RAMSA Elevates Community Spaces at The Bowery Mission

Discover how Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA) collaborated with The Bowery Mission to redesign spaces that empower individuals experiencing homelessness. Explore the impactful pro bono initiative fostering confidence, community, and transformation

NEW YORK CITY – In an inspiring collaboration, renowned NY-based architecture and design firm Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA) has joined forces with The Bowery Mission to transform two spaces located at their flagship campus in downtown Manhattan. Working alongside a tremendous team of vendors and contributors, this pro bono initiative aims to enhance the Mission’s ability to serve individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity through fostering a welcoming environment for their staff, clients, and guests. RAMSA’s new interior design for the career center and staff lounge was informed by extensive research and brings a modernized aesthetic that instills confidence and compassion in those who use them.

"Interior design is not just about how good a room looks, it's about creating spaces that empower and uplift everyone, and this is especially true when we were designing the spaces at The Bowery Mission,” says Lauren Kruegel Siroky, design director at RAMSA. "Everyone deserves access to great design, and our objective here has always been to enhance the experience for both clients and staff who interact with these spaces daily. Through our partnership with The Bowery Mission and the team of vendors and contributors, we are proud to say that our people-first design approach will be part of building a legacy of care and transformation for years to come."

The Bowery Mission has served New Yorkers since the 1870s. Their core program, Compassionate Care, continues to this day, offering low-barrier, life-sustaining services like hot meals and safe overnight shelter. Over time, their scope has expanded to include residential programs for men and women, which offer comprehensive support for individuals ready to pursue independent living. Compassionate Care and the men’s residential program operate from the flagship campus at 227 Bowery.

Last year, the Mission served over 400,000,000 meals, provided more than 65,000 nights of shelter and supported more than 150 clients in their residential programs. The newly renovated communal spaces will be instrumental in supporting these continued efforts, providing an environment conducive to personal and professional development.

The inviting Staff Lounge at The Bowery Mission. Photo Credit: RAMSA

"We are excited to unveil these new spaces that not only meet the immediate needs of our clients but also lay the groundwork for empowerment and transformation," says Karl Chan, the senior director of partnerships and strategy at The Bowery Mission. "Together with RAMSA's expertise and the long list of contributors and vendors that made this project happen, we are creating an environment where individuals can thrive, fostering a future where everyone has the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. The new redesign reaffirms our commitment to providing the tools necessary for transformative change, especially with Thanksgiving around the corner. This period is typically our busiest time, with over 2,000 meals served in a single day. Having these updated and modernized spaces only support our mission that much more.”

The newly renovated Career Center at The Bowery Mission. Photo Credit: RAMSA.

Central to this redesign are two newly envisioned communal spaces: a state-of-the-art career center and a rejuvenating staff lounge. The career center features a computer room designed to accommodate 15 to 20 workstations, providing essential resources for job searching and professional development. This dedicated space fosters confidence as individuals prepare for job interviews and navigate their employment journeys. The room is enhanced with a sleek acoustic tile ceiling that helps minimize noise, while semi-private Zoom booths offer quiet areas for virtual meetings. High-quality furnishings and flexible seating arrangements ensure comfort and collaboration, creating a motivating atmosphere for learning and growth.

The revamped staff lounge will serve as a sanctuary for staff and volunteers who play an essential role in supporting the Mission’s clients. Featuring flexible furniture arrangements and a custom millwork kitchenette, the lounge promotes social interaction and community bonding in an inviting layout. A stunning marble dining table anchors the space, while an expansive carpet adds warmth and texture. A gallery wall features two TVs seamlessly built in—one smaller screen for intimate meetings and a larger one for communal activities—enhancing functionality without sacrificing style. To celebrate the local heritage, historical photography decorates the walls along with a vibrant neon sign reading “A Place to Flourish,” adding a spirited touch that reflects the Mission’s desire to see individuals experiencing homelessness step into lives of true flourishing.

The inviting Staff Lounge at The Bowery Mission. Photo Credit: RAMSA.

Materiality was essential in the design, featuring natural wood and refined light fixtures that enhance both durability and visual appeal, while vibrant neon lighting, custom murals, and inspirational quotes contribute to an uplifting atmosphere. RAMSA’s design philosophy merges influences from past portfolio of academic and hospitality spaces as well as external inspiration from co-working environments, crafting multifunctional spaces that embody a loft-style atmosphere.

The partnership between RAMSA and The Bowery Mission represents how impactful design can be when fueled by the generous pro bono support of vendors and contributors. Their expertise and resources were crucial in bringing these communal spaces to life, making it possible to support the Mission’s work in meaningful ways.

Vendors and contributors who collaborated on the project include:

About Robert A.M Stern Architects

Robert A.M. Stern Architects, LLP, is an international architectural practice based in New York City offering architecture, urban planning, landscape, and interior design services. For more than 50 years, the practice has remained committed to architecture as an art and a profession. As a leading design firm with expertise in residential, commercial, and institutional projects, RAMSA believes buildings must gracefully satisfy clients' needs while speaking to the public and elevating everyday life. The firm maintains an attention to detail and commitment to design quality which has earned international recognition, numerous awards and citations for design excellence. https://www.ramsa.com/

About The Bowery Mission

For over 150 years, The Bowery Mission has been a steadfast presence in New York City, providing refuge and support to neighbors facing hunger, homelessness, and other hardships. Since our founding, we have been dedicated to meeting urgent needs and building a community where lives are transformed through the love of Jesus. Our welcoming red doors are always open, inviting everyone in for a hot meal, a warm bed, and a heartfelt conversation.

In the past year alone, The Bowery Mission has served over 400,000 hot meals, provided 65,000 nights of shelter, and distributed 27,000 articles of clothing to those in need. In that same year, our Residential Programs have helped more than 150 adults rebuild their lives after homelessness, and our Children’s Programs have empowered over 475 kids from underserved neighborhoods in NYC too explore their talents, build lifelong friendships, and grow in character and faith. Visit www.bowery.org.

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