For Andrea Hazen, art has always been part of the plan. What began as a passion for painting, drawing, architecture, and art history grew into a notable career advising collectors, developers, corporations, architects, and designers across the country.

Today, Hazen leads Hazen Art Advisory from a vintage office space with timeless character in the St. James Building, one of Kew Management’s landmark properties in NoMad.

A Foundation Built on Art, Architecture, and Design

Hazen grew up in South Bend, Indiana, then attended Saint Mary’s College at Notre Dame, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts while studying painting, drawing, art history, and architecture. She also completed a year of architecture studies at the University of Notre Dame.

After moving to Chicago during the recession of the early 1990s, she explored interior architecture and earned a secondary degree in the field. A chance introduction led her to renowned art advisor Patti Gilford, who became both mentor and employer.

For nine years, Hazen helped build Gilford’s advisory business while working with private and corporate clients. “At that time, there were not many people doing art advisory,” she recalls. “I was fortunate to learn from one of the best.”

In 2002, she moved to New York City and launched Hazen Art Advisory. “I am an artist at heart. This is my creative outlet. I had no option,” she says with a laugh. “I was so confident. I came equipped with great experience, but I had zero contacts in New York.” That confidence proved well founded.

A Specialized Approach to Art Advisory

For more than three decades, Hazen has helped build collections for individuals, corporations, and real estate developments throughout the United States. Her expertise extends beyond selecting artwork. Hazen’s background in architecture and interiors allows her to understand how art functions within its environment. “My specialty has always been art in interior spaces,” she says. “It’s important to understand how people live with art.”

She believes context plays a critical role in how artwork is experienced. “Understanding how context affects art is really a sweet spot for us.” That perspective allows her to collaborate seamlessly with architects and interior designers. From her years of advising, Hazen has a thorough knowledge of the art market. This plays a critical role for her clients, as she can help them discover something that they not only love to live with, but is also a sound investment. “We’re able to guide our clients through some murkiness and to avoid expensive mistakes.”

Today, Hazen collaborates with some of the nation’s leading architecture firms and developers, including Robert A. M. Stern Architects (RAMSA), SOM, and Related. She recently completed a project with RAMSA for a world-class life sciences building on the campus of Drexel University in Philadelphia and is now beginning her fifth project with Related in Chicago.

In addition to her development work, Hazen advises private clients throughout the country, with active projects in New York City, Washington, D.C., Charleston, South Carolina, Big Sky, Montana, and Palm Beach, Florida. This diverse portfolio reflects her ability to guide clients across a wide range of settings, from major real estate developments to highly personalized private collections.

Building Long-Term Client Relationships

Hazen works with a wide range of private clients, from first-time collectors to those building multimillion-dollar collections. What connects them is trust. “It’s a relationship business,” she says. “Most of my clients are with me for a very long time.”

Her clients are primarily based in the United States, although the artwork she sources and advises on comes from around the world. Her connection to Europe remains strong as well. Hazen divides her time between New York and Paris, where she and her husband spend part of the year. The arrangement allows her to stay connected to major international art fairs, exhibitions, and events.

Finding the Perfect Home at the St. James Building

Hazen discovered Kew Management through a friend who maintained an office in one of Kew’s Broadway buildings. After reaching out and staying in contact with Kew’s leasing team, she eventually toured Suite 1613 at the St. James Building at 1133 Broadway. “It was the perfect place,” she says. “It faces south, has beautiful light, and a wonderful vintage feeling.”

The office immediately sparked her imagination. “I’m a huge film noir fan,” Hazen explains. “The doors are like old detective offices with glass and wire-mesh. I’m living my film noir fantasy in the St. James – I just love this building.”

Hazen also appreciates the authentic character of the building and the creative community surrounding her. Fellow tenants include architects, designers, and other creative professionals whose work complements her own.

Early on, she knew she wanted to be in one of Kew’s historic Broadway properties. “I do things by feeling, and I had a strong feeling,” she says. “I like that it is a creative environment. I definitely feel like I’m at home.”

Why NoMad Works

NoMad offers convenience and inspiration. Hazen lives in the nearby Gramercy neighborhood and enjoys walking to work year-round. She regularly visits Madison Square Park and appreciates the neighborhood’s dining and cultural options. “As a book lover / collector / hoarder, I love that Rizzoli is in the building.” The combination of architecture, creativity, and easy accessibility, makes NoMad and the St. James Building an ideal setting.

As Hazen Art Advisory continues to expand its work with private collectors, developers, architects, and designers, Hazen’s office remains perfectly aligned with her philosophy of artful, thoughtful, and careful curation in context. An art advisory space with timeless and authentic character is exactly what she created at the St. James Building.