The design environment at Shannon-Rose is unique. I thought I’d break down design features of working within a unique office (starting with the first floor).

Our office is a converted carriage house which was on the brink of destruction. About a decade ago we had this structure rebuilt from the foundation up, and we now have the pleasure of working in this great old building.  The building that began life as a carriage house along a back alleyway called Railroad Alley is now a technological womb for all things Web. At one time many of the structures in town had carriage houses or barns along the alley behind them…but few remain.

Front and center is the coffee, and we drink a lot of it! The giant Villemot poster is an original print and stands over 5 feet tall. These large prints were hand-pressed on a large etching stone. Each color was on a separate stone and has four to five ink colors.

The only original architectural elements remaining are the wood floors and some wainscoting along the back wall. I’ve kept an old fashioned office environment with touches of modern design to satiate the young’uns. I buy old things and refinish them or design new things and have Empire Exhibits bring them to life. My desk is an artist’s desk I bought right out of college… ahh, memories.

A few years ago we received a gift from the Northeast Regional Food Bank for some free work we did for them. Put it to good work, right?

We need the biscuits because we have two dogs who work at the office. One is nice; one is a pain in the ass. Below is a photo of A-Dog, the good one.

Upstairs is where the action is.

Everyone works within earshot of each other. This defines the way we approach jobs at Shannon-Rose. We also have a lot of the equipment upstairs. In an effort to relieve clutter, I had Empire Exhibits in Watervliet build a groovy giant shelving unit.

Here is a view of the whole upstairs studio. The floors are original to the building and pose certain risks as far as holes go. Keep your high heels safe, ladies.

We have a nice work table and cutting board. A couple of years ago we installed halogen lights that give great full spectrum down lighting, as you can see on the back wall of the photo above.

Above is Scott’s desk, with his multiple coffee mugs to make it through the day. Caffeine is always negotiable.

From the top of the stairs you will find this sight of the dog sleeping at the bottom. Watch your step: sometimes I think the dogs believe they actually have some sort of job that involves sleeping most of the days.

Say goodbye, Amber…

Tags:   Carriage House · Design firm office · Shannon-Rose Design