Sleigh the Season with Style!

 

 

 

 

 

 

RTD Founder & Principal Designer

This commercial design project for a family office was a full-scale transformation of a 1950s Studebaker Car Dealership. Once a relic of mid-century Americana, the building has been reimagined to serve as a multi-functional space for business, social events, and artistic expression. Our clients, who relocated permanently to the country during the pandemic, needed a workspace that reflected their values and provided a hub for community engagement. Nestled near the town square with views of the historic county courthouse, the building combines functionality with the charm of its surroundings.

When approached with the challenge of designing a family office in a small-town setting, we knew this project would be unique. The goal was to breathe life into the old dealership, converting it into a vibrant workspace for the family and their growing administrative team. The vision called for preserving the industrial character of the building while introducing modern elements to create an inspiring and versatile environment that would feel connected to the local community.

The project began as an unconditioned, empty shell of a building, with no air-conditioning or infrastructure in place. The only usable feature was the original concrete floor, which we chose to preserve. Every other aspect, from electrical systems to interior spaces, had to be built from the ground up. Transforming this neglected structure into a fully functional office required innovation and a deep respect for its industrial roots.

 

 

The design’s breakthrough moment came when we reimagined the conference room as an indoor/outdoor experience. By replacing an original window with a liftable garage door, we introduced natural light and created seamless access to the outdoors. To honor the building’s history, we wrapped the space in its original brick, blending the old with the new. A stunning live-edge table became the room’s focal point, paired with saddle-brown chairs for warmth. Overhead, a custom modern light fixture added sophistication, while connecting contemporary design with the building’s historic essence. Another key feature to the building is the custom built ‘movable’ art gallery walls that display and sell art.

 

The results were extraordinary. The conference room, once an afterthought, is now the heart of the office—a perfect blend of practicality and creativity. By embracing our mantra, “Always think outside the box,” we delivered a space that not only meets the client’s needs but celebrates the building’s unique history. The transformation is a testament to how thoughtful design can turn a forgotten structure into a source of inspiration and pride.

This project exemplifies the power of adaptive reuse in design. From the custom conference tables to moveable art walls and bespoke lighting, every detail was meticulously crafted to balance history and modernity. Located directly across from the town’s courthouse, the office now serves as a centerpiece of the square, offering the perfect mix of style, functionality, and community connection.

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