Founded in 2011 by English-born Joe Wright and Dutch-born Mikon van Gastel, Sibling Rivalry grew from a decade-long friendship that began with healthy competition. After Wright moved from London to the US, the pair found themselves vying for many of the same projects. Their friendly rivalry soon became a creative partnership, and the studio’s name followed naturally. Today, its clients include Google, Apple, HPE, Paramount and National Geographic Society.

When the company moved into its Cooper Square space in 2021, Wright designed the interior himself. A self-confessed “frustrated architect” with a passion for interiors, architecture and minimalism, he welcomed the opportunity to create something physical after years of working primarily on screen.

The design began with USM. In the open-plan office, Wright used the Haller modular system not simply as furniture, but as a way of shaping the architecture of the space. The units create distinct zones while maintaining a sense of openness, dividing the floorplan without the need for fixed walls.

“What’s interesting about USM Haller is that it’s almost architectural,” Wright says. “It has the presence of architecture as much as it does furniture.” The system also provides practical storage, allowing him to build structure into the space without sacrificing flexibility.

Color plays an important role. Wright selected yellow for playful areas, blue for workspaces, and beige to transition betweenthe areas. He combined the units with wood, metal and fabric, including a substantial oak dining table, bringing warmth to the clean-lined interior. The result is minimal without feeling austere and ordered without becoming rigid. Wright was particularly pleased when visitors described the space as a balance of sophistication and ease – a quality he says has also been associated with his creative work.

The furniture is designed to adapt to the team, with some of the USM units occasionally doubling as standing desks. For Wright, that flexibility reflects the ethos of Sibling Rivalry itself: “It’s thoughtful. It’s not flashy. It’s flexible rather than fixed. And it’s built to last.”

Discover more: www.siblingrivalry.com / @siblingrivalryco
Photographer: @marco_galloway

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