MetroWall’s Seth MacGregor and Vince Gulotta recently spoke with Metropolis Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Avi Rajagopal about MetroWall’s unique blend of sustainability and precision manufacturing, our commitment to delivering top-notch service with a local supply chain, and how our premium glass wall interiors can meet any project’s aesthetic, budget, or acoustic requirements.
Author: Ian MacGregor, MetroWall’s Director of Business Development
The standard for what a workspace needs to be has evolved. More and more, A&D professionals are emphasizing the need to design collaborative, productive, and functional environments for hybrid teams. Hybrid workspaces not only need to be aesthetically pleasing, but also inspiring, comfortable, and collaborative. This can be a challenge. However, as a leader in glass wall interiors, MetroWall knows firsthand how these interiors can provide solutions and help architects and designers push the envelope for what a corporate environment can be.
For those looking to maximize the amount of natural light in their space, glass wall interiors are a go-to solution. Natural light is a sought-after element for numerous reasons, among them are that it enhances the overall design by creating an open environment, and it promotes physical and mental well-being.
But while glass interiors are ideal for letting in natural light and creating an open feel, concerns are often raised because of their transparency. Visual privacy and sound management are still widely required. For example, for this project at Newport Tower, the end user had both visual and sound privacy requirements. To strike a balance between the design team’s intention to maximize natural light and the end user’s need for privacy, we suggest adding privacy film to meeting rooms and using smart glass in waiting rooms.
Using materials and systems with high acoustic performance contributes to building various workspaces within an office. Having different styles gives hybrid teams the ability to move around freely depending on how they prefer to work or on the tasks they need to accomplish.
Selecting double-glazed glass wall systems with high STC ratings offer excellent sound insulation. For example, a system like MetroWall’s HUSH Series delivers a 50 STC rating, meaning that very loud sounds like musical instruments or a stereo can be faintly heard. When systems like this are combined with other design elements (e.g., paneling, ceiling systems), this can improve acoustics even more.
In hybrid workplaces, the amount of people in a space at a given time ebbs and flows. As a result, what an end user needs from their space will change drastically depending on the day. Incorporating features like operable walls or pivot doors helps architects and designers build functionality into a space. Features like these enable end users to quickly and easily reconfigure the layout of their office depending on their needs and work styles.
Although hybrid teams and workspaces continue to evolve, designing welcoming, inspiring, and highly functional spaces is non-negotiable. Glass wall interiors create a pleasing aesthetic, as well as bold environments that exceed expectations and elevate people’s experiences within them. At MetroWall, our team is always looking for ways to push the envelope for what a commercial environment with glass wall interiors can be and it’s exciting to work with so many design and construction professionals who are looking to do the same.
Elizabeth “EB” Srygley has joined the MetroWall team as a business development manager for the DMV markets. EB brings over a decade of experience to the team. She started her career as an architect and is now a specialized expert and adviser for the design community.
I love being able to solve design problems from a different vantage point. Designers have questions and problems that they seek out to solve. I get to have a solution and then seek out the designers who are looking for those solutions. It excites me that MetroWall not only works with clients in the design phase but are also the manufacturers and installers excites me. It‘s great to be able to help guide the process from design intent to reality.
Although I didn’t grow up in the DMV, the DC area is now home to me and where we are planting our roots as a family. Being in this area for as long as I have, I see relationships from my earlier days pop up all over the region and I love reconnecting with former classmates, colleagues, clients, co-volunteers, and more. There is also a level of transientness to DC that I love. New ideas, people, and experiences are constantly flowing in and out of the DC area, keeping things fresh and bringing rejuvenating inspiration.
To be a trusted expert. Architects and designers are expected to know everything about everything. It is my hope to be a trusted resource who will always give honest feedback and allow them to take some of the pressure of having to know everything off their shoulders.
MetroWall is full of knowledge, experience, and expertise. I’m excited to learn from the whole team. MetroWall aligns with my personal and professional values: to be constantly learning and humbly growing, a true team environment, a deep sense of care for the products, the work executed, colleagues and clients, and a drive to be dependable to those around you.
If you have a project that calls for premium glass wall interiors in New York City, contact us or download our brochure to learn more about MetroWall and how our proprietary, integrated process can make a difference on your next project.
