architecture, commercial
stearns consulting city center
For this political consulting company, DSA created an open bullpen design to reflect the spirited dialogue encouraged between workers. When privacy is needed, separate offices are available or translucent partitions can slide into place for a more spontaneous adjustment.
A glass coffee table with district map underlay is the focus on casual meeting area by the entry. Sound insulation for the conference room is provided by wall to wall laser cut felt derivative of the Bay Area watershed echoing SCI advocacy for environmental issues. Green materials are used though out: 3 form resin panels, stranded bamboo flooring, and Richlite table tops.
san francisco Camerawork
DSA created this suite of Protean galleries for SF Camerawork to change shape with each new exhibition via a system of removeable walls and varied height ceilings. “Every time I walk in, it just feels wonderful,” says R. J. Muna, an accomplished photographer and Board President during the time of the remodel. “The space has a very luxurious quality and dynamic nature that can morph into something new to keep the gallery exciting.”
A translucent donor wall greets visitors as the architectural emblem for the space, visible from the elevator, drawing the viewer around the corner and into the gallery experience. A series of randomly places horizontal tubes illuminate the donor wall panel to create the impression of movement and metaphorically refer to the importance of light, an essential element of photography. Beams of light delineate the edges of a lowered ceiling that creates the central gallery, echoing the signature elements of the entry. The monochromatic palette of black and white never overshadows the primary focus of the gallery which is the work itself yet echoes the black and white photography which is often exhibited here.
san francisco arts commission gallery
When the San Francisco Art Commission Gallery was moved into the shell of the Beaux Arts style War Memorial Building, they hired DSA to create a space that would respond and respect the context yet express the agenda of this contemporary arts center. Stripping the space down to its raw elements- exposed concrete columns, plumbing pipes and patchwork marble floors- a story of change emerged. A plate glass entry door opens the space to the grand hall of the building. An installation space has been separated from the main gallery with a heavy velvet curtain- softening the severity of the simple interior.
DSA obtained permits required by the city for approval including landmark issues regarding the location in a city treasure.
stearns consulting bernal heights
For Stearns Consulting Company, DSA converted a former studio space/home office into a space suitable for a busy professional services company. A pair of double doors opened the space to the light and air of an adjoining side turned courtyard with new gate and landscaping.. Within the space, walls were removed to create a large single room for multiple workers. A brick wall was uncovered and steel columns were left uncovered to maximize the sense of space. A new floor of recycled Doug Fir taken from a nearby shipyard to strengthen the visual relationship to a warehouse. The front façade was given a subtle yet distinctive pattern of tile, echoing the stained glass windows above, and taking cues from similar buildings in the local neighborhood.
rolex repair san francisco
When it came time for this watch repair shop to renew their highly coveted contract as the single San Francisco authorized service center, Rolex requested an alignment of the store appearance to the Rolex brand. DSA guided Rolex SF through this transformation from permits to highly detailed design. Custom cabinetry, new flooring and floating light panels provided an experience fitting to the level of caliber of a Rolex watch.
A sinuous curve to the reception desk allows for more than one area to serve customers during the busiest times. A discontinued color of Tiffany green glass mosaic tiles echoes the color palette of the Rolex brand, and allows the tile to hug the curve of the undulating wall. Leather inserts protect the watches from scratches, while mahogany edges are strong enough to battle purses and belt buckles rubbing up against the counter edge.
Translucent light panels transform florescent fixtures into glowing panels of soft light. The one incandescent fixture gives a feeling of warmth and hominess while complying with title 24 energy code requirements.