WILLIAM SOFIELD

William Sofield is considered one of the most thoughtful talents of his generation. A Modernist by temperament and a Historicist by training, Sofield believes that design must live as well as it looks. His work is characterized by a holistic approach to design that encompasses the requirements of living and a response to locale. Materials and architectural details take their cue from the context of the project at hand, with careful consideration for function and a client’s individual personality and needs.

In 1983, Mr. Sofield received his degree in Architecture and Urban Planning from Princeton University, following an academic focus on Art History and European Cultural Studies. He was later honored as a recipient of the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award for Interior Design in 2010. He founded Studio Sofield in 1996 with the expressed goal of integrating multiple design disciplines. His body of work encompasses both residential and commercial projects, with clients as varied as Brice and Helen Marden, Tom Ford, Harry Winston, Belstaff, Salvatore Ferragamo, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, YSL, Coach, Violet Grey, The SoHo Grand Hotel, David Barton Gyms, The Brodsky Organization and Kohler Interiors.

EMMA O’NEILL

Born in Ireland, O’Neill earned her Bachelor’s of Architecture from the University College Dublin in 1990. A member of RIAI and RIBA, she ran and managed her own architecture firm from 1990 – 1994. During this time, she championed the Ballincollig Royal Gunpowder Mills Museum design competition, and completed various residential projects in Dublin. O’Neill’s relationship with William Sofield began in New York City when the two consulted for Ralph Lauren in the 1980’s, and for Aero Studios in the 1990’s. Upon completing her Master’s in Landscape Architecture at the University of Virginia in 1996, O’Neill joined Sofield in opening the Studio and was appointed Vice President of the firm in 2004. As one of the Studio’s original members since its founding in 1996, O’Neill has shaped and reinforced Sofield’s holistic approach to design, tending to everything from the largest structural schemes to the smallest of details.

STUDIO SOFIELD

When William Sofield entered the design profession, he envisioned a workshop dedicated to creative relationships with clients and productive collaborations with artisans and artists. These priorities inspire the work of Studio Sofield, which has distinguished itself as an interdisciplinary firm noted for the clarity, quality and wit of its projects.  In all Studio Sofield employs over 35 designers, with experience in disciplines ranging from architecture, engineering and industrial design to interior, graphic and landscape design. The Studio’s expertise is applied to a range of services, from residential and environmental design to retail, corporate and hospitality assignments, and exhibition design. In every project, beautiful and functional solutions emerge from an artistic concept that is balanced by an unfailing sensitivity to the client’s needs and tastes.

Studio Sofield continues to develop new concepts for many clients, such as Salvatore Ferragamo, Sotheby’s Diamonds and Coach, and is currently working on three ground-up apartment towers in Manhattan. Recent work includes a residential tower for The Brodsky Organization, a residence at the Carlyle Hotel, and town houses located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side and in London’s Regent’s Park. Past projects include new concept and roll-out for Harry Winston, Tom Ford and Belstaff, and recent concept proposals include projects for Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany, New York, and The Webster in Los Angeles.