Ensuring materials arrive on time at job sites is critical for commercial projects. Delays can lead to numerous issues, including extended project timelines, increased labor costs, and strained client relationships. While general contractors and construction managers navigate these challenges daily, we don’t believe they should have to. At MetroWall, creating a frictionless project experience is a priority, and our domestic material sourcing, local manufacturing, and robust project management enable us to offer tailored schedules that help mitigate risk and meet unique project needs.
With so many companies sourcing materials from around the globe, even minor disruptions can ripple through these supply chains and impact when materials will arrive and, ultimately, have a massive effect on the project timeline. But choosing subcontractors with a local supply chain can mitigate this risk.
For example, MetroWall domestically sources and manufactures our glass wall interiors. All of our systems are fabricated in Congers, NY (about 35 miles outside of NYC). This gives us the flexibility to tailor both production and delivery schedules to ensure material and manpower arrives exactly when you need it. Our project management team works closely with general contractors to develop schedules that align with the project’s specific needs. We’ve found that this approach ensures that materials are available when needed and reduces downtime.
In such a fast-moving industry, having competitive lead times is a must. At MetroWall, most of our glass wall systems have a 3- to 4-week lead time with standard finishes and hardware are selected. But even if customizations are made, we’re still able to maintain a competitive lead time. Part of this is due to our local supply chain, but it’s also due to our manufacturing facility’s location. Being in Hudson Valley, NY, puts us within driving distance of the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions we serve. So, whether a project is standard or highly custom, our proximity to the point of use keeps lead times low, decreases the risk of delays, and lowers our carbon footprint.
But no matter how well you plan, sometimes unforeseen circumstances arise. When this happens, you want the reassurance that you’re going to get an immediate response. In addition, to be available via email or phone, our project managers regularly conduct site visits, engage in face-to-face meetings, and provide regular updates, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned and informed. So, if unforeseen circumstances arise, we’re already in the loop and can quickly make effective adjustments. Having a local manufacturing partner allows you to pivot faster and ensure the impacts are minimal.
In the fast-paced world of construction, the timely delivery of materials is crucial to project success. MetroWall’s local material sourcing, manufacturing, and responsiveness, coupled with our commitment to excellence ensures a frictionless project experience and helps you deliver for your clients.
Every detail matters in the design and build community. This is why we never take the Field Measurement phase of our proprietary, integrated process lightly. During this phase, the field data MetroWall project managers collect during the Field Measurement phase of our proprietary, integrated process is sent to our Congers, NY-based facility and is used by our production team to manufacture the systems for each glass wall project. Field measurements can have a massive impact on the success of a project and it’s why we consider it an important phase of our proprietary, integrated process. Here are three reasons why MetroWall prioritizes accurate field measurements.
Details matter and mean the difference between an unhappy client or a satisfied one. We always aim to exceed expectations, and field measurements are one of many ways we work to minimize risk, execute bold designs that elevate the human experience, and deliver frictionless project experience.
If you are considering glass wall interiors for your next commercial project, contact our team or download our brochure to learn more.
Jim Cunningham has joined the MetroWall team as a business development manager for New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He’s a Northeasterner who has done his fair share of traveling, living everywhere from Florida to Arizona to Virginia—and of course most of the Northeast corridor. When he isn’t busy being a dad of 2, he enjoys being active and learning.
His natural curiosity drives him to not only learn but also find solutions to pressing challenges and understand the intricacies of a project. We sat down with Jim to learn more about his approach to nurturing relationships and working with the design and build community given his previous experience in the construction and manufacturing industry.
The industry is like an onion within two more onions. Projects are incredibly complex and require dozens of individuals to collaborate within tight deadlines and even tighter budgets. Information is needed yesterday and there are always problems and setbacks that arise. I love being a resource to help drive projects and to ensure a more predictable outcome, and with their proprietary process, it’s clear MetroWall does too!
Solving problems. My goal is to sit down, listen, and understand the stresses that AEC professionals face, and how I can be a resource for them. Ultimately, I want to be the easiest consultant they deal with on current and future projects.
I have not worked at an organization that prioritizes the team and coming together to win like Metrowall does. I am thrilled to represent the company and look forward to contributing in meaningful ways with my skillset.
If you have a project that calls for premium glass wall interiors in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania regions, contact us or download our brochure to learn more about MetroWall and how our proprietary, integrated process can make a difference on your next project.
