Tech Office Retreat : Proposal

Voila! I’m happy to share our final proposal for the tech office retreat. In this scheme, we combined the best ideas of our previous efforts. The warm wood panels create a sense of enclosure within the room, while still allowing circulation between the two stairwells. The panels open up at the center to expose a large window with a view to the trees outside. Sculptural sofas with high backs face the view, and are paired with organically shaped, powered tables. A single chair floats in the middle of the space, acting as a micro waiting area or an additional seat if needed. The alcoves at the back can be used as a private area for one, or for small group meetings. They are lined on the back plane with a dimensional felt panel. This along with a soft wool carpet floor and large circular ceiling clouds help to damper sound within the library like environment. The space is currently under construction, and should be finished by summertime!

DESIGNED IN COLLABORATION WITH SYLVIA RICHARDS AND CHRISTOPHER SMITH

Tech Office Retreat : In Progress

The goal of this project is to provide a quiet work space for the employees of the tech office. The following is a series of images to show our design process. We started by thinking of the entire floor as open, save the existing stairwells. The first plan has a wide variety of different seating options; semi-private alcoves, a big comfy couch, a low conference-like table with ottomans, etc. Although this was a fun exercise, we knew that this kind of space would probably end up being too busy to provide the subdued atmosphere we were aiming for. 

The next couple of options show simplified versions of the first idea. By removing the floating seating in the middle of the plan and creating more defined alcove seating, we hoped to encourage more solitary engagement with the space. We explored the idea of only renovating part of the space, and leaving the existing perimeter offices as is. 

This process led us to the idea of creating a pop-up space. Leaving the existing space relatively untouched, we proposed to build a room within a room using a warm wood panel perimeter. By only refinishing a small area, we could justify spending more on high quality furniture and a nice new window opening to provide views to the adjacent trees. Stay tuned for the final design and renderings!

designed in collaboration with sylvia richards

Tech Office Retreat : Mood Board

I’ve been working on something very exciting lately over at the tech office. The company continues to expand, and it has become increasingly difficult to avoid distractions throughout the day. For those times when an employee needs to sit down and laser focus their way through a project, we set out to design a library like space. Located in an unused warehouse/office building adjacent to the main site, we thought of the design as a semi-temporary “pop-up” space. Picture cozy furniture, super private alcoves and lots of natural light flooding a bare bones open space. More to come in the next few weeks about the design process, but for now, a mood board and some lovely existing site pics.

Social Spaces : Atrium Design

Recently, we put together a few space plans for a dramatic atrium. These ideas are a small part of a more complete design for the office, but the client wanted to populate the space with furniture immediately. The atrium will ultimately support a range of uses, including guest receiving area, alternative workspace, casual dining and event space. It is expansive and beautifully lit by skylights. The following are plans and mini mood boards showing some ideas for configurations and materials. 

Tech Office : Restroom

Before starting this project, I hadn’t given the design of public restrooms too much thought. Sure, some were better than others but I rarely took note of the qualities that made it so. Throughout this process, I’ve learned that a lot more effort goes into designing a comfortable restroom than one might think! Between code issues, choosing the right fixtures and accessories, thinking about durability and privacy, there was a lot to resolve. The goal was to create a clean and calm design which could become the standard for the company. We stuck with a neutral palette of materials and added warmth with light wood elements. 

At the vanity, a wood surround aligns with the edge of the countertop and covers both side walls and the ceiling. The wood is offset from the mirrored wall to provide a cove for subtle lighting in this area. Undermount sinks blend in with a solid surface countertop and modern faucets are mounted directly to the mirrored wall. Drawers below the countertop provide an integrated storage space. 

At the fixture wall, the tile is interrupted by a band of wood. Within this, a recessed wood shelf is located above each fixture. Perfect for a phone, keys or whatever you might carry in with you to the bathroom.