Corporate interiors are designed with function in mind, equipped with conventional furniture designed to support workers as they perform daily tasks. However, there is little emphasis on the location where the tasks are actually performed. When it came time to design their own center, the architects at COMPLETELY decided to create a studio that was also a showcase of local makers and craftsmanship: a celebration of both people and place.
Located in Squamish, British Columbia, the 3,200 square foot Queensway office emphasizes the interplay of materials that sets the tone for the entrance. Custom Canadian-sourced maple veneer treatment adds warmth and contrast to the dominant pure white tone.
The material library is the heart of the space. Designers can mix and match floors, tiles and hardware and visualize how each piece can enhance a project. This curated archive of finishes, fabrics and swatches is not only an indispensable resource, but also a point of endless inspiration for staff members.
Adjacent visiting rooms are ideal for quiet moments. Glass-enclosed meeting rooms offer transparency with plenty of privacy. Choose words and phrases like “creative boldness” and “authenticity” adorn the clean surfaces. A wooden partition has the same terms carved into the panels, playful reminders of the company’s ethos.
In line with STARK’s clear approach, every element is visible and not hidden. Exposed mechanical systems, bare walls and concrete floors have an industrial appeal. Acoustic comfort in the open environment is key. Woven roof meshes and hooded panels reduce sound, but don’t detract from the refined styling. The lighting scheme, developed in collaboration with a local consultant, defines areas intended for groups and yet still meets the demands of detailed work.
Strategically placed color bars generate visual energy without overwhelming the rest of the interior elements. Orange chairs and dividers liven up the main office zones, while a rich rust tone wraps the larger conference room. A linear fixture in pale blue appears to float above the desk surface, with seating in a similar tone in the rooms below.
In this office by and for STARK, colleagues can fully collaborate with each other, with the space as part of the dialogue.