MetroWall is ringing in the new year by opening our New York City-based showroom! The showroom is located at 10 Grand Central, right in the heart of Manhattan and steps away from Grand Central Station. It’s an ideal spot for clients throughout the northeast markets to access and it’s one more way we’re working to redefine architectural design and build standards and deliver a world-class experience for our clients.
In addition to showcasing our premium glass wall products, the space includes workstations for team members and guests, conference rooms, and a kitchen area. We’ve ultimately created a space that fosters collaboration, as well as a place where we can host lunch and learns and, of course, hold events.
Building amenities like 10 Grand Central’s rooftop terrace and indoor lounge provide space for client events as well!
We’ve created an inspiration lab where all project stakeholders—from architects and designers to general contractors to realtors and landlords—can see firsthand the broad spectrum of product options and bold modern aesthetic we provide. We’re looking forward to seeing you at our showroom soon!
Book an appointment to meet with our team of experts and find premium glass wall solutions that will exceed your clients’ expectations.
Author: Bill DiMasi, VP of Marketing at MetroWall
It’s hard to believe 2023 is winding down. We all hear the same phrase this time of year, “Where did the time go?” or “I can’t believe another year is almost in the books!”. Guilty as charged! I say that often as November turns to December. The busier we get with life, the faster time seems to pass. It’s probably why we all take a moment to reflect on the past and look ahead to what the coming year might bring.
Throughout the year, but especially during the holiday season, we think about supporting others. Building and connecting with our community is a topic we often speak about at MetroWall. It’s in our company’s DNA to find ways to do more.
This year, our “More is Possible” energy during the holiday season is focused on supporting two organizations that are giving back to our community in a big way – Food Bank of the Hudson Valley and Help USA.
Statistics show that more than 44 million people in the US face hunger, including 1 in 5 children. With food scarcity a significant problem in our region, the MetroWall team conducted a food drive and donated non-perishable items to the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley before the Thanksgiving holiday. This organization is dedicated to alleviating hunger, while preventing the waste of wholesome food.
Also, it’s reported that more than half a million individuals are experiencing homelessness in America, and that number is on the rise. In December, we partnered with Help USA who provides shelter and support to individuals and families in need. MetroWall team members are currently conducting a toy drive, in partnership with VVA Project & Cost Managers, to collect toys that will be distributed during Christmas. This donation will help raise the spirits of many children at a time when hope and joy are so desperately needed.
We often count the days during the year and time passes all too quickly. We wanted to wish all our clients and partners a happy holiday season, and remind everyone to make every day count in 2024!
How are you and your team giving back this holiday season? Let us know in the comments below. As we head into the new year, please contact us about upcoming projects involving glass wall interiors or download a brochure to learn more about the solutions we offer.
With vacancy rates skyrocketing, tenants hold more power in the Washington, DC market than ever. As a result, just like we’re seeing in the Boston and New York markets, landlords are faced with the challenge of making significant improvements to build high-end commercial spaces on tight budgets. To win long-term leases, we recommend focusing on both aesthetics that let in lots of natural light and considering visual and sound privacy needs.
Many employees and workers prefer spaces that allow ample natural light to flow throughout the entire space—not just in the executive boardrooms, communal meeting rooms, and corner offices. And it’s easy to understand why. There are countless studies that prove exposure to natural light enhances our productivity and boosts our body’s immune system. In short, a space with lots of natural light elevates a commercial interior space and we know that bold designs win in today’s markets.
As a result, we’re seeing many landlords and designers move away from drywall and go with glass wall interiors. Glass interiors ensure plenty of sunlight will penetrate the space. But while tenants want an aesthetic that lets in sunlight, they also have visual and acoustic privacy requirements. Fortunately, there are multiple options to choose from to strike a balance.
For acoustic privacy, more and more offices are being built with dual glazing. Much like an exterior insulated unit, interior dual-glazed systems have an air space between two panes of glass, and these systems can achieve high STC ratings.
Clients who need to prioritize acoustic performance often choose to go with a double-glazed glass wall system, like our DG or HUSH Series. But glazing isn’t the only factor that can impact acoustics. Glass thickness, flooring, doors, and more can also affect performance. In fact, door selection is often a concern for our clients. Traditionally wood doors have been used to help absorb sound, but now there are slimline doors, dual-glazed doors, doors with drop seals (like our Serene Door) that offer transparency while maintaining high levels of acoustic insulation.
