As the first ground-up office to be constructed in Downtown Brooklyn in decades, it was important that 1 Willoughby Square be anchored to its local heritage while forward-looking in its functionality. The iconic 34-story mixed-use tower is crafted to reflect its context while offering healthy and dynamic work environments for clients in the high-tech and creative industries.

With commanding views to Manhattan and the surrounding region, the building is organized to promote social and natural connectivity; a strategically located side core and column-free, exposed structure allows for wide-open work environments without obstruction and surrounded by daylight. Connectedness is further enhanced by interior atria, exterior terraces, and three "superfloors" incorporating higher ceiling heights, amenity spaces, and exterior loggias.

Rejecting the conventional all-glass formulation, the design is a contemporary take on the famed New York industrial loft with gridded, oversized windows, distinctive blue glazed brick spandrels, and exposed concrete structure. The base of the building houses a new 320-seat public school with its own entrance.