WASHIONTON, DC—GTM Architects recently designed an 1,800-square-foot space for Brllnt Marketing + Design Studio in Washington, DC's historic Uline Arena—a unique building which played a prominent role in hosting significant area sporting, political and entertainment events from the 1940s through the 1970s. Brllnt was looking for quiet, private work areas balanced with open flexible areas that could meet their team's changing needs. At the time of the design, the goal was to balance open and private office concept elements throughout commercial space design, but those those concepts will still work. David Konapelsky, principal at GTM Architects, who was the lead architect on the project, tells GlobeSt.com that the space they designed should prove to be very adaptable for the requirements of the "new normal" of social distancing and staggered schedules. "The staff using the space will be able to work independently in the offices, conference areas, and galley, but given the large interior glass areas, still have a critical visual connection to each other and natural light," Konapelsky says. "The open work area is flexible to allow a variety of work stations, perhaps now requiring taller work station dividers, or desk areas spaced more than six feet apart." Being respectful of the industrial feel of the building—and working within a small footprint—GTM created a comfortable, light-filled office while incorporating a color palette that aligned with the client's corporate identity. The new space includes three private offices, two conference and huddle rooms, a galley kitchen, two phone booth rooms, an IT closet and an open work area to capitalize on Brllnt's collaborative culture. The balancing act within the design was to accommodate the private enclosed work spaces, as well as open communal work areas, along with the challenge of bringing natural light deep within the office. GTM's solution was to wrap two walls with the offices, conference rooms and support rooms to keep the majority of the space as open work area. According to a prepared statement, when one enters the space from the common hallway, there is an open view through the entire office looking directly to the large exterior windows. For additional lighting, the offices and main conference room have large window wall areas allowing for natural light. The second, smaller conference room is located at the window line and has a FilzFelt slider panel that offers both privacy and the ability to be a part of the larger work area. The galley kitchen also serves as a work area with its center island. Floating wood shelves, Italian "puzzle tile," and a solid quartz surface counter with custom steel frame base complete the space. Additional design details include polished concrete floors, exposed duct work, sculptural light fixtures, interior glass window walls with black frames, and bold, vivid accent walls. Energy efficient practices and materials included LED lighting installed throughout along with lighting controls for occupancy and daylighting, low VOC paints and adhesives, mineral wool sound insulation, Energy Star appliances and green construction waste management and disposal.