McFarlane Architects, San Diego
RETROFIT TEAM
ARCHITECT: McFarlane Architects
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: BN Builders
MECHANICAL/PLUMBING: Pacific Rim Mechanical
ELECTRICAL: Ickler Electric
MATERIALS
The following is a sampling of materials used in the renovation:
FLOORING: Shaw Contract, Mannington Commercial and Tarkett
TILE: Daltile
ADHESIVES: Mapei
PAINT: Sherwin-Williams
CEILINGS: Armstrong Ceiling & Wall Solutions
SOLAR CONTROL: Mecho
COUNTERTOPS: Caesarstone and Wilsonart
THE RETROFIT
McFarlane Architects specializes in the design of scientific research facilities and needed new office space to allow the firm to grow to meet the demand for its services. Firm representatives wanted employees to feel valued, professional and have the resources to do the best work in the industry. The new office also had to showcase how a well-designed space can improve operations. The selected building was centrally located to
McFarlane Architects’ clients and it had a premium window line with views and abundant natural light. The building owner had only recently purchased the building and was anxious to attract new creative office tenants, allowing McFarlane Architects to engage all team members in the design process.
The resulting design is a bold, sophisticated, professional and timeless design. The lobby initiates the experience with full-height wall-tile panels around the core of the office anchoring the space. The lobby is open to the public/conference zone and work zone, but the work zone is separated from the lobby by floor-to-ceiling natural wood slats to soften the transition between the lobby and the workspace.
Key to the design solution is the organization of the spaces. The layout consists of two zones: the reception and conference rooms for project meetings with clients and consultants and a flexible working area with low-height work stations and furniture for maximum collaboration.
Full-height windows at the conference rooms provide a visual connection to the workspace but are also of acoustic glazing with decorative film to obscure the views and prevent transmission of sound to maintain client confidentiality.
The workspace is located along the exterior wall where the ribbon windows of the building allow natural light to penetrate deep into the space. Support facilities are grouped in the interior and centralized for access and space efficiency. The design solution creates a balance between individual productivity and group efficiency.
PHOTOS: JIM BRADY ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY