When designing the Fowler Packing office, the goal was clear: create a commercial space that feels as thoughtful and layered as a home, but built for performance, collaboration, and longevity.
An office is where people spend eight hours a day. It deserves intention, personality, and beauty just as much as any residence.
Here’s a look at the design philosophy and key elements that shaped this project.
Just because it’s an office does not mean it should feel sterile.
Throughout the space, picture frames and display areas were intentionally incorporated to showcase company retreats, trade shows, and brand milestones. Product displays were thoughtfully integrated so the company’s identity becomes part of the architecture itself.
The result? A workspace that reflects culture, not just function.
One of the most striking design features is the rotunda wrapped entirely in Anzac tile – running from the exterior wall all the way up to the ceiling.
This was not just an aesthetic decision.
The tile installation acts as a visual anchor. No matter where you are in the office, you can see it, instantly orienting you within the building. It becomes both sculpture and navigation.
Lighting was treated as a design feature, not an afterthought.
Decorative sconces, pendants, and statement fixtures were layered to create warmth and dimension. The goal was to make the space feel bright, open, and elevated, not flat or overly corporate.
A cluster of bell-shaped fixtures by Normann Copenhagen was installed to add drama and define space from above. Grouped together, they create a sculptural focal point while visually anchoring the area beneath them.
Lighting in this office does more than illuminate, it shapes the experience.
Modern offices thrive on collaboration. That is why a communal area was essential.
This flexible space allows employees to open a laptop, share lunch, or gather around to exchange ideas. The countertop, crafted by local artist Keith Newton, adds a custom artistic element that feels curated rather than corporate.
Tile from Bedrosians Tile & Stone was incorporated into the planter and back counter areas, tying texture and materiality into the design. Elevated barstools complete the space, blending sophistication with comfort.
It is a moment that invites connection.
Even the most basic office elements were reimagined.
The whiteboard is not simply mounted to the wall, it is customized in a neutral tone with floating panels layered in front. These panels add visual interest while offering privacy when needed. It transforms a utilitarian feature into a refined design moment.
Intentionality lives in the details.
A cluster of bell-shaped fixtures by Normann Copenhagen was installed to add drama and define space from above. Grouped together, they create a sculptural focal point while visually anchoring the area beneath them.
Lighting in this office does more than illuminate, it shapes the experience.
Vertical wall slats were used to bring warmth and definition to the boardroom entrance.
By tying the slats into the flooring and ceiling, a subtle reception moment was created as you enter the space. This thoughtful transition prevents guests from walking directly into the backs of chairs and instead guides them into a composed, welcoming environment.
It is spatial choreography, quiet but powerful.
Behind the scenes, functionality matters just as much as beauty.
Workstations by AIS were selected for their adaptability and clean aesthetic. Paired with ergonomic chairs from Humanscale, the space supports comfort during long workdays.
When employees feel physically supported, productivity follows.
Floor to ceiling windows flood the office with natural light and views of the outdoors.
When you spend most of your day inside, access to natural elements becomes essential. Sunlight softens the architecture, reduces stress, and creates a warm, inviting environment that feels far from a closed off corporate box.
Natural light is not a luxury. It is a design priority.
Lighting in this office does more than illuminate, it shapes the experience.
In commercial design, material selection must balance aesthetics, durability, and acoustics.
For this project:
Carpet was installed beneath workstations for softness and sound absorption.
Vinyl plank flooring was used in high traffic areas for durability and longevity.
The combination allows the open workspace to function efficiently without sacrificing comfort.
It is not about choosing one over the other, it is about knowing where each performs best.
High ceilings call for bold scale.
Large neutral artwork was installed to draw the eye upward and amplify the sense of grandeur. Keeping the palette and subject matter neutral ensures the pieces enhance the architecture rather than compete with it.
Art becomes the finishing layer, grounding the space while elevating it.
Floor to ceiling windows flood the office with natural light and views of the outdoors.
When you spend most of your day inside, access to natural elements becomes essential. Sunlight softens the architecture, reduces stress, and creates a warm, inviting environment that feels far from a closed off corporate box.
Natural light is not a luxury. It is a design priority.
Lighting in this office does more than illuminate, it shapes the experience.
The Fowler Packing office proves that commercial design can be:
An office should inspire the people who work in it every day. With thoughtful materials, layered lighting, custom features, and intentional layout decisions, this space accomplishes exactly that.
Because work environments deserve just as much beauty as the places we call home.
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