“Working with MKDA was an exceptional experience. The team was collaborative, responsive, and genuinely committed to our vision. From flexible spaces that encourage cross-functional collaboration to a central hub that naturally brings people together, the design has truly transformed the way we work. MKDA listened, adapted, and guided us toward a workplace our team is genuinely excited to come into.” Ryan McCabe, Daiwa Capital Markets America
MKDA partnered with Daiwa Capital Markets America to reimagine its New York headquarters as a sophisticated, forward-thinking workplace that honors the firm’s Japanese heritage while embracing a modern, global identity. With a focus on right-sizing its footprint and energizing the workplace experience, Daiwa envisioned a space that would strengthen internal culture, elevate the visitor journey, and support a range of workstyles through purposeful design.
Central to this vision was the creation of a communal hub—an inviting destination that would foster connection and offer moments of hospitality throughout the day. This vision laid the foundation for a contemporary, tech-enabled workspace that blends curated amenities, flexible team zones, and wellness-driven features to support both daily operations and long-term growth.
Stepping off the elevator, visitors are welcomed into a tranquil reception area designed to convey both poise and presence. A custom marble desk makes a striking first impression, while built-in concrete banquettes, integrated planters, and layered greenery introduce a calming, Zen-like tone. A full-width interactive media screen set within warm wood paneling adds a dynamic focal point, balancing hospitality and technology. MKDA selected wood flooring in an evolved geometric pattern, which offers a contemporary twist on traditional craftsmanship, subtly reinforcing the project’s cultural roots.
Just beyond reception, the main boardroom introduces a refined interplay of texture and form. Open walnut shelving lines the back wall, creating visual depth while maintaining a sense of openness. A sculptural ceiling with integrated lighting casts a soft, ambient glow across the space, where soft wood tones and clean lines are composed with feng shui principles in mind. Designed for both executive meetings and quiet focus, the boardroom blends material richness with spatial clarity without sacrificing privacy or purpose.
A bright, minimalist café serves as the heart of the workplace, offering a flexible, casual environment outfitted with stone finishes, wood accents, and movable furniture to support dining, focused work, and impromptu meetings. Built-in banquettes, high-top counters, and varied seating arrangements encourage extended use throughout the day, while warm lighting and integrated greenery add a sense of hospitality. Adjacent multipurpose rooms with retractable partitions can seamlessly open up to create a larger town hall–style gathering space, making this area a true social and functional anchor. Dark acoustic ceiling baffles unify the café and conference zones while enhancing sound quality, and a series of large-scale digital screens along the perimeter inject brand storytelling and immersive visual moments into the space.
Complementing this communal hub is the Oak Room—a concealed whiskey bar tucked behind a hidden library door. MKDA infused hospitality into this speakeasy-style space and its adjoining men’s lounge to evoke the sophistication of old New York while offering a memorable setting for client entertainment, private conversations, and informal dealmaking.
MKDA organized workstations into clearly defined departmental neighborhoods, each providing varying degrees of enclosure and flexibility. While most seating is assigned, select zones support hoteling and evolving team needs. The project team accommodated the firm’s strong trading presence by arranging desks in clean, organized rows that align with the workspace’s minimalist aesthetic. Desks remain intentionally unadorned to promote focus, while finishes echo the natural, tactile materials introduced in the front-of-house spaces.
MKDA wove wellness into every aspect of the design, incorporating enhanced air and water filtration, natural materials, biophilic elements, and sensory comfort strategies to support employee well-being. These features contribute to a calm, grounding atmosphere that promotes focus and ease. The project is on track to achieve WELL Platinum certification, underscoring Daiwa’s commitment to a healthier, more sustainable workplace that supports both physical and mental health.