West Palm Beach, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/23/2014 -- Architectural Firm Now Housed in Renovated Historic Building At the Northern End of West Palm Beach's Financial District.
One of South Florida's most prestigious architectural firms and one of the area's premiere fine art and design studios have teamed up to transform a historic building in West Palm Beach's financial district into a creative work space, redefining offices of the new millennium.
This fall, Glidden Spina & Partners opened new offices in the 11,000 square-foot building which previously housed Hopkins Marine Hardware Co. from 1954 until 2011.
The building sat vacant for several years until the team from Glidden Spina saw the potential to create a space which reflected the firm's business while representing its unique culture; a culture where both creativity and associate interaction are encouraged.
"We have created a space which inspires creativity, fosters collaboration and fuels energy," states Keith Spina, Senior Partner at the firm entering its 40th year serving clients, many of whom are here in South Florida. "Every day I walk through the doors, I'm stunned by the transformation we pulled off here."
To accentuate and elevate the environment, Glidden Spina tapped the shoulder of Fort Lauderdale based Steven Greenwald Design, Inc. and its President, Steven Greenwald, to bring in an eclectic collection of artwork that embraces the essence of the environment.
"This is a very unique space," Greenwald said. "I wanted to use pieces here that are wickedly creative."
Choosing 49 pieces from as many as eight different artists, Greenwald put together an exceptional collection which could easily be found at a Worth Avenue gallery.
In fact, the artwork – much of which can be viewed from outside the building – is available for sale, with art selections constantly rotating and changing.
What visitors to the offices of Glidden Spina won't see are framed photos of the firm's projects so common in architectural offices. Those are displayed on a flat screen overlooking one of the meeting areas.
What they'll see, instead, is vibrant and creative abstract artwork that accents the tone of the office.
"Art shouldn't be used simply as filler," Greenwald says. "It should help define the space."
One of the most creative pieces in the collection is a hanging piece, created by Greenwald himself. Titled "396 Facets of Inspiration," the hanging installation can be found in the building's kitchen area. It can also be clearly seen through Glidden Spina's large plate glass front windows which face Sixth Street, across from the Bank of America Building.
The hanging installation—a collection of 66 wooden square cubes, each side painted individually with images, drawings and quotes—is as much inspirational as it is whimsical.
"We wanted to do something that hasn't been done before," Greenwald said. "It's perfect for Glidden Spina because it tells a lot about who they are and what they do."
The artwork throughout the offices, some incorporating the company's signature "blue tones", also reflects the firm's rich architectural history, enhanced by pieces from Greenwald's Architectural and Construction Art collections.
"This artwork is designed to help showcase and inspire creativity in a space which shares that goal," Greenwald says. "It has a lot of variations with different levels of cool attached."
Unique in many ways, the Glidden Spina office is designed to be open and spacious, with 16-foot high ceilings and somewhere between 12 and 14 meetings areas, including many with couches and soft chairs.
The open kitchen, accessible to everyone, is where you'll find the daily salad bar and a second floor – which includes some offices – also features an area with a pool table where the staff can relax and recharge creativity.
The environmentally aware culture of Glidden Spina is not only reflected in the designs they create but in their everyday walk. Six shiny blue bicycles are available for staff members or clients who want to pedal to their next meeting, burn some calories or get some fresh air. Not looking to expend too much energy? Hop on their six-seater electric golf cart and tour Palm Beach or head downtown for lunch.
"You don't see holistic ideas like this executed very often," Greenwald said. "It's not just a corporate space. This is a place—a business—with real character."
About Steven Greenwald Design, Inc.
Steven Greenwald Design, Inc. is a private gallery, art consulting firm and fine custom framing studio located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Offering services to corporations, interior designers and individuals, their 6,500 square foot facility includes The Gallery at Steven Greenwald Design and houses a full art studio, custom framing operation and warehouse. The Gallery houses a large selection of works from artists around the globe, with styles ranging from abstract to impressionism, original canvas to fine art prints. Steven Greenwald Design, Inc. represents specialized collections, The Art of Aircraft, Construction Art and Historical Florida. For more information about Steven Greenwald Design, Inc. and special collections, please visit http://www.fineartandframing.com.
About Glidden Spina & Partners
Glidden, Spina & Partners is one of the State's leading Architecture and Interior Design firms, serving South Florida and beyond. Recognized for excellent and innovative design solutions as well as a company-wide commitment to sustainable building practices, the award-winning Firm has developed a diverse portfolio of projects with a broad range of clients including public and private institutions, corporations and developers. For more information on Glidden, Spina & Partners, please visit us at www.gliddenspina.com
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Dana Pollitt
ADEPT Strategy & Public Relations
954-769-1533
Dana@Adept.co