When it comes to visual privacy, surface-applied films have long been the go-to solution to break up sightlines, while still allowing light to pass through into offices and conference rooms. If an architect wants something with a more dramatic aesthetic, fritted- and back-painted glass can allow light to pass through and still serve as a decorative element.
For locations where maximum light is preferred but at times complete visual privacy is required, switchable glass can take your glass walls from clear to opaque with the flick of a switch. There are even special cloaking films available that allow for full transparency while blurring out screens.
Striking the right balance between the desire for a high-end space and providing the privacy requirements tenants are looking for can be challenging. But the key, we’ve found, is choosing a glass wall provider with a variety of glass wall systems that are customizable. Because elevating the human experience isn’t just about a bold design, it’s about creating a functional space that meets present and future needs.
If you have an upcoming project involving glass wall interiors, contact us with more details. If you have more questions about the solutions we offer, download our brochure to learn more about our proprietary process and products.
Author: Ian MacGregor, MetroWall’s Director, Preconstruction
As vacancy rates continue to soar, attracting tenants has become increasingly competitive in Boston proper and its suburbs. Companies and individuals are continuing to reassess how they work, and how this should be reflected in their space. Meanwhile, architects and landlords are working to revive and reimagine buildings’ purposes without compromising their existing character. This has led to a shift in the amenity packages landlords are offering and the design approach architect and design teams are taking.
MetroWall has worked with landlords to quickly build affordable spec suites that allow tenants to move in as soon as possible. Alternatively, these pre-built spaces have helped tenants envision how a space can be used, cutting down on design time, allowing general contractors to start building sooner, and ultimately moving up the move-in date.
We’ve also seen an increase in demand for flexible and bold spaces when working with architect and design teams. Our A&D clients are not only working to make a space that will work at a functional level to meet a tenant’s current and future needs, but also create a premium-quality space that promotes comfort, collaboration, and productivity.
Because of the demand for functionality, many tenants in the Boston market are now requiring folding glass partitions, like our EXTEND Series. Premium glass walls like the EXTEND Series enable users to quickly transform their space for a happy hour, a company-wide on-site meeting, and more.
Of course, up there with functionality and quality are budget and lead time concerns. With the market being so tight, we’re constantly collaborating with architects, designers, and general contractors to deliver the space the tenant needs within their budget constraints, without compromising on our industry-best lead times.
Since we manufacture our systems in-house at our headquarters in Congers, NY, MetroWall is perfectly positioned to deliver on even the most aggressive project timelines. Additionally, our portfolio offers a broad range of premium glass wall interiors that enable our team of experts to find the right solution for the aesthetic and functional parameters of each project we work on.
More than ever, bold designs are winning in today’s markets. If you’re reenvisioning your building or commercial office space, work with our team to see how you can develop a premium design that inspires. Contact us, today.
Author: Seth MacGregor, Director of Operations at MetroWall
As someone once said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
Improving efficiency in manufacturing, moderation in the use of materials, sourcing environmentally friendly materials, and focusing on energy saving have long been factors considered at MetroWall. But as we like to say, “More is possible.”
The Design & Build Community has collectively focused on efforts to reduce the global carbon footprint. While there are many ways of doing this, MetroWall has been supporting an organization that is playing a key role.
For several years, and with another donation in 2023, we have partnered with One Tree Planted, specifically their Urban Forestry Program. Having planted over 80,000 trees in cities, the Urban Forestry Program focuses on addressing the significant need for forestry in urban areas to reduce the effects of heat islands and to create green spaces. These efforts help remove carbon from the air, reduce energy consumption, and enhance air quality.
In one year, a mature tree will absorb more than 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen in exchange. Additionally, a study at Boston University found that about 30% of carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels are taken in by forests. “That’s CO2 that’s not in the atmosphere,” says Boston University biogeochemist and ecologist Lucy Hutyra. “These forests are doing an incredible service to our planet.”
We often talk about “sustainability,” and it sometimes just feels like a buzzword. There are many ways we can have an impact and improve our sustainability journey goals. We applaud all the individuals and organizations that continue to create change. We look forward to hearing more from our colleagues about your own initiatives.
Guest Author- Joseph Baho, Marketing Intern
My name is Joseph Baho. I am a rising sophomore at James Madison University where I am studying business. I am interested in all aspects of business; specifically finance, marketing, sales, and analytics.
