Jeweler brent neale's midtown hq is anything but an office

Forget sterile conference rooms and beige cubicles. Jewelry designer Brent Neale’s new headquarters, nestled atop a Fifth Avenue tower, is a vibrant, playful sanctuary that feels more like a lavish home than a workspace. The space, a reimagining of a former Astor family bank, is a testament to Neale’s whimsical design aesthetic and a clear reflection of her brand’s personality.

A historic space, lovingly restored

The building's history is palpable. Originally built in 1917 to house the Astor family’s private bank, the space had undergone numerous transformations over the years. Remarkably, Neale’s personal office remained untouched, retaining its original wood paneling and a stately fireplace—a detail she found irresistible. Coupled with the abundant natural light pouring through the skylights, this preserved essence proved the perfect foundation for her vision.

Neale enlisted the expertise of her sister, interior designer Ramsey Lyons, and the architecture firm Palma to bring her vision to life. The goal, she tells ELLE Decor, was simple: “I want people to come in and feel like they get a sense of who I am.” And they certainly do.

More than just an office: a world of whimsy

The headquarters isn’t just an office; it's an immersive experience. Beyond Neale’s personal office, the space unfolds into a sprawling, living room-style lounge, a dazzling showroom showcasing her jewelry, a spacious and airy kitchen, and even a dedicated children’s play area brimming with crayons and Play-Doh—a nod to Neale’s own playful designs, often featuring motifs like fish, mushrooms, and mermaids.

“You get the sense that you’re in someone’s home rather than a building in the middle of Midtown Manhattan,” Neale remarks, and it's a sentiment echoed by anyone who steps inside. The curated details are a window into Neale’s artistic soul.

A curator's eye: neale's favorite pieces

A closer look reveals a trove of treasured possessions. Neale highlights her FIT paintings—early renderings of her jewelry—displayed prominently behind her desk as a particularly meaningful touch. “I really do draw everything myself and paint it,” she explains. The showroom boasts a whimsical Pedro Friedeberg hand chair, a personal indulgence purchased as a celebratory milestone. And throughout the space, pieces by Jason Beariswell, like the tide pool images from St. Bart's, offer a calming visual respite.

From Didier Gardillou porcelain plates adorning the kitchen wall to Christian Brechneff’s cheerful daffodil artworks in the children's area, each object tells a story. Yet, it’s the children’s art, raw and authentic, that holds the most sentimental value. “If I could bottle that,” she admits, “I would.”

A space in constant evolution

Neale’s headquarters isn't a static creation. It’s a living, breathing reflection of her evolving artistry. “As we continue to develop new collections, we will change out the art,” she notes, ensuring the space remains dynamically aligned with her latest designs. The recent shift to St. Bart’s-inspired artwork coincided perfectly with the launch of her “Tides” collection, highlighting the seamless integration of art and brand.

Describing her workspace in four words, Neale settles on “modern, classic, warm, friendly”—a fitting encapsulation of a space where creativity flourishes and visitors feel instantly at ease. It is a bold statement—a rejection of the conventional office—and a resounding success.