Office in Hashima / PERMANENT Co., Ltd. + Atelier Nagara Architectural Design Office

Architectural Design Studios, led by Cherie Arscott and her business partner Kris Havens, offers comprehensive design solutions for a diverse clientele. Arscott's background in construction and design stems from a young age, influenced by her father, a custom home builder, and her mother, who involved her in selecting materials for new homes. This early exposure provided her with a foundational understanding of the entire process, from construction to architectural and interior design. The firm provides full-service design, catering to homeowners, hotels, restaurants, retail stores, and other commercial properties. A key aspect of their approach is a seamless, collaborative team effort, where all members contribute to discussions, fostering new ideas and ensuring a cohesive design outcome. This collaborative model aims to provide clients with a worry-free experience, as all aspects of the project are managed internally. Architectural Design Studios recently established a new Delray Beach studio, a 6,500-square-foot facility that combines office and warehouse space. This location offers clients the convenience of visiting to make their design selections. The warehouse component allows the firm to receive and store furniture and accessories until the client's move-in date, streamlining the installation process. Cherie Arscott's design philosophy is influenced by her upbringing in Virginia, which exposed her to traditional European styles. She expresses comfort with both European classicism and contemporary designs, emphasizing that great interior design should enhance the living experience rather than merely focusing on aesthetics. This perspective guides their projects to create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also functional and enriching. Beyond their professional endeavors, Arscott and Havens are actively involved in philanthropic efforts. They dedicate 10 percent of their proceeds to The Place of Hope, a nonprofit organization that supports children who are homeless or have transitioned out of the foster care system. This commitment reflects their belief in giving back to the community and helping those less fortunate, even as they create beautiful homes for their clients. Architectural Design Studios is located at 250 N. Congress Ave., Ste. A, Delray Beach, and can be contacted via phone or their website. #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #CherieArscott #KrisHavens #DelrayBeach #FullServiceDesign #EuropeanClassicism #ContemporaryDesign #Philanthropy #ThePlaceOfHope

NIKKEN SEKKEI has undertaken the renovation of the ARAKAWA building, an office tower situated on a prominent corner plot within Nishi-Shinbashi, Tokyo’s historical business district. The architectural firm's primary objective was to transform the building into an appealing component of the city's future urban landscape, moving away from conventional, characterless cityscapes that often result from structures with facades that largely disconnect upper levels from their surroundings. The renovation project distinguishes itself through its dynamic facade, which innovatively integrates the emergency stairs as a central design element. Unlike many buildings where the connection to the city is limited to the ground floor, primarily for commercial facilities, the ARAKAWA building extends its engagement with the urban environment across all its levels. This is achieved by wrapping the entire structure with emergency stairs, which serve both as essential functional components and as a series of 'engawa'-like spaces, fostering a unique interaction between the building and its exterior. A key benefit of this unusual design is its ability to allow natural light to penetrate the narrow streets surrounding the tower. This strategic illumination not only enhances the urban environment but also facilitated the addition of another story to the building, thereby maximizing its internal floor space. By positioning the circulation routes, specifically the emergency stairs, on the exterior of the building, the interior spaces have been liberated. This design choice results in more open and user-friendly internal layouts, which can be adapted for various purposes. Comprising a total of nine stories, the building is organized functionally from bottom to top. The ground and first levels are dedicated to commercial and retail outlets, providing direct interaction with the street level. The subsequent three stories are designated as rental office spaces, offering flexible working environments. Floors six through eight house the main offices for the client, Araun Co Ltd., consolidating their operations within the renovated structure. The uppermost level is uniquely designed as a residence for the company’s owner, blending corporate and residential functions within a single building. NIKKEN SEKKEI views this renovation as a significant precedent for other buildings in Tokyo that are approaching the end of their commercial lifespan. The architects believe that if each building were to prioritize its relationship with its immediate surroundings and the broader urban context, it could contribute to the creation of a more attractive and vibrant city. This project exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to urban renewal, demonstrating how functional elements can be creatively repurposed to enhance both aesthetic appeal and urban integration, ultimately fostering a more engaging and lively cityscape. #NIKKENSEKKEI #ARAKAWA #OfficeBuilding #TokyoArchitecture #FacadeDesign #EmergencyStairs #UrbanRenewal #ArchitecturalInnovation #MixedUseBuilding

