With a soft and subtle palette, GRADE New York creates serene and elegant designs with surprising elements and sparkling details. By integrating interior and architecture, each project forms a holistic, cohesive whole.
The harmonious cohesion of interior and architecture is the most important aspect in GRADE New York’s design philosophy. The agency was founded by friends Edward Yedid and Thomas Hickey. The designers share a vision of what living spaces should look and feel like. By continuously integrating and combining architecture and interior, they achieve a beautiful, balanced harmony. “We strive to create spaces that are grounded in historical precedents, take clues out of context and look to the future,” he said. With their obsession with beauty – and creating contemporary beauty for life – they realize unique and personal spaces. 
Edward Yedid and Thomas Hickey met when the latter taught at the Parsons School of Design, while also working for Robert AM Stern Architects. Yedid, who has been passionate about art, design and travel all his life, was one of his students and it immediately clicked between the two. “A friendship grew from those lessons. Edward showed an interest in architecture and asked me questions about the profession of architect and what training it took. We both saw the opportunity to work together, ”said Hickey. From his career as both an architect and teacher, Hickey discovered what their office should stand for: a harmonious fusion of interior and architecture. “From my work experience I discovered that architecture and interior design were very separate and disconnected practices. More often than not, interior design followed architectural design, rather than being considered along with it at the same time. Interior design was a side effect for many architects, but in contrast I learned an integrated approach that bridges the gap between architecture and interior. ” That also became GRADE’s signature approach.
“A home is only complete with the right architecture, interiors, decoration and art”
With their shared aesthetics and values, Hickey and Yedid wanted to do something different in the design world than what has already been done. The main point of differentiation is the establishment of a holistic and integrated practice. “Our concept focuses on one vision for all design aspects and that the customer can approach one company that incorporates a single vision into every element of a project. We value influences, architecture, interiors and decoration equally, ”says Yedid. According to the designers, a home is only complete when all those elements, architecture, interior, decoration and art, are properly executed. ” 
Both designers have a similar style and design approach driven and inspired by historical and cultural references. The name GRADE also comes from this. It is a reference to ‘gradient’ and a metaphor for their process: a distillation of ideas and references from traditional to modern to reveal the true essence and vision of a project. “Aesthetically, we both like clean, organized spaces, calm environments and elegant details,” says Yedid. “Our designs truly reflect a way of being: ordered, elegant, thoughtful and well-coordinated.” Without having one fixed style, a GRADE project always evokes a modern sensibility. For the architectural elements, the designers use clean, calm palettes, but there is also a certain edginess to everything they do. “The interiors are different. The decoration can be bolder and more playful. Everything has its place and is well coordinated, ”adds Yedid. GRADE prefers to work with a soft and sober color and material palette. “Neutral tones are present in materials such as silver-plated cedar or teak,” says Hickey. “Architectural concrete and limestone are balanced with white and cream colors and provide a sense of calm, or when offset with darker colors they create a clear contrast.” With such a sober and neutral background, there is still plenty of room for bold details and decoration if desired. GRADE does not necessarily always do this with bright colors, but also with special finishes, textures and patterns. For this they are also inspired by fashion and the materials they wear themselves. 
“One of the most important aspects of interior design is developing a vision and intention for the project and embracing it in every decision,” said Yedid. At GRADE, that vision is holistic, strong, clear and organized. “We want to tell a story about our customers and the challenge in design is to find all the pieces that bring that story together,” adds Yedid. According to Hickey, it is also important to take advantage of natural light and the available views and to create coherent plans that integrate and emphasize these elements in the interior.
This article previously appeared in the Imagicasa Autumn 2020 edition. Would you like to learn more about GRADE’s projects or be inspired by other top designers? Then you can still order this number via our webshop. 
Images courtesy of GRADE New York
Photography by Richard Powers and William Abranowicz
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