Rock Ventures Head Quarters (while working at Pophouse)
A highlight of my first project as Design Director at Pophouse. We had such an amazing team all listed below and some of the best partners in the City. We made the cover & were featured inside of the 90th-anniversary edition of Interior Design Mag! Which was the first time for Pophouse.
Read the Interior Design Magazine Feature | Link
Project Description
Innovation and collaboration set the direction as our team began designing the headquarters for Dan Gilbert’s Rock Family of Companies, located in downtown Detroit in the One Campus Martius Building. Symbolizing the important role this team plays in uniting the entire family of companies, the space was intentionally selected to emphasize the support this team provides while encouraging interactions. Spanning many companies, the Rock Family of Companies represents a diverse spectrum of industries and this unique collection of craft is celebrated throughout the new workspace. Our team created inspiring back-of-house moments, displaying artifacts and memorabilia in a nostalgic fashion while incorporating nods to the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse and Cleveland Cavaliers.
We focused on designing a transformative space that allows the team to create, edit, and refine their own experience while engaging in open communication and connection. The city of Detroit is referenced with honor with inlaid custom terrazzo depicting the Detroit city grid as well as a living wall representing the Detroit neighborhoods demonstrating the large focus on community that drives this team. Inspiration is discovered through purposeful design selections and curated art installations, giving this team a foundation to continue to positively impact the people, businesses, and communities this team serves.
Team
Photography | John D'Angelo (feature photography), Jim Haefner (magazine cover photography)
Pophouse Project Team | Jennifer Gilbert, Chrissy Fehan, Jordan Wills, Sarah Davis, Monica Pace, Lauren Burnheimer, Brandon Bartel, Nicole Pelton, Makyle Welke, Allen Largin, & Alessandro Pagura
Partners | Whiting-Turner, Ghafari, Library Street Collective, MOD Interiors, Vogue Furniture
Branded moments within the Rock Ventures office demonstrate the organizational identity and provide individuals an anchor to the team. Spaces that are full of identity-laden artifacts and information promote better psychological functioning which improves overall performance.
Art pieces have been selected in the space to support the local artist community while providing moments of reflection and inspiration. Exposure to art has been shown to have a powerful impact on brain functionality, building cognitive skills, increasing resiliency, and supporting overall health and well-being.
Materials specified in the space emphasized pure finishes of wood and stone to encourage wellness. Wall coverings and colors were selected to be natural and minimal. Columns in the space were wrapped in batten wood to resemble organic forms. The power of biophilic design in interior spaces has been shown to reduce.
The desire to keep the overall design timeless as well as clean was at the forefront through the entire project. This approach cultivates thoughtful affordances to maintain a clutter free condition within the space. Keeping physical work environments organized and free of clutter has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety as well as aid in focus and the ability to cognitively process information, promoting higher productivity.