This article explores fourteen unique office spaces in Birmingham, Alabama, often referred to as the 'Magic City,' that are designed to inspire creativity and make the work environment enjoyable. The featured offices showcase diverse architectural and interior design approaches, ranging from adaptive reuse projects that preserve historical elements to modern spaces emphasizing collaboration and employee well-being. The first office, CCR Architecture & Interiors, is a live/work space housed in a tilt-up concrete and steel warehouse. The first floor serves as the firm's office, while the second floor is the residence of the architect couple. The design highlights large windows and outdoor spaces, with views of historical sites like Sloss Furnaces, blending industrial heritage with modern design. The principal architects emphasize the inspirational setting derived from Birmingham's historical industrial landscape and its connectivity to the city's vibrant areas. Big Communications, an agency known for its creative output, features visually striking interiors and a pet-friendly policy. The office design aims to foster an atmosphere where individuals feel free to express themselves and create. The interiors incorporate pops of color, advertising art, and vintage items, softening a sleek black-and-white foundation, reflecting the creative minds within the company. Nike's office and showroom in Birmingham are designed for wholesale customers, major retailers of sporting goods. The space, designed by Williams Blackstock Architects, uses local materials like Alabama marble and blue mill scale steel. The transition from rustic to polished materials symbolizes the development of an athlete. Notable features include a sleek reception desk, a hallway adorned with inspiring quotes and images of legendary athletes, a flexible showroom with a movable divider wall for product reveals, and a breakroom table crafted from recycled gym flooring and bleachers. Studio GoodLight, an award-winning space for photographer Liesa Cole and producer Stan Bedingfield, was designed by CCR Architecture & Interiors. The studio is characterized by abundant natural light, quirky and playful elements, and historical features such as original livery walls and massive bridge girders. The design integrates upcycled décor and offers a range of amenities for creative productions, including a cyclorama cove wall, full-service kitchen, and various production services. Kinetic's office on Morris Avenue stands out with its red caboose and graffiti mural, signifying an unconventional corporate space. The interior features a two-story custom cube workspace and train boxcar-style cubicles, alongside collaborative areas, a futuristic 'think tank,' and an extensive game room with retro arcade games and a state-of-the-art e-basketball hoop. The building also includes an exercise room and a rooftop playground with a putting green and lounge area, embodying a 'cowboys vs. aliens' design concept that merges history with technology. Lewis Communications occupies a historic five-story building, renovated with a focus on preserving its mid-century modern aesthetic. The design by Williams Blackstock Architects includes a monumental stair, a two-story lobby for presentations, and expansive glass walls that maximize natural light in open-office and collaborative spaces. The rooftop features a glass and steel pavilion, planters, a fire pit, and a grill, offering a relaxing environment with city views. P&S Transportation transformed a motorcycle shop into its corporate office, highlighting original brickwork and wooden ceilings. The design by Hatcher Schuster Interiors and CMH Architects uses bright colors and industrial finishes, creating an open, collaborative environment. Life-size superhero and Marvel characters from the owner’s art collection are integrated throughout the space, providing a whimsical touch to the office. Railroad Square showcases the resurrection of a dilapidated building by CCR Architecture & Interiors, preserving its historical essence. The project involved creatively reusing existing materials and features, such as a masonry arch constructed without additional steel. The space blends warm brick, distressed wood, and vintage tile with modern architectural lines, converting historical areas into light-filled modern offices for firms like Shannon Waltchack and Scout Branding. Stewart Perry’s office