Awards
International Interior Design Association (IIDA) WI Awards
Office under 9,999 SF Award of Excellence
2022
OBJECTIVE:
First Impressions
Venture Investors is a Madison-based venture capital firm that works closely with some of the nation’s leading researchers and clinicians. Strang partnered with them to create a new 1,435 SF office space that provides a subtle, yet impactful first impression.
Venture Investors’ goal was to “wow” investors, clients, and other users of the space. Additionally, the office desired a professional, modern, and clean working environment. With Strang’s help, the existing tenant space was reworked and refreshed to include tasteful and deliberate design details that leave a lasting impact.
SOLUTION:
Small Space, Large Impact
Strang’s main project challenge was working within the parameters of a small space. Feature elements in the space had to purposefully serve as both visually impactful and functional—every detail needed to count.
A primary example of the interplay between form and function was the L-shaped form that wraps from the office walls to above the reception desk. While offering an aesthetic visual, it also serves functionally as the doorways into the offices. This required our design team to custom design both the doors and door frames so that they appeared to be a seamless part of the L-shape. We continued this feature throughout the office creating a visual rhythm as you move deeper into the space.
Design Dialogue
Another key objective for this space was creating a dialogue between each separate design element. Offices traditionally aren’t visible from the main building corridor, but this office suite offers an extended view into the space from the corridor. The relationship from the corridor to the suite is parallel to the wooden door feature, complimenting the desk to the door, and the outside to the inside. The wooden L-shaped ceiling feature runs in a continuous line to the custom doors, further drawing visitors into the office.
The front entry desk design mirrors the ceiling waterfall effect, forging a strong dialogue between the desk down low and the large feature above. Like the doors, a desk is a necessary element to any office reception desk, but with our purposeful design, it blends seamlessly into its environment while adding a dramatic effect.
Down to the Details
At 1,435 SF, this office packs quite the punch into every square foot. Maximizing the space while keeping the design clean, modern, and open, meant every detail was designed to make an impact on users. The rhythm and flow of the user’s experience and visuals were considered before they even step into the space. Often the simplest forms can be deceiving—but like this project, it takes a clear design point of view and understanding of the space to achieve both function and beauty within simplicity.
