Quality designed spaces should not be limited to large expensive projects.
The client, three partners of a boutique investment firm, had decided to relocate their offices. At the same time they wanted to create a new modern working environment. Their program consisted of three private offices, one workstation, reception area, conference room, open area casual meeting spaces and a workroom/data room. They settled on a small space that was landlocked between two existing leased office spaces.
The finished space potentially could have had a “bowling alley” affect. Care was taken to avoid that type of solution. Offices and support rooms are organized around a great hall space that is anchored at both ends with full height glass. Within that great hall space waiting, reception, lounge and common areas occur. Interior office materials slide through the recessed entry helping draw guests into the great hall from the common corridor. Upon entering the office, the visitor is greeted by a reception desk backed by full height acid etched glass panels that diffuse views. The acid etched glass is also strategically repeated throughout the office within the sidelight frames. White oak storage cabinetry millwork slides through the different spatial functions. Halfway back, the space widens creating multi-directional views through the all glass fronted conference room.
An office, the conference room, and entry common corridor all have floor to ceiling glass helping to expand spaces into one another. This also lengthens visual sightlines from space to space and directly to the exterior. Borrowed natural light comes deep into the space. In the office and conference room, a sheer curtain provides visual privacy when required. The ceiling heights were set as high as possible to create a volume within the office. Ten-foot-high white oak rift cut doors in clear aluminum frames help to accentuate the height. A slightly lower silver metallic painted drywall ceiling plane defines the public entry. It begins outside the space, slides through the reception area, and terminates at the office glass wall. White oak millwork repeats the theme of the doors.
The public areas contain 2” flush LED strip light fixtures set in perpendicular patterns within 2’ x 8’ plank ceilings. The private offices are lit with indirect fixtures creating illuminated ceilings. The material color pallet is neutral – white walls and black flooring materials. The white oak rift cut wood used throughout the office is complemented by a blue venetian plaster wall that runs from the entry, turning 90 degrees and terminating in the conference room.