on a 10-acre site emphasizes green and sustainable construction, designed by Blackmon Rogers Architects. The office, which achieved Silver LEED certification, features a pond with an aeration system, a main conference room with operable casement windows for natural ventilation, and a wraparound porch. The site also includes a barn, garden, and bee colony, offering a serene, lakeside retreat-like atmosphere. Corporate Realty Associates at Bakers Row, located in a converted Merita Bakery, was designed by KPS Group. The minimalist interior allows the building's original architecture, including high ceilings, exposed ductwork, and sawtooth skylights, to be the focal point. Transparent architectural walls create an illusion of open space, promoting flexibility and collaboration. The break room seamlessly connects to a conference room via sliding glass doors, and unique circular lighting adds a distinctive touch. The Stockyard project, designed by CCR Architecture & Interiors, explores primitive and raw urban reclaimed construction for premium office spaces. It features repurposed shipping containers used as offices for Shannon Waltchack and Scout Branding. A 40-foot-tall vertical shipping container serves as the entrance to conference rooms, capped by a skylight, creating a unique visual effect. Reclaimed barn siding and lumber milled on-site from city trees underscore the project’s commitment to sustainability. Business Interiors, housed in a converted car shop and showroom, was designed by Mike Gibson of Golden + Appleseed. The challenging project involved building from the ceiling down due to the unique construction materials. The result is a modern-industrial space with curved walkways, large glass panels for natural light, inviting common areas, and creative nooks, all contributing to an open and collaborative atmosphere, complemented by exposed brick, a wall of greenery, and modern art. High Cotton’s office, renovated by Williams Blackstock Architects, transformed a windowless warehouse into an open, transparent space. New openings in concrete walls and large expanses of interior glass flood the space with natural light. The interior is punctuated with the company’s bold blue logo color, and a 'Town Hall' gathering space connects office and production staff. Glass box war rooms provide private conference areas without sacrificing daylight. Berkadia’s office, designed by Hatcher Schuster Interiors and CMH Architects, offers a modern aesthetic with glass walls, stained concrete floors, and contemporary lighting. The space incorporates rustic elements like reclaimed wood walls and vintage stadium seats, fostering a laid-back environment. A ping-pong table in the conference room encourages creative interaction and a fun workplace culture. The design maximizes a small space by removing walls and ceilings to create an open feel, blending contemporary and reclaimed elements. #OfficeDesign #InteriorDesign #CommercialArchitecture #AdaptiveReuse #CreativeWorkspaces #BirminghamAlabama #SustainableDesign #WorkplaceCulture #ModernOffice

Chester Inc. offers a comprehensive design/build approach that integrates architectural, design, and construction services in-house, presenting a "one-stop shop" solution for business owners. This method is designed to simplify the complex process of developing a new commercial building or renovating an existing one, addressing the unique needs and visions of clients across various sectors such as retail, healthcare, churches, and law firms. Unlike traditional construction models that involve coordinating multiple external firms for different stages of a project, Chester Inc. centralizes all necessary expertise under one roof. This includes architects, project managers, sales staff, interior designers, and site engineers, fostering a streamlined and efficient process. The core benefit of Chester Inc.'s design/build model is the single point of responsibility and contact for the client. Business owners engage with one entity, Chester Inc., through a single contract, which significantly reduces the administrative burden and potential for miscommunication often associated with multi-contractor projects. This integrated approach leads to fewer delays and quicker decision-making, as all relevant parties are internal to Chester Inc. For instance, if a client requests a design change, such as altering the color of a floor, the request can be processed and implemented rapidly, often within the same day, rather than waiting weeks for communication to circulate among disparate firms. This agility is a key advantage, especially when unforeseen challenges arise during the construction phase, allowing for smooth and timely adjustments. The design/build process emphasizes strong teamwork, not only among Chester Inc.'s internal departments but also in collaboration with the client. The client provides the initial vision and direction, while Chester Inc. supplies the specialized knowledge and resources to bring that vision to fruition. This collaborative dynamic is particularly