Wyatt Builds

DBA collaborated with Wyatt Builds to create an inviting, light-filled headquarters that showcases the construction firm’s craftsmanship within the context of an original historic warehouse structure. 

In creating their first owned office space, Wyatt Builds sought to both highlight their construction skills and create a comfortable, inspiring space for their daily work. As a woman-owned construction company, the firm looked to differentiate from the typical contractor aesthetic with a strong, minimal, gently restrained space characterized by warmth and airiness. 

The balance of materiality is found in the embrace of the rugged existing building, refined with the insertion of light, streamlined, and reflective finishes. The most was made of the existing materials and assets: Soda blasting—an alternative to sandblasting—revealed the original brick and terra cotta flooring, and the exposed lumber was milled to bring in a clean, natural aesthetic. Soft chairs and restrained lighting sit in harmony with stainless steel counters and exposed lumber and steel.

The plan features a front entry gallery that leads from the entry court through the conference room, kitchen, huddle space, and sunbathed outdoor zone. 

Up front, a spiral stair, custom catwalk, and mezzanine were carefully inserted into the double-height lobby space. Back offices are arranged around a communal “town hall” area illuminated by skylights and dotted with large islands to hold material samples, specifications books, and large drawing sets. Key design elements played with ideas of transparency and exposure: Translucent double-walled polycarbonate panels delineate private offices while maintaining brightness and connection to the collaborative work spaces. 

An internal courtyard was created by removing the roof on the existing addition, linking building users to a sunny yet secluded outdoor space.