JAM Architecture on Finding Inspiration in DUMBO

Q: What initially attracted you to DUMBO?

Joe: The neighborhood has a really unique flavor that you can only find in a few parts of New York. There’s this great combination of history and progress — you get a glimpse of the best parts of old New York while still feeling the energy of what’s next. It’s beautiful and inspiring, and that balance really resonated with us.

Q: What does being in Dumbo mean for your business?

Joe: We moved to Dumbo when JAM was still pretty young — about eight years ago. The firm is around ten years old now, so this neighborhood has really been part of our growth.

At the time, moving here gave us a lot of credibility as a firm. DUMBO has a creative reputation and attracts clients who value design. It’s also just a great place to work — there’s a strong sense of community and shared resources, and clients love coming here, which makes a difference.

Q: What makes your office space unique?

Joe: For us, it’s all about collaboration. We’re here all week long together, so we wanted a space that’s both beautiful and functional.

Because we’re an architecture and interiors firm, our office is also a working laboratory — we move furniture around, try different layouts, and show clients what their homes or offices could actually feel like. It’s hands-on, and it helps bring design ideas to life.

Q: Can you walk us through your office a bit?

Joe: When you come in, people are often surprised by how open it is. From the front door, you don’t expect it to open up into this expansive, light-filled loft. There’s this great element of surprise.

It’s warm and comfortable, and that’s intentional — it reflects our design ethos. We’ve created different seating areas and use all of them. It’s not a sterile studio; we meet clients at the dining table, gather around workstations, and move throughout the space. It’s a well-loved, lived-in environment, and that’s exactly how we like it.

Q: If you could describe the vibe of your office in three words, what would they be?

Joe: Eclectic, inviting, and productive.

Q: What kinds of projects are you working on right now?

Joe: We’ve been really fortunate that our clients, who are mostly New York-based, have started taking us all over the country. Right now, we’re working on projects as far north as Maine and as far south as Florida.

Each project is different, but the common thread is our clients — they’re amazing collaborators, and that’s what keeps it exciting for us.

Q: What’s your favorite neighborhood spot in Dumbo?

Joe: I’m a beer guy, so I go to Evil Twin quite a bit. It’s a great spot — and it’s actually where I met my partner, Hannah, who used to work there. So yeah, Evil Twin is a favorite, for both personal and professional reasons!

Q: What’s a Dumbo moment that’s really stuck with you?

Joe: The Halloween parade, for sure. It’s so much fun — one of those truly local moments that makes you appreciate the neighborhood. And if you look closely, you might spot a few celebrities hiding in the crowd!

Q: What do clients say when they come visit you in DUMBO?

Joe: Most of our clients are thrilled to come here. For people who don’t spend much time in Brooklyn, DUMBO feels like an adventure. You step off the subway or out of your car, and there’s this amazing sensory mix — the trains overhead, construction nearby, the energy of the waterfront. It’s a little chaotic, but in a good way. It’s exciting, and it sets the tone for creative work.