Capturing TMPL Madison: A Moody, Luxury Take on Fitness Club Design in NYC

There’s something about stepping into TMPL’s Madison Avenue location that feels more like entering a boutique hotel than a fitness club. For this shoot, I was hired to capture just that—an environment that’s intentionally immersive, moody, and unmistakably on-brand. From the second you walk in, you're met with warm wood tones, polished stone finishes, and ambient lighting that creates an elevated, almost cinematic vibe. TMPL’s brand is dark and sophisticated, and I knew my job was to complement that tone without losing any of the elegance in the shadows.

We started with the reception area—a strong visual anchor for the entire space. The clean architectural lines of the desk paired with the textured stone wall behind it set a tone of modern refinement. Moving through the lounge, I wanted to highlight how this area balances luxury and comfort. The leather seating, paired with the sculptural lighting overhead, gave me an opportunity to play with contrast and reflections. Every corner was considered in the design, and it was important to preserve that intentionality through my lens.

As we worked our way into the main lobby and staircases, I focused on how the lighting design interacts with the materials—wood grain, matte walls, and metallic details all catching light in just the right way. Even the boxing ring on the upper floor felt elevated, surrounded by high-end finishes and boutique lighting. TMPL isn’t just a gym—it’s a lifestyle experience, and photographing it meant honoring both the architecture and the brand’s bold identity.

Stay tuned next week for Part II of the shoot - the downstairs luxury spa!