A Focus on Mid-Century Industrial Design

When the ESD logo and website needed a refresh a few years back, we turned to Patrick McGilvray at Focus 5 Design. His amazing design work really enhanced the ESD brand and took our business to the next level. So when he asked us to design his office space, we were excited to switch creative roles and work with him again. Patrick was hosting a community networking event the next month, so we had just three weeks for the proposal, design and installation process. The pressure was on!

Except for new flooring and fresh paint, the space was a blank canvas. There were five key areas to furnish and style: a front entry/welcome space, a wide hallway, a large conference room, Patrick’s private office, and a small bathroom. Working under the tight deadline, we met with Patrick on a Thursday and delivered our inspiration boards and proposal five days later. He gave us the green light the same day and it was full speed ahead.

Our design plan centered around the Focus 5 identity and Patrick’s personal design style, a combo of mid-century modern and industrial. Focus 5’s vibrant orange and charcoal gray would be carried throughout the space. Fortunately, the building association gave us special permission to change the trim and door colors.

To balance the industrial finishes and clean lines, we incorporated reclaimed wood, succulent plants and area rugs into the design plan. Shades of blue would soften the orange and gray tones.

We wanted the front room to have an instant impact on visitors and clients. The pallet feature wall was an all-weekend, all-hands-on-deck project for Amanda and her family. It was finished with an eclectic collection of 5s to reinforce the brand. Colorful mid-century furnishings and a vibrant area rug transformed this space into a cozy seating area. It now doubles as a gathering spot for informal meetings.

To the right of the entry, a bulletin board and wire mail basket provide stylish organization.

The extra-wide hallway was the perfect spot for a coffee bar and refreshment station. We installed a striking industrial light fixture over the console table. Orange metal stools provide additional seating while continuing the Focus 5 colors through the space.

Patrick needed the conference room to be a flexible space for meetings, events and guest speakers. Multiple sleek conference tables allow for large or small configurations. We also brought in a clear dry erase board and flat screen TV for presentations.

Orange and white mid-century chairs complement the modern office furnishings. The artwork is by Cincinnati artist Chase Melendez, a friend of Patrick’s.

For Patrick’s private office, we painted the floor navy and added a geometric area rug to soften the space. The sideboard is a duplicate of the one we used in the front seating area. We loved it so much that we ordered two!

A few simple design elements transformed this small bathroom.  We added an industrial paper holder and a unique wood shelving unit.

It was a full sprint to the finish line, but we completed the entire project in time for the networking event. Attendees raved about how cool the office looked. Along with client meetings, Patrick continues to host monthly community events in this colorful and eclectic space.

We had a blast working with Patrick again, and we thank him for the opportunity. If you’d like to learn more about how Focus 5 transforms businesses through their five-step brand-building framework, visit them at: https://www.focus5design.com.

Happy Design Dreams,

Keri & Amanda