When Interpublic’s Casanova//McCann—one of the top 10 Hispanic-owned advertising agencies in the United States—decided to relocate its West Coast office, they sought a more open, collaborative workspace in The Hive, a creative campus situated in North Costa Mesa. Sacrificing square footage in exchange for shared indoor and outdoor amenity spaces at The Hive, the agency enlisted the expertise of interior design firm The Switzer Group’s Los Angeles studio, to create a workplace that was strategically programmed and elegantly reflected the company’s creative culture through thoughtful branding elements.
A colorful Rosie-the-Riveter-inspired mural by American graffiti artist Abel Leba greets Casanova/McCann employees as they enter the 11,350-square-foot space. Visitors are invited to take a seat in the comfortable waiting area to the right, outfitted in modern, bright yellow-accented furnishings. Employees can meet, eat, play, and relax in the large townhall area equipped with a kitchen, collaboration areas, and a recreational corner – all located to the left side of the reception desk. The company’s proudest achievements and impressive collection of awards are displayed on custom-made trophy shelves on the townhall area’s back wall. Each cantilevered acrylic shelf is internally illuminated with color-changing LEDs.
The Switzer Group put Casanova//McCann’s core values of Ingenuity, Pride, Passion, Goodness, and Family front and center. Four glass-enclosed conference rooms, along with a wellness room, are painted floor-to-ceiling in five distinct colors, and each bears a large graphic signifying these values. Neutral base-color hues of white and gray serve to highlight moments of the company’s brighter brand colors—green, orange, and yellow—reflected in the office’s furnishings throughout. The company requested to keep an industrial look, and as such, the design team utilized acoustic solutions within the space to help with sound mitigation. Natural lighting permeates the office through large windows that allow employees to take advantage of green views.
Conservation and wellness were top priorities in both the design and construction phases of Casanova//McCann’s new space. By closely inspecting existing furniture, as well as integrating with campus-wide recycling, the design team limited waste in the transition process and throughout the project’s future use. The decision to repurpose existing furniture was driven by both sustainability and cost considerations, while the positioning of workstations close to windows allowed maximum natural light in the work area and views of local flora/fauna. The project is currently seeking LEED-certification. The design team carefully selected everything from ceiling tiles to fabrics to further the client’s sustainability goals. Sourcing, carbon offsets, and VOC emissions were all under consideration.
“We could not be happier with the outcome of our office design by The Switzer Group,” says Ingrid Otero-Smart, President/CEO of Casanova//McCann. “The designers, Kelly Capp and Avana Grayr, completely captured and enhanced our vision. They were always on time and professional, were great listeners, and then turned our thoughts into reality.” In fact, Ingrid’s state-of-the-art office doubles as a space to entertain potential clients and reflect her values as the company’s leader. In keeping with the spirit of family and openness, her private office connects to a designated meeting room which not only functions as her “living room” but allows the employees transparency and access to her.
Material Used :
1. DIRTT – Glazed office fronts
2. Adotta – Conference Room Glazing - Metafora
3. Unika Vaev – Conference Room Ceiling – Ecoustic Sculpt Peak (installed Mirrored, Linear)
4. Fabricmate – Acoustic Ceiling – 1“ 6.0 PCF ReCore
5. Armstrong – Acoustic Ceiling Tile – 2x2 Optima Tegular
6. 3M – Vinyl Film Gradient on Glass – Fasara SH2FGAR Aerina
7. Koroseal – Wall Covering – Aurora 67163
8. Maharam – LEED-compliant fabrics for wall coverings and upholstery – Meld, Tek-Wall Twist, and Flock
