Design Concept: Part 1 -Where Vision Meets Reality
This is the second in our seven-part series documenting the journey of creating Warm Welcome Design's new office. Follow along as we take you behind the scenes of our design process - the same thoughtful approach we use with every client project.
Now that we've covered our programming requirements (catch up on Blog 1 if you missed it!), we're diving into the Design Concept phase (part 1). This is where the magic starts to happen; where we take all those carefully considered needs and begin "discovering" the best floor plan while determining the overall feel and mission of the space.
Just like with our client projects, this phase is all about exploration and possibility. We're not making final decisions yet, but we're setting the foundation that will guide every choice moving forward.
Exploring Space Planning Options
Based on our programming criteria, we narrowed it down to three distinct floor plan options, each prioritizing different elements:
Option 1: Middle Partition Studio with Lots of Storage
This approach partitions the office into two distinct zones—client areas and day-to-day working spaces. By placing tall millwork partitions in the middle of the space, we create clear separation between where staff works and where we engage with clients.
The pros? Two great traffic flows and an enormous storage closet that works beautifully with deliveries coming through the front door. We maintained a large boardroom with ample seating and one private office.
The downside? Those partitions block precious natural light and make the studio feel smaller by splitting it in two. Sometimes the most logical solution isn't the most inspiring one.
Option 1
Option 2: Back Wall Studio with Narrow Storage
This option utilizes the large back wall, the one with no windows, for floor-to-ceiling millwork. This wall becomes an absolute powerhouse for samples, allowing for an expansive space where we can layer materials and create those "aha" moments for clients.
Here, we prioritized a larger studio by shrinking overall storage and kept client and staff areas joined in a more traditional studio layout. Think of it like a restaurant with an open-concept kitchen - I love when you can see the team of chefs cooking and plating dishes. That collaborative energy is exactly what we're after.
We also carved out two private offices and a more intimate boardroom.
Option 2
Option 3: XL Back Wall Studio with Small Storage
This is a variation of Option 2, but with some significant changes. We shrunk the storage cabinet to more of a closet and moved access from the front foyer into the studio itself. This allowed us to add even more square footage to the studio, making it as large and expansive as possible.
But it comes at a cost: we lose some of that functional, non-disruptive storage. Worth it? That's the million-dollar question.
We also explored a different desk layout, adding two workstations on the ends to break things up and add slightly more privacy.
Option 3
Deciding the Vibe
Every great space needs a mission statement, and ours is: "Blending sophisticated finishes with grounding furnishings, our studio is crafted to spark creativity and foster meaningful connection. Alive with energy and collaboration, every delicate detail is designed to deepen your sense of belonging."
We're grounding this vision in rich colors, grainy woods, warm whites, and quality millwork—a direct reflection of the principles we bring to all our client projects. The space will continue to evolve as we grow into it, which is exactly how it should be.
Key finishes we're considering include herringbone floors, stile and rail interior doors, and unlacquered brass plumbing fixtures. Each choice is intentional, each detail contributes to the overall story we want to tell.
Initial Concept Board - Pictures Courtesy of Pinterest & Lucky Chap Entertainment
Our Feedback (The Real Talk)
I'll admit, it's a lot easier to go through this process for yourself when you've been thinking about your dream studio for three years. But even with all that mental preparation, the internal tennis match in my head is real. Poor Vivian has heard me change my mind multiple times at this point, but that back-and-forth is actually part of the design process.
After weighing all the pros and cons, I think we need to go with a hybrid of Option 2 and Option 3. Despite loving the zones created in Option 1, it breaks up the space too much and doesn't utilize that long windowless wall to its full potential.
I'm drawn to the three offices in Option 2 - I feel like that layout can really grow and evolve with us. For now, I'm actually looking for 1-2 tenants for those private offices since we don't need all the space yet! (Speaking of which, if you know any incredible women who need a private office in the Etobicoke area, please send them my info!)
I do prefer the desk setup from Option 3 though, it feels more dynamic and creates better sightlines when people walk through the front door. Instead of seeing the back of someone's head, you see their profile, which is better for both the person entering and the person working. Win-win.
One final must-have that's forcing us to make some compromises: we really need a dedicated printer station. This will probably come at the cost of a smaller storage area, but it's something we use every single day. We need a proper hub for paper, pens, and general office supplies - it's non-negotiable for the final floor plan.
The beautiful thing about the Design Concept phase is that nothing is set in stone yet. We're exploring, experimenting, and letting the space tell us what it wants to become. Next up, we'll dive into Design Concept: Part 2, where we solidify the final floorplan and verify it with 3D blocking.
Next week, we'll explore the Design Concept: Part 2, where our chosen concept gets refined into a solidified floorplan.
✨ GIVEAWAY ALERT ✨ I’m giving away my absolute favourite home accessory and go-to client gift! Comment ❤️🔥 on my in-feed office announcement post for the chance to win a Jo Malone Room Diffuser. Giveaway closes Monday at 11PM ET and winner will be announced Tuesday at 9am ET.
