtful and appealing way that we wouldn’t mind having long meetings or working lunches or late nights in the space (at least not as much). The cozy New York headquarters of production company Arts & Sciences, on Degraw Street in Cobble Hill, falls into this category of professional environments that eschew the cubicle life for a more creative approach. 

Not surprisingly, its design is the work of longtime Remodelista favorite (and it seems everyone else, too) Elizabeth Roberts. The clients tapped the sought-after architect to reimagine the small, one-story office, nestled between brick rowhouses on a quiet residential block. Prior to the renovation, “the space was functioning and outfitted as an office,” she says, but “the acoustic tiled ceilings, vinyl flooring, and no detail” did it no favors. 

Here’s how Elizabeth and her team transformed the space and imbued it with a “historic Brooklyn meets contemporary creative” vibe. 

Photography by Chris Mottalini, courtesy of Elizabeth Roberts Architects. 

Above: The structure was likely built in 1855 and was once used as a barbershop. “They loved the historic storefront, the charm of it, and the convenience of it,” says Elizabeth of her clients’ attraction to the property. “The single story sidewalk access [makes it feel] uniquely connected to the neighborhood.”
Above: The building consists of a trio of street-facing doors and large windows. The middle door serves as the front door, which opens into a cozy waiting/lounge room. The disco ball is the client’s own, “totally a reflection of their fun-loving approach,” says Elizabeth.
Above: The office is appointed with a mix of new and previously owned furniture. A vintage Wittmann Hochbaret Modular Leather Sofa anchors the room, along with a pair of Arne Jacobsen 4700 Chairs. The Venetia Round Side Table is from Lulu and Georgia.
Above: Across from the lounge area is a meeting table surrounded by Hay Neu 10 Chairs. Grace Clear Holophane Pendant lights hang over each space.
Above: No motivational posters in this office space! The clients’ collection of posters and art adorns the walls. Behind the desk is a vintage Charles Pollock Executive Chair; in front, a pair of vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa Dialogo Chairs in brown leather. The rug is from the Mansour Modern Swedish collection.
Above: The all-black paint job lends both a historical and modern feel to the exterior. For our roundup of architects’ favorite black paints, go here.

See also:

• Home Office Aha!: Københavns Møbelsnedkeri’s Fabric-Covered Pinboards from Denmark
• Steal This Look: Designer Rose Uniacke’s Serene and Airy Office Kitchen
• Holiday Gift Guide 2025: 11 Old-School Office Goods that Are Useful and Delightful