Arnold & Itkin Home Office

Client: Arnold & Itkin
Location: Dallas, Texas
Scope: Custom reception desk, wall panels, and various architectural finishes in Blackened Steel

Project Overview:

A Dallas-based law office purchased a residential property and envisioned transforming it into a modern, functional, and welcoming space. The goal was to balance professionalism and warmth, creating an environment where employees and clients would feel comfortable. Custom design elements were incorporated throughout the space to achieve this, highlighting the blend of sleek industrial materials with refined, inviting finishes.

Key Custom Design Features:

1. Custom Reception Desk with Countertop

The reception area sets the tone for the entire office, so creating a striking yet approachable focal point was essential. A custom-built reception desk was designed with a clean, minimalist aesthetic. The countertop was crafted from blackened steel, providing durability while maintaining a sense of elegance. The stone and metal piece incorporates soft curves and angular lines to mirror the architectural flow of the space, ensuring a welcoming first impression for clients.

2. Custom Blackened Steel Bench

Positioned in the reception area, a custom-designed blackened steel bench complements the industrial aesthetic of the office while offering a functional seating solution. The bench features sleek, minimalist lines and a blackened steel finish, highlighting the material’s natural textures. The blackened steel was chosen for its modern appeal, while the natural finish ensures it remains understated but stylish.

3. Decorative Metal and Wood Screen Wall

To define the spaces within the open-plan office, a decorative screen wall was created using a combination of blackened steel tubing and wood. This partition serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose by providing privacy without closing off the space entirely. The various spacings of the wood components add an element of visual intrigue, while adding warmth and texture, balancing the coolness of the steel.

4. Custom Signage Behind the Reception Desk

To reinforce the office’s brand identity, a custom signage piece was installed behind the reception desk. The sign features a sleek, modern font that was laser-cut into the blackened steel panel.  The signage was designed to stand out but still align with the overall aesthetic of the law office, maintaining a professional and cohesive look.

5. Custom Column Wraps on the Building Exterior

The exterior of the office was also given special attention, with custom column wraps designed to enhance the building’s curb appeal. The column wraps are made of painted steel, providing a modern, clean-lined look that contrasts with the building’s traditional exterior. The dark painted finish ensures the columns complement the office’s industrial theme while maintaining a professional and polished appearance from the outside.

Materials and Finishes:

A carefully curated selection of finishes was used throughout the space to achieve the desired aesthetic:

• Painted Steel: For both the column wraps and some structural accents, painted steel was chosen for its durability, versatility, and modern appeal. The matte finish of the steel also contributes to the office’s minimalist design, allowing other materials like wood and stone to add visual interest.
• Blackened Steel: The blackened steel elements, such as the bench and screen wall, add an industrial, contemporary edge to the design. The unique finish of blackened steel provides a rich depth of color and texture, which creates a sense of sophistication and contrast against the warmer wood tones and stone finishes.
• Wood: The inclusion of wood in the screen wall introduces a natural, organic element into the industrial design. The wood softens the overall look and provides warmth, making the space more inviting and human-centered.

Challenges and Solutions:

One of the main challenges was converting a residential space into an efficient, professional environment while retaining the property’s original charm. This required creative design solutions to address the limitations of the existing layout, such as incorporating custom partitions and furniture to maximize functionality in the space.

Additionally, the fabrication process required close coordination with skilled craftsmen to ensure the materials were treated and finished to the highest standards. The custom bench and screen wall, in particular, required precise attention to detail during the design, fabrication, and installation stages.

Final Outcome:

The result is an office that feels modern and welcoming, with a perfect balance of industrial and natural elements. The custom pieces—from the reception desk to the exterior column wraps—help define the space and contribute to its unique character. The office is a functional, sophisticated environment that reflects the law office’s professional image while creating a comfortable and engaging space for employees and clients.

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Arnold & Itkin Dallas