*Project completed while employed at HLW, photography by Brian Ferrari
Comcast Ventures
Santa Monica, California
4,000 SF
In the penthouse of a quaint mixed-use building in an energetic neighborhood one block East of Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade was a workspace that hadn’t been renovated in over two decades…
Before Photos
1... The only daylight into the space was largely blocked by private offices and rooms that flanked the perimeter walls
2... Large exposed and unfinished ductwork overpowered the open ceiling like a labyrinth of unnecessary clutter
3... The small space was raw and subdivided into many oddly shaped rooms and nooks.
4... The space was overwhelmed by turquoise walls, mauve-painted trim work and worn and dirty concrete floors
5... Clunky track lighting distracted from the lovely architecture of the room we later lovingly referred to as the Belfry
6... Doors to the spacious patio were unfavorably sequestered in a hallway and hidden from plain view
7... A modge podge of colorful cabinetry in the original pantry was tucked away in a hidden corner
8... Tiny open nooks were centrally placed - an underwhelming "feature" of the space
9... Narrow rooms concealed the limited daylight
10... Exposed concrete block flanked either side of the long perimeter walls
11... The main entry off the elevator lacked a sense of arrival
12... A long narrow storage hallway on one of the side walls seemingly reduced the overall square footage
The client ask was to create a workplace that would support and inspire their small staff and serve as a comfortable touchdown space for clients visiting the area. Entertaining space was a necessity, as well as creating a cozy residential vibe.
The demolition of all non-load bearing interior walls allowed for a complete re-design of the office space to create an open plan design that centers around a spacious Great Room and Bar, perfect for entertaining guests.
A unique request to conceal the fact that the space was an office was an interesting challenge.
First impressions shouldn’t be, “what a beautiful office,” but rather, “what a cozy environment.”
Professional Photograhy
3D Renderings
Furniture, Fixtures and Finishes
Custom Island Bar Design
