Project Synopsis
- Client: Canyon Creative
- Size: 2,765 sf
- Date Completed: 2009
Improvements were made to a 2,765 square-foot grey shell office space for Canyon Creative, a boutique graphic design studio.
It was important that the space visually express the clients’ artistic sensibilities while being extremely functional, tactile, and comfortable. Individual designers’ workspaces are located adjacent to a “creative zone” allowing for open collaboration.
The main organizing element is a large, centrally located wall that serves multiple functions. The public side is crafted of reclaimed wood. The layered arrangement of each plank gives texture which naturally creates display shelving and provides a warm, tactile experience as one enters the office. The private side of the wall faces the kitchen and accommodates the client’s storage needs. A portion of the wall “erodes,” exposing a wine and coffee bar.
Other natural materials used around the office contribute to the warmth of the space. Stained MDF is used for storage shelving as well as for baseboards throughout the space. All flooring is stained and sealed concrete. The wood and steel structure of the shell building remains exposed as much as possible and a custom-rusted metal sliding door was specifically designed for the conference room.
DESIGN PROCESS
A primary challenge was the Canyon Creative staff who are incredibly creative people. We looked at their existing space to help us understand how they work with one another as well as with their clients. They are very close knit group yet each member of their team needs a space of their own. There was a lot of dialogue pertaining to uniting collaborative and private spaces.
We took great care in developing each area and its placement so that the design of the overall space enhanced the clients’ artistic identity while remaining functional. As designers, we pride ourselves on listening to our client in order to ensure we are developing the best possible solution to their design requirements.
Basic bubble diagrams helped us develop the best flow based on the clients’ needs.
Many floor plan options were developed as we worked with our client to refine the best flow and unity of spaces to suit their needs.
king up on the industrial feel of the space. In addition, a glass bud vase has been built into the desk.
DEVELOPING A PERSONALIZED AND APPROPRIATE SPACE
After developing the most suitable floor plan, we focused on adding unique design elements to each area. As with each project, our team worked with our client to select features that best reflect their style. We took into consideration the existing structure in order to develop a cohesive design presence beginning the moment a prospective client enters the front door.
The conference room includes a clear glass bowl lighting fixture filled with bulbs creating the effect of floating light sources above the conference table. The feature wall penetrates the room exposing rough edges which embrace the edge of the doorway to the kitchen which is contained behind a hand-made rusted metal door.
Constructive storage solutions have been tucked into every nook of the floor plan. Workstations have been designed to include mobile cabinets allowing for flexibility in individual work spaces.
A distinguishing feature of the space became a primary organizational component as well. The feature wall is a distinctive design element that works as a multi-functional artistic statement. On the public side, the reclaimed lumber has been stacked exposing various depths of wood creating shelves which are utilized for displaying Canyon Creative’s collection of design awards. The reception desk was cleverly addressed by pulling away planks creating an angular area. The desktop is covered with aluminum picking up on the industrial feel of the space. In addition, a glass bud vase has been built into the desk.