Descripción del Proyecto

After 25 years of corporate design leadership in the Indianapolis market, Schott Design turned its attention inward for their newest iteration of office space. The suite measures a mere 2,500 square feet but packs a punch in efficiency and design detail. While the overall footprint leans long and narrow, Schott Design implemented multiple strategies to take advantage of existing conditions and create a space that was uniquely representative of their brand. Starting with a base of exposed ceiling in perfect blush pink, varied types of ceilings and light fixtures are layered below - each thoughtfully intersecting with one another, resulting in a dynamic composition. The existing full, extended-height windows running the entire length of the suite sparks creativity through access to daylight and views at all points during the day. Line and curve live in harmony throughout, perhaps best exemplified by Shaw Contract’s Inside Shapes collection placed within the open office. The mid-scale yet bold pattern serves as a grounding point and delineates space while reinforcing the overall color and shape palette. The juxtaposition of the quirky carpet against the aggregate laden existing concrete floors lends itself to the feminine leaning-neutral palette found throughout the space. Every square foot of the space was maximized by intentional function planning and varied postures of furniture selections. Upon entering, a 16-person bar height conferencing table, accentuated by a custom installation of OCL Architectural Lighting’s Glowballs and three varieties of barstools, stands ready for all-staff meetings and yet still comfortably serves a smaller group of four to six. Across the way, a hospitality bar perfect for catered meals and package drop-off, demonstrates the possibilities of quartz – countertop, backsplash, and picture ledge, along with a mitered scallop edge detail that proposes a playful alternative to the typical waterfall-to-floor encapsulation. Aesthetic concerns and emphasis on first impression led to the utilization of inventive disguise solutions in the public-facing entry space. Motorized lifts for the coffee maker at the hospitality bar, as well as the main television display at the all-staff meeting area (which doubles as the firm’s main point of signage), hide these necessary but somewhat unsightly appliances when not in use. Further, a plastic laminate sample board is hidden behind what at first appears to be a large-scale piece of framed artwork of Avriel Shull – complete with close-fitting double doors and the option to interchange the artwork in the future. Moving deeper into the space, one passes a lounge area complete with the option of curtain enclosure for increased privacy before reaching the main storage hub of the suite – the finishes library. Along with the expected casework, the library houses a Kelvin-changing recessed linear light fixture with easy-button controls, allowing designers to quickly toggle between color temperatures and ensure proper coloration according to project-specific lighting. Existing ceiling grid and tiles were maintained at this area, painted black, and remained cantilevered under the exposed ceiling – providing a perfect open ledge for lush greenery, albeit faux – the only in the suite, to spill over the edge. Running perpendicular to the window-line, an art gallery wall and break room bookend the open office of 16 unassigned sit-to-stand desks while the interior of the space holds a 3-person huddle room, a 6-person round-table conference room, a solo user phone room, and in the oddly shaped remaining space, a server-storage room. Despite the shotgun style of the suite’s footprint, all spaces and functions feel convenient and open to one another, yet somehow unique and specific to their use – smaller parts of a larger whole. As the saying goes, the devil is in the details. For this space, it might more accurately be said that the delight is in the details. Rich, walnut-toned shelves, and brushed brass accessories add depth and a slight traditionality to an otherwise airy, modern aesthetic. An unexpected yet compatible color scheme of reds, pinks, greens, and muted teals leans feminine but finds balanced through swaths of neutrals and a generally intentional yet playful implementation of color theory, pattern, and scale. Varied cabinetry hardware and scalloped backsplash tile reinforce the intentional mix of shapes while a heavy emphasis on artwork throughout displays a contemporary yet approachable infusion of the firm’s personality. Inclusion of the written word adds yet another layer of expression. Upon entering, one must step on or over the phrase “creativity is contagious”, painted directly onto the exposed concrete flooring. Through the combination of healthy materials, access to daylight, strategic use of space, bountiful plant life, quirky artwork and accessories, and carefully curated details, Schott Design has created a space that not only elates, but thoroughly represents the firm’s values, approach, and capabilities. Through the combination of healthy materials, access to daylight, strategic use of space and furnishings, bountiful plant life, quirky artwork and accessories, and carefully curated details, Schott Design has created a space that not only elates, but thoroughly represents the firm’s values, approach, and capabilities. A recognized leader in sustainability amongst its Indianapolis peers, Schott Design capitalized on the opportunity to use its build-out as a living case study of just how beautiful sustainable design can be. Schott Design is forever cognizant of the material makeup of every product specified in its projects, aiming to create a supportive and healthy environment for everyone from the contractor building the space, to the end users coexisting with the space every day. While aesthetics are always important, mainly materials were specified based on their overall sustainability qualities for now and the future – a key concern for the design firm. Perhaps this is best exemplified by Shaw Contract’s Cradle to Cradle certified Inside Shapes carpet collection placed within the open office, or Look Wall’s No-VOC wallcovering in White Sky at the drywall ceiling in the entry. Or perhaps the office shines in its carbon impact efforts through the inclusion of demountable DIRTT wall systems for all enclosed rooms and modular cabinetry ensures future movability and avoid potential landfill waste associated with traditional construction. Salvaging and modifying existing features such as portions of existing ceilings to meet the new design direction while avoiding waste and saving costs was another sticking point in this design firm’s overall sustainable intent. Extended-height windows run the space’s entire length, remain uncovered by build-out to ensure maximum access to daylight, drive the ceiling and lighting design, and allow for the addition of biophilia to both enhance the space’s overall aesthetic as well as add to the indoor air quality and overall carbon footprint. With Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the forefront, the office sought to find a space where every voice, perspective, and experience can be heard, supported, and showcased. Constant communication was had between the team and the design leads on the project, asking thoughtful questions such as “How would you like to be seen in this space?” or “What does our current space lack that would add to your overall experience?” allowed for additions such as a combo wellness room/phone room to be included for employees who are breastfeeding, suffering from a migraine, taking medication, or need a place to step away and reflect. Thoughtful art curation throughout the space nods towards local artists, sustainable suppliers, and conversation starters on stories not commonly told such as Avriel Shull, a forward-thinking designer from Indiana who’s story is not widely known. The frame where Avriel Shull’s portrait resides also allows for it to be removed and replaced with other images, allowing for new stories to be told on a rotating basis. Further, and emblazoned above the distinctively configured break room cabinetry, an oversized custom neon sign urges all to “Give it your best Schott!” And while no one can deny a good pun, the phrase more importantly reflects the ceaselessly positive, can-do attitude of the company culture while also bringing a smile to everyone’s faces. While a showstopping feat of design prowess, this office also empowers its designers to seamlessly tell the story of integrated sustainable design to its clients and allow for more sustainable, forward-thinking, and inclusive spaces to be brought to fruition in the Indianapolis area.