How do you honor a client’s roots, while creating a new space for them? Grace Broeder, Associate Principal at KEM STUDIO, discusses Field Office, the firm’s recent transformation of an existing warehouse into a new branch office for a national specialty contractor. The project honors the client’s expertise in framing and wall finishing, while creating a workplace that celebrates authenticity, performance, and timeless craft.
Q: To start, can you tell us about the client and what initiated this project?
A: The client is a national specialty contractor that is an expert in wall framing and finishing for prominent civic and cultural projects around the country (concert halls, stadiums, museums). They are at the top of their field, which means perfection in their craft often translates to details that few notice. In some ways, that’s a sign of success; they’ve created surfaces and backgrounds to these beautiful spaces that feel invisible but are also essential. When moving into a new branch office they hired KEM STUDIO to design a space that elevates what they do every day turning this raw warehouse, which was a former title boxing gym, into something functional and beautiful.
Q: What was the existing space like?
A: Voluminous. It was a raw and straightforward warehouse space with 30’ ceilings that made it feel expansive. Our team saw that as an opportunity to create a diverse language of ceiling heights and textures throughout the office space — organizing different working zones and spaces around these experiences. For instance, we knew a portion of the space would remain raw, such as workout zones and a rec lounge, those spaces feel like the bones of the existing warehouse. We ensured that other zones, like open work areas or collaboration zones, were located at the perimeter for access to natural light and we added textured acoustical ceilings above. The common areas we located centrally in the floorplate, which is quite far from the exterior windows. To ensure there was natural light in these spaces, we took advantage of two existing skylights and created dramatic 20-foot framed light shafts — bringing that light to the shared kitchen and conferencing areas. Since we had dropped the ceiling heights down to 11-foot and 12-foot throughout most of the work zones, this move let us reveal the true height of the space in an unexpected moment .
Q: You’ve described the concept as pairing “true craft” with “work boots.” Can you unpack that?
A: Sure. “True craft” is about the precision and artistry that goes into framing, finishing, and building. These are trades where millimeters matter, and the results last for decades — it’s what those who work in this space spend their time perfecting. We wanted that dedication to execution to come through in every detail of the office design. Because the client self-performed this scope of their office space — our goal was to provide space for these moments of their craft to shine through in the design.
“Work boots” are the counterpoint. They are about utility, hard work, and timeless performance. They aren’t precious, but they’re essential in our client’s trade. So our space planning and use of less “front of house” zones in the project needed to be efficient and functional. That duality— careful craft balanced with straightforward practicality—shaped the whole design.
Q: How does that duality show up in the space itself?
A: You can see the duality in the restrained but intentional material palette and the way we treated transitions. For example at the front entryway, we used exposed framing details with mill finish studs that showcase the contractor’s own expertise, but we paired that with durable finishes like the cement bonded composite wall board that will hold up to heavy use. The reception area is a good example: it’s precise in its detailing but grounded with rugged, honest materials.
We also thought a lot about the organization and flow of the office. The space isn’t just a showcase — it’s a working office. We designed it to function for teams who are coming in from the field — literally in dirty boots — who can use a backdoor, have cubby space, a fresh shower, and make their way to the less rugged part of the office.
Q: How did the client’s team engage in the design process?
A: They were incredible partners. Because they’re builders, they understood the process and appreciated the rigor of good detailing, nailing alignments, and coordinating trades. They weren’t just clients — they were collaborators with both our team as well as the general contractor. Their insights into construction methods allowed us to push certain details further, because we knew they could execute them with precision. It was an incredible learning opportunity for our team too – to understand the constraints and methods that need to be planned in design to pull off the tight corners and crisp transition details.
Q: What do you think makes Field Office distinct within the broader landscape of workplace design?
A: Many offices lean heavily into trends or branding moments — whether it’s playful furniture, bold colors, or logos everywhere. Those can be great, but we wanted something different. Field Office is about honesty. It’s not trying to be flashy or overly styled. Instead, we wanted to let the craft be the brand — the story is embedded into the space itself.
That restraint makes it powerful. The beauty comes from execution and proportion, not decoration. It’s the kind of space that feels timeless because it’s rooted in function and craft.
Q: Finally, what do you hope people take away when they experience the space?
A: I hope they feel the balance between pragmatism and beauty. It’s an office that works hard, just like the people who use it — but elevates the everyday through thoughtful design. More broadly, we think it shows that you don’t have to choose between utility and artistry. You can have both!
I also fully expect first-time visitors to stand under the skylights in the kitchen and conferencing space and think, “Woah, I had no idea the space was so tall!” That moment reveals both the bones of the existing space as well as the client’s capability to execute with the highest level of craftsmanship.
