Innovation & Functionality: SmartFlyer—a luxury travel agency—commissioned HUXHUX Design Inc. to transform a historic Chelsea penthouse into their global headquarters. Conceived as a “third space,” the design merges hospitality, home, & office, fostering community & creativity. Used by SmartFlyer staff as an office 3 days a week, the rest of the time the space hosts gatherings for partners like Four Seasons & Aman Group, supporting both professional & social events. Residential warmth, flexible workspace, & curated details create a welcoming base for SmartFlyer’s community. HUXHUX’s approach redefines corporate culture, offering a workplace that inspires connection & belonging.

The SmartFlyer Penthouse reimagines the HQ as a hospitality-inspired environment that blurs boundaries between work, home, & community. Adaptable spaces support focused work, collaboration, & social gatherings, transforming office life into a culture-driven experience. The penthouse accommodates everything from partner breakfasts to creative workshops & industry dinners, fostering connection. A key challenge was designing for context switching & serendipity, addressing the needs of a team rooted in travel & hospitality. Flexible layouts & multi-functional furnishings enable seamless transitions between privacy & communal moments.

Materials & details evoke a sense of global journey, layering the space with tactile references to travel memory. This project challenges traditional real estate thinking, presenting a new model for companies investing in high-quality, long-term headquarters. As founder Justin Huxol notes, “The SmartFlyer Penthouse is neither simply an office nor a home, but a gathering place that fosters culture, belonging, & innovation—a living model for the future of work.”

Creativity: SmartFlyer requested a space that feels like the home of a well-traveled individual—layered, personal, & full of story. “We wanted a space echoing our journeys—a Tuscan bar, vintage rugs from Marrakesh, art from across the globe,” says COO Erina Pindar. The brief called for a collected—not curated—environment, serving as both sanctuary and social anchor. HUXHUX preserved the building’s architectural details while layering in natural woods, artisanal tiles, & textured finishes, creating a rich, story-driven interior grounded in memory & global culture.

Eco-Social Impact: Sustainability shaped the project at every level. Adaptive reuse of the penthouse preserves embodied carbon & honors Chelsea’s creative legacy. Low-impact, long-life materials reduce waste & ensure durability, while universal accessibility, wellness-forward features, & inclusive design promote well-being for all users. This project rejects the standard sea of desks in favor of design that fosters engagement, reduces turnover, & maximizes limited urban space. More than just an office, it’s a living blueprint for the future of work—where hospitality, adaptability, & storytelling spark innovation & community.