Project overview

This commercial studio case study explores the design of a new satellite office for Basso Marketing, a fun, collaborative, and high‑energy firm headquartered in Rochester, MI. As the company expands into Grand Rapids, the goal was to create a workplace that supports their dynamic culture while establishing a strong sense of place rooted in the new city.

The program required an open office, conference room, two private offices, reception, and a break room. Basso’s Rochester hub is known for its funky, industrial character and bold neon‑green branding. Rather than duplicating that environment, this design takes a more refined approach: maintaining the industrial playfulness the client values while weaving in Grand Rapids–specific references to create a cohesive but not copy‑and‑paste identity.

Local context guided the palette and materiality. Blue accents pay homage to the iconic Blue Bridge, while artwork from local Grand Rapids artists celebrates the surrounding landscape and creative community. These elements ground the space in its new location and reinforce the firm’s connection to the city.

The floor plan is intentionally open and movement‑oriented. Half‑height planters and glass‑topped partial walls define zones without sacrificing visibility or flow. The open office connects directly to the break room, encouraging spontaneous collaboration and easy access to shared amenities. Additional touchdown stations and informal collaboration spots are distributed throughout the space to promote mobility, fresh perspectives, and team interaction.

The break room includes a small lounge, a collaborative nook, and a compact kitchenette with a fridge, sink, coffee station, and storage. Positioned near the reception and conference room, it supports both employee comfort and effortless hospitality when hosting clients.

To enhance well‑being and productivity, the open office, private offices, and conference room are all placed along the north and east perimeters, maximizing access to natural light in the most active work zones.

Overall, the design blends Basso’s energetic brand personality with the industrial charm and cultural identity of Grand Rapids, resulting in a workplace that feels lively, rooted, and ready to support a growing creative team.

Results

The final design successfully delivers a satellite office that feels unmistakably “Basso” while establishing its own identity rooted in Grand Rapids. The fun‑industrial aesthetic, paired with local artwork and blue accents, creates a space that is energetic yet grounded in place. The open floor plan and strategically placed collaboration zones have resulted in a highly flexible environment that supports the team’s fast‑paced, social workflow. By maximizing natural light along the north and east sides and integrating accessible amenities near key gathering points, the office promotes well‑being, creativity, and seamless interaction. Overall, the space reflects a thoughtful balance between brand cohesion and regional character, giving Basso a workplace that inspires both productivity and pride.