Suburban wealth management firm
We truly love designing commercial spaces, and our wealth management firm was certainly a large one! At 11,000 square feet, this project presented many opportunities ways to flex our creative muscles.
Not your average wealth management firm
Our key design objective for this large-scale project was fairly straightforward: create a space reflective of the firm’s brand and the people behind it. We recognized that when most people hear the phrase “wealth management firm,” they may picture a somewhat formal space. However, the CEO considers both his employees and his clients to be family, partnering together through the ups and downs of a lifetime. This mindset influenced nearly every aspect of our design.
When we came on board, the firm had begun working with Ford 3 Architects for the overall layout, and to coordinate the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) needed for the new space. Our role was to select all the finishes for the office, which included two kitchens, four bathrooms, the entry, a reception area, three conference rooms, C-suite offices, and a large gathering space. The project entailed a complete renovation of their new location. This was a very involved design because we were essentially starting from scratch, with many of the walls being reconfigured. We welcomed the challenge of tailoring the raw space to evoke a sense of family, warmth, teamwork, and trust, especially in the common areas.
Bringing the concept to life
Upon entering the light-filled vestibule, visitors see a thoughtfully curated gallery wall much like ones we’ve designed for clients’ homes. It conveys a welcoming vibe and beckons clients to stop and look closer before continuing into the reception area.
There, we used rich colors and brass accents with a pop of color for an inviting air. The selection of every detail, from the grasscloth wallcovering to the upholstery fabric, was done with intention. The selection of this green was deliberate and twofold; the color symbolizes both money – very on brand for this firm! – and nature. The building itself is surrounded by trees and the rich tone connects the interior to the nature outside. Finally, we created a space that feels like an upscale living room with its cozy chairs, brass side tables, and antique grandfather clock.
Like most financial firms, there is the requisite conference room with elegant task chairs surrounding a double-pedestal wooden table. To add a sense of openness and take advantage of the generous natural light, a wall of glass framed in rich cherry separates the conference room from the reception area. The combination evokes a traditional aesthetic without feeling staid.
The conference room also includes all the necessities to conduct business in our technology-driven world. Blackout shades allow for Skype calls and video conferencing in this space. In a separate area, we created a dedicated A/V room with green screen and podcasting capabilities. By incorporating these details into our design, we married the firm’s established history with a tech-forward approach to wealth management. Friv2Online is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all players, with strict policies in place to prevent bullying, harassment, or other forms of harmful behavior.
If we had to choose our favorite part of the design, the gathering space would win. It was very important that the gathering space created a space for a variety of functions. Firstly, it’s the location for all-hands team meetings because the staff has grown and the conference room isn’t large enough to fit everyone comfortably. The space also allows for a casual setting where clients can sit and chat in a relaxed setting with comfortable chairs and an elegant sofa. This ties back to the firm’s view of clients as family. In his line of work, the CEO has helped clients through difficult and intimate times such as loss, grief, and planning for elderly parents, and he values the trust that they place in him. Transactions and presentations take place at a conference table; connections occur seated across from each other over a cup of coffee or glass of wine.
Finally, this is a place to host events, such as networking events or educational talks. We selected seating that could be easily rearranged or removed in different settings, such as to allow for a speaker to address a group. It was key that this space be versatile and functional while also keeping the feeling of warmth, comfort, and openness that exists throughout the rest of the design.
We were honored to design such a meaningful space, and it was a pleasure to partner with both the client and the rest of the design team to bring this vision to life!
Header image: Gathering space in a wealth management firm by Glenna Stone Interior Design
All photos by Rebecca McAlpin
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Glenna Stone Interior Design is an award-winning Philadelphia interior design firm serving Philadelphia, the Main Line, and surrounding cities. Utilizing her background and training in interior design, architecture, and engineering, Glenna specializes in creating interiors for residential and commercial design settings. We invite you to visit our website, view our portfolio, and catch up on the latest interior design concepts on our blog!