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SAN DIEGO—Creating spaces that feel more open while maintaining the privacy requirements of a law firm poses a challenge, but Ware Malcomb achieved this with its design of Noonan Lance Boyer & Banach LLP's new Downtown San Diego office, the design firm's principal Tiffany English tells GlobeSt.com. Ware Malcomb provided interior architecture and design services for the recently completed project, located at 701 Island Ave. Downtown.

The new 5,000-square-foot office occupies the top floor in a historic building in San Diego's East Village. The design highlights the historic nature of the building by creating an industrial-loft feel. The existing brick walls, wood floors and wood ceilings were restored and left exposed, while hanging pendant lights, exposed ductwork and skylights complete the look. Throughout the space, earth-tone finishes complement the existing brick and wood, while a vivid blue accent on select furniture and millwork livens the space and acknowledges San Diego's beach-city image.

Moreover, NoonanLance's new space combines the core needs of a law office with more progressive creative-office elements to create a unique environment that breaks from the industry standard. Ware Malcomb says the firm wanted an open and collaborative workspace to inspire creativity and engagement while providing an inviting and comfortable environment for clients. To achieve this, the design team focused on reducing visual and physical barriers to foster employee interaction. Administrative staff workstations in the center of the space utilize low partitions to encourage verbal communication and provide unobstructed lines of sight across the space. Private offices were still a necessary part of the design due to the need for confidential client meetings, so the offices are located along the perimeter and feature glass walls to maintain a visual connection to the rest of the space. The break area provides informal meeting space, providing employees a place to gather for impromptu meetings and interactions.