obr was hired to create a “jewel box” for the buildings main tenant and owner to bring & attract their high-end clientele to. The design driver evolved with the client’s budget to the core design concept of light emerging from mass. As a renovation project, this was accomplished by removing heavy stucco soffits, dissolving solid walls where plausible, and creating/exposing the glass box within. The buildings main structural system was left in place and exposed on the interior creating an open posh industrial space. Bespoke Partners is located directly under the flight landing path to San Diego International Airport and near the I-5 resulting in a need for improved sound dampening. This was accomplished by replacing all glazing with dual panel assemblies and improving insulation were accessible.
The design teams favorite and most challenging element that fulfills the projects design concept, was developing a multi-story surfaced glazed storefront system to appear like a curtainwall. This element composes much of the east façade and creates the buildings street presence along India Street. Interior spaces and design concept were developed in collaboration with Studio H Design Group. The client desired a bright modern Industrial open office with several enclosed offices to accommodate the high frequency of phone use by higher-level employees. As a result, the perimeter of the second floor was lined with the offices private needs.
Private offices are enclosed by blackened steel warehouse windows and sliding doors that allow for natural light to penetrate into the core of the building. The central spaces were left for the more public areas including the reception & seating area, open office, game tables, kitchenette, and conference room. The private & public nature and central location of the conference room provided opportunity to create a transparent space surrounded by floor to ceiling blackened steel warehouse windows. The juxtaposition of light and mass has transformed a heavy handed 1980’s building into a sophisticated modern jewel box.
