Create Space | for Excitement.
After months of sketches, models, and conversations, the vision we imagined together has become reality. On October 27, ARC employees entered our new home for the next 10+ years! As we unpack and settle in, the space begins to breathe with life—working the way we envisioned, with project teams finding their rhythm, conversations filling open corners, and light tracing the textures we selected with intention.
Jumping back a few weeks, it was a huge effort for the whole firm to help with packing up our old office. From personal desks, communal studio and library spaces to the kitchen, crit room and more, every ARCer pitched in to make sure we were ready for the official move.
With crates filled, carts stacked and tags on everything ABC Moving Services emptied our space and made the short trip across the hall to the new office.
ABC Moving also took care of anything left in the old office we were unable to reuse in our new office through their liquidation service, making sure all items that could be reused, donated or recycled were properly taken care of.
While it was sad to see the office emptied out, the memories and projects we made there will live on in the new space as we produce more amazing work, strengthened by the insights and experience we are carrying with us into this new chapter.
The new space was ready to receive all our reused furniture, project materials and personal touches. In just two days the office was set up and ready to be unpacked, awaiting the patient return of the ARC employees.
Back to October 27, when we all arrived in the new office for the first time, unpacking was immediately underway. The excitement in the air was tangible, and lively chats took place all around the new space. Everyone quickly settled in and started making their spaces their own.
As with any thoughtfully executed project, a small number of final items remained, including brand signage, a few missing / additional lights, some AV connections and a handful of punch list items. But all the necessities were in place, and the office was fully operational, ready to support the way we work.
Settling in has been exciting – utilizing spaces as we intended while exploring new ways to work together, all with the knowledge that we designed the space to flex with our needs over time. In a space designed for designers, adaptability is an important measure of success, and we’re thrilled to see the ways each creator and designer are exploring how the new office integrates with their unique work style.
The new space features a flexible desk system, designed with space for growth, collaboration space for all sorts of work styles; a workshop that allows for never-ending innovation and creative imagination; an open presentation and lounge space that can handle small and large group gatherings; and thoughtful finishes that are resilient and allow for easy refresh and maintenance.
The new office feels warm and inviting, and settling in has been an easy transition. Designing for designers is difficult, but because we know each other so well, the core team was able to thoughtfully include the whole office throughout the process. That sense of being seen and understood really comes through in the space.
OPEN OFFICE
Being in a space that suits our size and workflow has been reenergizing for the office. There's a communal feel, which I love. Also, since I have struggled with ergonomics over the years, the height adjustable desks are a huge upgrade.
The layout of the new office is much more efficient for how we work today and the new task chairs make working more comfortable and productive.
The Collaboration Corridor allows window access for the whole office, reinforcing transparency, shared daylight, and connection across teams.
The new office is calm and intentional, with every space supporting how we work and collaborate. It’s truly a refreshing environment, making it easy to focus and feel inspired.
The Study Hall provides quiet space for individual focused work.
The Collaboration Corner features a high-top worksurface, the office puzzle table, phone rooms and adjacency to conference rooms beyond. Each piece of furniture in this photo has been reused or repurposed from the old office except for the Division Twelve Bitsi stool chairs that, along with the Muuto Under the Bell pendant lights, thoughtfully tie the space together.
The new office has been a great working environment! The open space and warm environment have made for more communication and collaboration in a space that simultaneously feels expansive and cozy / comfortable. It’s a great place to connect with coworkers and to host a variety of visitors!
WORKSHOP
The studio side of the workshop includes surfaces of multiple heights and flexibility, efficient storage, 3D printers and is located directly adjacent to the plotter room (behind photo view).
The library side of the workshop includes varying worktable heights and several open and enclosed storage solutions; all located adjacent to the windows for viewing finishes in natural light.
The Commons
The open presentation and lounge area is designed to encourage large-scale meetings, small intimate conversation and, when cleared of the modular or movable furniture, the ability to host larger events, supporting both internal culture and broader community engagement.
It’s exciting to have a space that is designed to engage the community and foster impactful conversations. I look forward to welcoming in a wide array of voices.
ARC’s new office was designed for ARCers to “create space” – for inspiring design, for collective creation, and for exploration and discovery – all with the mission of contributing to a better tomorrow.
Together, the Create Space series documents a process that culminated in a workplace that fully reflects how ARC works today and how we aspire to work in the future.
See other posts in the Create Space series.
Create Space | For Evolving Identity.
Create Space | For Collective Creation.
Create Space | For Higher Standards.
Create Space | That Celebrates Design as our Craft.