I began my four-week internship program here at MetroWall in July of 2023 and I could not have asked for a better beginning and experience in the corporate business world! Within my first day interning here at MetroWall I was greeted with nothing but smiles, positivity, and swag which is what the premiums are nicknamed here. I could not have asked for a better way to walk into an unfamiliar place. While walking in that door I was extremely nervous, but almost instantly those feelings transformed into excitement as I could tell I was in fantastic company here, and yes, the swag was awesome!
I knew after finishing my first year of college as a business major that I needed to get my feet wet in a business environment, which is exactly why I wanted to get an internship. Because I am so passionate and interested in multiple different components of business, I found it important to start at my young age to really learn about each one in a live point of view to help gear my future in the right direction and pursue my ultimate passion and field of work.
During the first week of the internship, MetroWall did a wonderful job at allowing me to get a glimpse into each of the departments because of my interests in so many different fields. This consisted of brief one-on-one meetings with the head of each department and really getting a feel for what they do and the way each department operates for the company. This experience really gave me a good perspective on the overall flow of the company, how it all comes together, and ultimately the differences along with the similarities in each department.
Throughout my internship I have assisted on numerous projects such as: creating and capturing content for social media pages, conducting a PR outreach list for possible media outlets, studying about the analytics behind content distribution, and proposing business recommendations and assessments.
But my favorite experience throughout the internship was the tour of MetroWall’s new showroom at 10 Grand Central in New York City. Being able to go into the city and see a luxurious building like that at my age is something I will be taking away with me from this experience. From this, I was able to learn key parts of creating content and the different pieces and angles worth capturing as the floor was under construction.
Everything I have been able to learn has been super useful and informative. Probably the most useful technique/skill I learned was writing and formatting a formal business recommendation and assessment. It was something so useful that I know it will be used for the rest of my career. Bill DiMasi, the VP marketing director at MetroWall learned this specific format during his first job when he was around my age. He has used it ever since and I was very appreciative when he was able to share it with me. Not only is this something useful when you want to get something approved, but also just a very organized and effective way to process your thoughts and ideas out which is why it stuck out with me so much.
Being a student at JMU has really helped me throughout this internship. Even with only one year of classes some of the classes and curricula I have taken and learned have already been translated into the business environment. Business Analytics 1 helped me be aware and informed of the techniques used in researching and conducting analytics. Communications previewed what it is like working with a group of people and communicating through meetings, and writing gave me practice on all types of writing styles that allowed me to transfer some background knowledge to the recommendations and assessments I was able to write here. All in all, JMU without a doubt played a key component in my preparation and skillset in this position and internship.
I could not thank MetroWall enough for this experience. It was an honor getting to learn from everyone in the company and what working in a corporate business environment is all about. I look forward to continuing learning at JMU this upcoming year and excelling in the business world. I am forever grateful for this opportunity!
CONGERS, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MetroWall, a trusted partner to the Design & Build Construction communities since 2007, recently announced the planned opening of a new showroom this summer at 10 Grand Central. As a leader in premium glass wall interiors, the showroom will allow MetroWall to further their goal to elevate the human experience by helping create highly functional and inspiring commercial environments.
“MetroWall has always been motivated to set the standard for client experience, project schedules and product quality,” said Jared Scott, General Manager at MetroWall. “With local roots in Congers, NY, securing a space in the heart of the city where we can connect with customers improves their experience by providing an easily accessible hub where they can see the tangible benefits of our products. It also allows us to play a small part in the continued resurgence of NYC.”
“The space was very appealing for their showroom and for the architect and builder clients that visit them,” said tenant broker Jonathan Anapol of Prime Manhattan Realty.
“Originally designed by Ely Jacques Kahn in 1931 and steps from Grand Central Terminal, 10 Grand Central has recently been reimagined through a top-to-bottom hospitality-infused repositioning strategy designed to meet the needs of the modern workplace,” said Craig Deitelzweig, President & CEO, Marx Realty. “MetroWall is the perfect addition to an already exciting tenant roster and its mission to help revitalize interior spaces aligns perfectly with the building’s strategy and with what many landlords and tenants are trying to accomplish in order to make their properties and spaces more attractive.”
About MetroWall:
Founded in 2007, MetroWall is a leader in the design, engineering, and installation of premium interior glass walls. With headquarters in Congers, NY, MetroWall leverages a proprietary, integrated process where they manage and assist with all aspects of a project, creating a frictionless experience for clients.
Bill DiMasi
Vice President, Marketing
sales@metro-wall.com