JOURNEY OF TEN YEARS
The firm was ‘born’ in May of 2006 but it took over a year before we had an office.
I looked at lots of potential spaces in downtown Princeton - offices, retail spaces, garages, you name it. Waiting for the one that I wouldn’t mind being in late at night or on a Saturday. Somewhere a client would understand us when coming through the door. Several months of searching for a space with this “good energy” before I wandered to the top floor of 195 Nassau Street. That was it.
I was home.
I was a sucker for the details. The curved topped posts that fit your fingers perfectly as you walk up the stairs.
The transom windows above the original solid paneled wood doors with original decorative hinges.
Once inside, the natural light pouring into the spaces through wood double hung windows under the eaves, this sealed the deal.
I could see the potential beyond the low sloping angled ceiling. This was the place to set up shop.
We got creative with the furniture location to make it functionally fit in between dormers and to keep the office open even though it’s made up of individual rooms.
We painted walls, hung photographs and added a light fixture.
We assembled industrial work desks and wire shelving, unpacked and wired lots of new cable.
And opened the door.
The third floor of 195 Nassau Street in Princeton is a reflection of us – the one shot at a first impression.
And you are here. Welcome.
There is laughter and music.
Everyone’s industrial desk is the same – the same light fixture, desk chair.
Only the stuff on top varies.
The metal bins are neatly labelled on the shelves.
Wooden models share shelf space with books and objects.
Photos of the children of every parent who ever worked here are displayed.
Samples we love are stacked and visible.
Miniature metal buildings, old matinee ‘M’ ‘J’ letters, bottles, shells & stones all have a place. You can smell the espresso from the latest round of cappuccinos.
Our models are made of bass wood and chipboard.
We use pencils & paper and keep sketchbooks.
My current one is held together with rubber bands.
We believe in details, organization, simplicity, challenges, taking your time, communication, collaboration...
...enjoying what we do and appreciating who we do it for.
