This project involved the transformation of a newly acquired creative studio in Long Beach, California into a rentable coworking and collaborative environment for artists and makers. The existing space carried a raw, street-level aesthetic. The client’s goal was to elevate it into something colorful, clean, and highly functional, while working within a strict budget.

The scope included a reception area, film studio, lounge, podcast studio, and recording studio. Each space was assigned its own colorway, creating distinct identities throughout the studio. To maintain cohesion, a unifying gesture was introduced: the accent wall color in each room was extended across the ceiling in a wide linear band, visually connecting the spaces while allowing each to retain its character.

The reception area was designed as a transitional moment. Inspired by the feeling of “waiting outside” before and after sessions, the space features backlit cotton cloud installations, a soft sky-blue backdrop, and a turf grass rug that subtly references the outdoors. Circulation was reworked to improve flow and prevent congestion when multiple groups occupied the studio simultaneously.

The lounge was conceived as a flexible, multipurpose zone capable of hosting small to medium-sized groups. Reconfigurable tables and bar-height seating allow the space to adapt easily to different activities without compromising openness or comfort.

Storage constraints were addressed through integrated solutions. Custom, concealed storage was built into the walls of both the film studio and podcast studio, allowing equipment to be stored discreetly and keeping the workspaces visually calm and uncluttered.

The result is a studio that balances creativity with order. A space designed to support collaboration, movement, and function without sacrificing clarity or intention.