Incorporating Law Firm Storage into Minimalist Design

In 2010, an international law firm underwent a total building renovation in order to create a more contemporary work environment for their growing practice. They also wanted to build to LEED® Silver standards, making the interior space more sustainable.

The existing layout of the 1980’s building was disjointed and functioned almost like separate buildings within a larger structure, so achieving all of the firm’s goals was even more challenging for the architectural firm and associated contractors.

While modernizing the look of this law firm’s space was crucial, the need to maintain the day-to-day functions of a legal practice was equally important. Space needed to be allocated for records, documents and a legal library, all within a sleek, minimalist design where even the footprints allotted for lawyers’ offices were being reduced in order to maximize growth potential.

Storage Solutions as Design Elements

The firm was a long-term client of a local authorized Spacesaver representative in Washington D.C., and was familiar with the high-density mobile concept from many years of use in their facilities. They worked with SpacesaverInforlinx to install several systems throughout the new space including Litigation, Records, and the Library, in order to maximize storage capacity and conserve space for other functions like meetings spaces, open areas and even a full service café.

Not only did the high-density shelving need to function as a space-saving storage solution, but it needed to integrate into the overall aesthetic of the space. One of the strategies for accomplishing this was to use brightly colored 3Form (an acrylic material) and rare, rapidly renewable wood end panels on the mobile systems throughout. These features really accented the interior design, and helped to blend the storage systems with the rest of the interior.

The library is one of the main attractions in the building, and a high-density mobile system is installed here, in what they refer to as the “Boulevard,” the main access aisle through the entire space for both clients and staff.