When the Auto Aftermarket Industry Association asked us to design their space, we knew the end product would not be your typical office. This fun & energetic company was excited to bring elements of their business into their design scheme, and was ready to pair a little whimsy with the more traditional aspects of a corporate office. Wanting to make a big impact, we used glass entry doors so visitors would see the remarkable reception desk, a transformed Nash Metropolitan Convertible, as soon as they stepped off the elevators. Enhancing the presence of the snappy yellow car are a multitude of other automotive details, including checkered door handles (our "checkered flags") and actual race-car seats that were mounted as reception chairs. The charcoal, grey, and black colors in the carpets invoked a masculine feeling, and gave a cool sophistication to a space that echoes quietly of grease, metal, and being under the hood!

The majority of employees in this office are female, so pulling out the softer tones from the carpet, the coppers & sage greens, helped to offset the harder lines and more masculine pattern of the main carpet which runs through the reception area and common corridors. Adding the coordinating carpet in the conference room continued the color palette, but gave a new energy in combination with brushed-chrome table tops & gear wall-clocks. The color palette in these carpets also drove the selections of woods, upholstery, and accessories throughout the space.

The final design was brought together through the repetitive use of key design elements that made the space feel cohesive. Diamond plate glass in the reception area gave way to diamond plate laminate used on all cabinetry in the workrooms & pantries; copper-colored silk wallcovering peeks at you from various locations; rich woods meet cool green tones in furniture and accent walls. The end result is a space that is a mixture of energy and elegance, with a playful touch that invokes a "suped-up" attitude in the employees and overhauled perspective from visiting guests.