The new 34,100 square foot space transforms a vacant former Nordstrom Rack retail anchor into a vibrant creative workplace. The firm’s conscious decision to move from the 21st and 22nd floor of a corporate tower aligns the firm’s values of connectivity to local community and a desire for authentic interaction with the neighboring urban context in the heart of downtown Long Beach. The design concept is based on the notion of an “Urban Gallery”; a flexible evolving workshop. The “Urban Porches” on entries of both the 3rd street frontage and Promenade Street are defined by deep, steel plate frames encasing a composed display of glass and integrated art walls. These street porches organize the office’s primary gathering spaces and orient them to the street as a way to visibly and physically interact with the community. The porches integrate flexible spaces surrounded by gallery display surfaces for art installations, sculpture, mixed-media and product showcase. Arranged amid the open office are 3 elevated masses that act as huddle rooms for gathering and private meetings. All workstations are custom designed and fabricated to incorporate drawing surfaces, adjustable height desks and reconfigurable collaborative tables. The custom designed furniture blends a palette of natural and raw, industrial materials. A mezzanine wraps the perimeter of the interior space creating a “Bridgewalk” overlook with lounges, workspace and collaborative pin-up zones.