Occupying the second floor, WSA’s studio is defined by the character of the existing building: original wood floors, exposed brick, and pressed tin ceilings form an authentic backdrop for daily work. The design approach is deliberately restrained, working with the building’s inherent qualities to create a workplace that feels both grounded and adaptive. Instead of imposing a new aesthetic, the project frames the existing shell as an asset, allowing history and contemporary use to coexist.

The workplace is organized around how the studio operates. Open work areas anchor the plan, complemented by a network of meeting rooms, huddle spaces, and informal collaboration zones that support a range of working styles. A central welcome area establishes a clear point of arrival, while dedicated pin-up space and a materials library reinforce the studio’s design process as visible and shared. Supporting functions (copy/print, resource areas, and a communal break space) are integrated without disrupting flow, creating a cohesive and highly functional environment.

The experience extends beyond the primary studio floor. A ground-level flex space provides room for reviews, workshops, and community events, expanding the workplace into a platform for engagement, and extending the studio with space for focused work, informal gathering, and respite — blurring the line between workplace and amenity.

This project reflects a core principle of WSA’s practice: adaptive reuse as a strategic approach to workplace design. By leveraging existing conditions, the design prioritizes flexibility, reduces unnecessary intervention, and creates an environment that evolves with its users. The result is a workplace that is not only functional, but deeply connected to its context, its history, and the people who inhabit it.