AKA NYC Unveils New Creative Headquarters at The Plant

Landmark structure that once hosted recording sessions for John Lennon and Bruce Springsteen provides a new creative space for award-winning entertainment marketing agency.

NEW YORK—Seeking more physical space as well as a more stimulating environment for clients and staff, entertainment marketing agency AKA NYC has relocated to the historic Manhattan office structure where John Lennon recorded “Imagine.” The agency, which creates integrated advertising and marketing campaigns for such Broadway hits as Matilda the Musical, Les Misérables, Fiddler on the Roof, and Hand To God now occupies a single floor of The Plant, a newly refurbished commercial building near Times Square that has become a magnet for creative companies in advertising, music and design.

Designed by DHD Architecture and Design, AKA NYC’s new headquarters features a modern, open floor plan with a dynamic, industrial aesthetic, high ceilings and abundant light. Its aim is to encourage greater interaction and collaboration between staff and provide an inviting environment for clients, most of whom are located in the surrounding Theater District.

“We’re thrilled to unveil our new home at the historic site, The Plant,” says Managing Partner Elizabeth Furze. “It’s a great space that is meant to inspire the kind of personal interactions that are inherent to creative collaboration and the springboard to new ideas.”

Launched in 2008, AKA NYC has grown to a staff of more than 60. But, while the agency had clearly outgrown its former space, its principal aim is to broaden its creative horizons and provide more expansive service to its clients. “We’re extremely proud of the great campaigns we’ve produced with our clients over the past five years,” observes Managing Partner Scott Moore. “Our intent is to continue to push boundaries and deliver exceptional results for premium, must-see productions, venues, exhibitions and events.”

Originally built in 1929, The Plant was home to music industry icon The Record Plant from the 1960s through the mid-‘80s. Along with John Lennon, many other rock notables including Bruce Springsteen, Aerosmith, Jimi Hendrix and Van Halen recorded hit tracks there. The recipient of a multi-million dollar renovation completed last year, the site now includes such features as a 6,000 square foot “sky lobby” with a panoramic view of the city skyline, and a glass canopied entry door. The building is Wired Certified Platinum with best-in-class internet infrastructure and connectivity. A colorful mural created by Brooklyn artists FAILE covers the entire east face of the building and pays homage to its artistic history.

AKA’s new headquarters include open floorplan workrooms for digital, design, content, media, marketing, strategic innovations and insights departments, each replete with creative idiosyncrasies. Conference spaces have been given playful themes and names, including The Candy Room, stocked with jars of gourmet treats, and The Play Room, which features old-school toys and games aimed at revving up creative juices.

The agency’s logo is subtly reflected in the color scheme and angular design. To ensure creative juices keep flowing, the office is equipped with an espresso bar serving made-to-order cups of Lavazza Espresso, Toby’s Estate coffee and organic herbal teas, as well as freshly-baked pastries. In an effort to make the new space as green as possible, AKA has adopted a number of environmentally-minded practices, including a vigorous recycling program, restrictions on printing and the use of expendable items, the elimination of plastic bottles, and the addition of energy savings devices on computers and other electronics.

It all adds up to the coolest new digs in mid-town. “It’s an exciting place,” says Furze. “It’s more than new office space, it’s a new environment that provides the creative space we need to continue to explore and invent groundbreaking, impactful campaigns for the world’s best shows and entertainment brands.”

About AKA
AKA is a global, full-service advertising agency with offices in the US, UK and Australia. The AKA Group, including Digital Media Services and the film advertising agency The Creative Partnership, delivers creative, strategic and insightful campaigns to the entertainment and culture industries worldwide.
The New York office, led by Elizabeth Furze and Scott Moore, delivers innovative solutions across media, marketing, partnerships, interactive, creative, broadcast content, insights, and campaign management, with a proven record for producing sales-driven campaigns for premium, must-see productions, venues, exhibitions and events.
Current and recent NYC clients include: Matilda The Musical, Les Misérables, Fiddler on the Roof, Spring Awakening, Allegiance, American Psycho, Hand To God, Sylvia, It’s Only a Play and The Audience.
For more information, visit aka.nyc