Case Study: Santini Studio Designs the Boffi | De Padova NYC Showroom at 29th & Madison
- chiarasantini
- May 19
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
A bold architectural collaboration of Italian elegance and modern urban form
At the vibrant intersection of 29th and Madison in New York City, a new flagship destination has emerged for lovers of contemporary design. The newly opened Boffi | De Padova NYC showroom is more than a retail space—it is an architectural statement, conceived and delivered with thoughtful precision by Santini Studio, in close collaboration with Boffi’s design team.
Acting as designer, Architect of Record, and Construction Manager, Santini Studio guided every step of the project, from concept through completion. The result is a space that captures the soul of Boffi’s refined Italian aesthetic while asserting a bold and timeless identity in Manhattan’s design landscape.
Designing the Boffi | De Padova Showroom in NYC with Architectural Precision
From the outset, the creative dialogue between Santini Studio and Boffi design team was rooted in a shared language of minimalism, materiality, and proportion. This was not a standard showroom rollout—it was a collaborative work of architecture. Together, the teams shaped a showroom that unfolds like a narrative: quiet, sculptural, and deeply intentional.
The interiors are restrained yet rich. Matte lacquer cabinetry, monolithic stone islands, and natural woods offer a tactile rhythm throughout. The lighting is architectural and precise, allowing Boffi’s collections to breathe within the carefully composed environment.
A Sculptural Staircase and Metal Portal Define the Space
Two defining architectural gestures anchor the spatial experience.
Visitors first encounter a custom-fabricated blackened metal portal—a bold and elemental threshold that marks the transition from the street into the curated calm of the showroom. It frames the entry like a piece of industrial sculpture, establishing a tone of quiet strength.
Just beyond, a dramatic elliptical metal staircase rises through all three levels of the space. Suspended like a ribbon of steel, the stair is at once functional and sculptural—its curvature softening the architectural grid, its sheen reflecting light and movement. This striking central feature was fully envisioned by Santini Studio and stands as a signature expression of their design leadership.
From Concept to Completion
In addition to designing the showroom in collaboration with Boffi, Santini Studio served as the Architect of Record, managing all architectural documentation, permitting, and NYC code compliance. As Construction Manager, the studio oversaw the entire build-out—navigating tight site logistics, coordinating international deliveries, and ensuring the quality of every installed element.
The execution was carried out in partnership with 2MO, the General Contractor, whose craftsmanship and responsiveness were key to realizing the showroom’s refined details and complex custom components.
Grand Opening: A Space That Reflects Collaboration and Craft
When the showroom opened its doors back in February, the reaction was immediate—visitors were drawn into an immersive world of design, where every finish and volume speaks of integrity and intention. The space reflects the best of what Italian design represents: discipline, elegance, and innovation.
For Santini Studio, the project stands as a complete expression of their approach—integrated design, expert project leadership, and a deep commitment to shaping environments that inspire and endure.
Visit the Boffi | De Padova Showroom
29th & Madison, New York City An experience of architecture, design, and modern Italian living.
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