PROJECT  Baltimore Office Fitout

ARCHITECT  Hanbury

LOCATION  Baltimore, Maryland, US​

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  7/1/2024

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM  Ross Smith, Amber Fults, Evan Phoebus
OWNER/CLIENT  Hanbury
CONTRACTOR/CONSTRUCTION MANAGER  Wilhelm Builders
PHOTOGRAPHER  Vivian Marie Doering
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
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MECHANICAL ENGINEER  Jennerik
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER  Jennerik
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SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT  
This adaptive reuse project transforms the second floor of a historic 2 and 3-story former furniture factory in Baltimore into a vibrant, 4,700 SF office for a contemporary design practice. The building’s industrial bones (exposed brick, heavy timber, and concrete) form the foundation for a new kind of workplace: one that is open, collaborative, and deeply tied to its urban and cultural context.

Every design decision was made through the lens of values-driven design, balancing authenticity, performance, flexibility, and cultural identity. Rather than imposing a new architectural language on the historic shell, the intervention works in dialogue with it. Restored hardwood floors, painted brick, and exposed structural elements provide texture and warmth, layered with a bold material palette inspired by the firm’s refreshed graphic standards. Tile, upholstery, and painted accents in vibrant hues are strategically employed to infuse energy without overwhelming, creating a setting that feels expressive yet durable.

Staff engagement was central to shaping the space, with charrettes, surveys, and material reviews informing key choices. Daylight penetrates 75% of regularly occupied areas, aided by glass-fronted rooms that borrow and amplify natural light. Materials were selected for low VOC content and transparency, reflecting a commitment to occupant health and sustainability. Amenities such as wellness spaces, acoustic baffles, and flexible zones support comfort, focus, and collaboration.

The entry sequence establishes the office’s tone: visitors are welcomed into a lively lounge, kitchen, and adaptable collaboration zone that invite connection from the outset. A large conference room anchors the front of the office, flexing easily between formal client meetings and casual team gatherings.

The remainder of the studio is organized along a clear central circulation spine. Open workstations, enclosed meeting rooms, and huddle spaces maximize functionality while fostering visual connections and movement. Each huddle room is named for an element of Baltimore’s history or culture, enriching the daily experience with narrative depth. Graphic elements weave throughout the office, reinforcing identity and encouraging interaction.

At the east end, a creative hub combines a materials library, collaboration zone, and maker space for prototyping and review. Customized millwork supports design workflows with dedicated storage for carpet and tile samples, palette trays, and a standing-height layout table. Adjacent technical resources include a model shop and 3D printer, complemented by a large monitor that enables hybrid charrettes, pinups, and client meetings. This flexible zone supports fast-paced, cross-disciplinary design work.

Situated in a walkable neighborhood with access to public transit and local amenities, the office supports a human-scaled, connected lifestyle. Its compact footprint, shared creative spaces, and material restraint promote efficient operations and adaptability. The project exemplifies sustainable principles through smart investment in reuse, durable finishes, energy-efficient systems, and long-term resilience.

Focused on authenticity and adaptability, the space responds to its users and environment, providing a flexible, engaging workplace rooted in Baltimore’s character.

JURY COMMENTS (If applicable)

MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Project PDF

IMAGES (Captions and Photographer Credit)
1. Office Space Circulation Path - Workspaces on Left, Phone and Huddle Rooms on Right © Vivian Marie Doering Photography 2024
2. Office Entry, Lounge, Pantry and Gathering Space © Vivian Marie Doering Photography 2024
3. Baltimore Inspired Phone Rooms © Vivian Marie Doering Photography 2024
4. Interiors Library and Open Collab © Vivian Marie Doering Photography 2024
5. Interiors Library and Open Collab © Vivian Marie Doering Photography 2024
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