Design Challenge: Design a unique office layout in an existing, downtown, two story, older building which is very long and narrow.

Design Program: The owners wanted a unique look similar to a New York style loft and not the usual drywalled box type office layout with typical acoustical grid ceiling. The existing building was dark with little natural light penetration. The project would be completed in phases to keep up with the firm’s growth. It was important to tie the two floors together as much as possible to keep the staff unity intact.

Design Solution: Phase one involved the entire lower level. The exterior walls were sandblasted to expose the original brick. The ceiling was left as exposed wood joists. New windows were cut into the north wall (the only available light wall). Ductwork was exposed and painted along with the fire protection system. All of the office spaces were framed with walls to a height to provide privacy, yet be open above. The conference room has a unique sloped ceiling below the ceiling joists to provide acoustic privacy. The construction included renovation features to meet barrier free access requirements.

Phase two involved a major portion of the second floor. An existing stair was opened up and revised to code. A dumbwaiter was installed to facilitate floor to floor supply movement. A secondary spiral stair was added to maximize circulation. The front conference room has interior window walls to maximize light into the balance of the space. Unique workstations were selected for the staff and a library was built for a dual purpose of an alternate quite work area.

Client Response: The staff enjoys the open concept which fits into the company’s philosophy of encouraging employee interaction and input. When the second floor plan was announced none of the current first floor employees wanted to move upstairs. However, when it came time to relocate upon completion of the upper floor, most of the employees wanted to move there.