Smith, Jones and Associates Law firm
Smith, Jones and Associates is a law firm that is relocating to a new, more prominent location in Chicago, Illinois. The design goal was to create a transitional-style office space to accommodate the company's team, which includes seven lawyers, four paralegals, three executive assistants, and one receptionist. The design process included wall placement, furniture selection, use of existing furniture, and construction document production. Strict constraints included the size of office spaces and the location and proximity of certain rooms to one another.
Here is the full size downloadable construction document set. A smaller preview of each page can be seen below.
Here is the full size downloadable construction document set. A smaller preview of each page can be seen below.
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cover page
Partition plan
The floor plan of the office emphasizes the importance of prominent members in the law firm. The senior partner's office is located on the northeast corner of the building, receiving the best views and the most space of all of the offices. The four attorneys and two partners are also located in window offices, each residing in a private office. The library/lounge area is in the other, northwest corner of the building. All of the other spaces, including the executive assistant offices, are located in the center of the building, with a prominent hallway circling the office.
All of the walls in the law firm are 5" gypsum wallboard, with a one hour fire rating. The executive assistants have a more open office with halfwalls to allow more natural light in. These halfwalls also allow the lawyers easy access to their assistance. A glazed curtain wall separates the reception and waiting room from the conference room, once again to allow natural light into the closed in areas.
All of the walls in the law firm are 5" gypsum wallboard, with a one hour fire rating. The executive assistants have a more open office with halfwalls to allow more natural light in. These halfwalls also allow the lawyers easy access to their assistance. A glazed curtain wall separates the reception and waiting room from the conference room, once again to allow natural light into the closed in areas.
Reflected ceiling plan
A variety of ceiling types were selected to suit the needs of every room. For the reception and waiting room, a traditional-style coffer panel was chosen to bring a sense of awe to the space right as the client walks in. These coffer panels are extended into the senior partner and two other partners' offices to confirm the upscale qualities the law firm wants to display to their best clients. In the library and conference room, wood panels were selected and placed at an angle to draw the user's eye to the space. In the hallways and attorney offices, ceiling drywall was used to create a more simplistic, yet finished look. Lastly, in the other spaces less seen by clients, including the paralegal office, workroom, and lunchroom, acoustic ceiling tile was selected to reduce the noise levels.
For lighting, recessed cans were placed in the areas more seen by clients, and recessed fluorescent lighting was used elsewhere for ambient lighting. Gimbal lighting was selected to illuminate wall art and other prominent objects, such as the company name above the fireplace in the waiting room. A decorative ceiling mounted fixture was also used in the library and partners' offices, creating a more complete traditional-style theme.
For lighting, recessed cans were placed in the areas more seen by clients, and recessed fluorescent lighting was used elsewhere for ambient lighting. Gimbal lighting was selected to illuminate wall art and other prominent objects, such as the company name above the fireplace in the waiting room. A decorative ceiling mounted fixture was also used in the library and partners' offices, creating a more complete traditional-style theme.
Power/data plan
Electrical, telephone, and data outlets were placed where necessary, either in the floor or mounted on the wall.
furniture plan
A variety of furniture was used to create a functional space with a traditional style. For each office, a desk with a return and credenza was place to allow the user visual access to the doors and windows.
elevations with annotations
Each elevation displays the traditional qualities Smith, Jones & Associates wanted in their new office. Wood panels comprise the surfaces of many walls. For walls in between the windows and hallways, windows above the doors are included to allow light to pass through.