"The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) helps advance client efforts to build peace, recover from disaster or create sustainable development." Established as part of the United Nations Development Programme in 1974, UNOPS became an independent, self-financing organization in 1995. To transition the formerly public organization to a private sector mindset was a major undertaking which required a new working model. Transparency and communication became essential factors in the design of the new headquarters which led to the search for a large, contiguous space. Finding such a space for 300 people within walking distance of the UN was the first challenge. The second, when the space was finally identified at the base of the Chrysler Building, was to overcome the obstacles of minimal natural light, extremely low ceilings, numerous and massive columns. Through innovative planning and inspired design the space was miraculously transformed into a vibrant, collaborative, inviting and functional workplace.