valuable for clients who may not have extensive experience in construction or design. Adam Peuquet, executive vice president at Chester Inc., highlights that clients, such as doctors who are experts in their medical field but not in daily construction management, greatly benefit from this guided approach, ensuring their operational needs are met without them having to navigate the intricacies of a construction project. Chester Inc.'s long-standing presence in the industry, spanning over 75 years, and a high rate of client retention underscore the effectiveness and client satisfaction derived from their design/build philosophy. Approximately 90% of their clients return for subsequent projects, a testament to the positive experiences and successful outcomes achieved through this model. This high return rate and significant word-of-mouth referrals contribute substantially to their business, indicating a strong reputation built on trust and reliable project delivery. Clients frequently express their satisfaction with the ease of communication and the responsiveness of Chester Inc.'s team, appreciating the ability to make inquiries or request changes directly and receive prompt answers without the typical delays associated with fragmented construction processes. Ultimately, Chester Inc. aims to transform business owners' architectural and construction dreams into reality by offering an integrated, client-centric service. Their design/build methodology provides a clear, efficient, and cohesive pathway from initial concept to completed structure, ensuring that all aspects of architectural design, engineering, and construction are handled professionally and expediently. This integrated approach not only simplifies the construction process for the client but also enhances the overall quality and efficiency of project execution, fostering long-term client relationships. #DesignBuild #ConstructionServices #ArchitecturalDesign #OneStopShop #ProjectManagement #CommercialConstruction #ClientSatisfaction #IntegratedServices

Tzou Lubroth Architekten has been commissioned to design a unique hybrid structure in Accra, Ghana, for artist Amoako Boafo. The project integrates a personal residence, a painter's studio, a public art gallery, and facilities for three artists-in-residence. This initiative is driven by Boafo's aspiration to return to his homeland and invigorate the local art scene. The architectural design is situated within an orthogonal city grid with access to the seaside, responding to both the urban context and the natural environment. The house is composed of two distinct volumes that interact through subtle geometric shifts. One volume is dedicated to Boafo's private living space and his studio, providing a personal and creative sanctuary. The other volume accommodates the artist-in-residence facilities, dining areas, and a public gallery, fostering a communal and engaging environment. This dual-volume approach creates a clear distinction between private and public functions while allowing for their seamless interaction and integration within the overall complex. A central courtyard serves as a focal point of the design, featuring a circular staircase that connects the pool area to the public gallery. This architectural element not only provides vertical circulation but also acts as a visual anchor, drawing visitors through the space. The hybridization of public and private programs necessitated an innovative architectural solution, transcending the traditional definition of a mere dwelling to create a dynamic art-centric ecosystem. The material palette primarily consists of rammed earth walls and galvanized steel platforms and railings. Rammed earth was selected for its inherent connection to the local environment, providing a sense of rootedness and sustainability. Its earthy tones and textured surfaces contribute to a warm and inviting aesthetic, while its thermal mass properties offer natural cooling benefits, crucial in Ghana's climate. The rammed earth walls provide a solid, grounding presence for the structure, offering both structural integrity and a natural, organic aesthetic. In contrast, galvanized steel platforms and railings introduce an element of modernity and lightness. These steel components are strategically integrated to create elevated walkways, mezzanines, and protective barriers, contributing to the building's sculpted form. The combination of rigid steel and earthy rammed earth results in an architectural expression that is both robust and fluid. The interplay of these materials creates a visually engaging environment, emphasizing both the natural and the industrial, and providing a unique backdrop for artistic expression and daily life. The design seeks to balance durability and aesthetic appeal, creating a space that is both functional for its diverse programs and inspiring for its artistic inhabitants and visitors. #Architecture #ResidentialArchitecture #ArtistStudio #ArtGallery #GhanaArchitecture #RammedEarth #SteelConstruction #SustainableDesign #HybridBuilding