We purchased the former Jean VelDyke building in Hillman City in Spring 2024 and began construction in July. We moved in in October 2024. Our former office was in north Seattle, and with two of the partners commuting from South Seattle and SE King County, we decided to move to central or south Seattle. We saw a chance to be stewards of the building and join a new community.

The design concept started with the idea of an open studio that would bring and updated interpretation of mid-century design inside the space. The bookcase wall partitions the conference room and cantina from the studio with a translucent design to allow the penetration of natural light throughout the space. Previously the space had been partitioned into five rooms and a hallway. The structural system of clear spanning wood beams and steel support columns allowed the space to be opened up.

We were focused on using natural materials like cork flooring, birch plywood and birch hardwood. The cost and availability of the materials was a major consideration.
We served as our own general contractor and provided much of the labor ourselves. Challenges included the exposed plumbing pipes in the ceiling of the studio space and getting power to the center of the studio. We solved these problems with a lighted translucent soffit that coordinated with the bookcase and an electrical track in the cork floor system.

Built in seating in the cantina and conference room made the small spaces accommodate more people and provide additional storage. The custom upholstered built-in bench in the conference room also serves as an away space for staff to rest and rejuvenate. The telephone room is a key space in an open office. It allows for a space where people can go to have private conversations or video calls.