A fire destroyed the original law offices of Mayle LLC, creating the need for a new building and location. The Owners desired a new building with a welcoming, comfortable and almost whimsical atmosphere for their practice; a place to meet with clients sometimes under tense and stressful situations.
The building is simple in form providing a canvas for the Owners, not only to practice law, but to express their passion for art. Works in various media strike conversation and express the mission, personality and values of the attorneys in their practice.
Offices and conference rooms are interspersed on the first and second floor. A second-floor lounge has large windows bringing in natural light and a fireplace which creates a relaxing atmosphere for gathering.
The exterior cladding materials include brick and cedar siding. The cedar was treated in the process known as the Shou Sugi Ban technique, imparting a soft charcoal color on the landscape. The soffit “flutters” with its dramatic contrast to the contemporary black and white exterior. The layout of the site and building were designed to accommodate a future addition in the form of a butterfly roof; the reason for the windowless East wall.
A large mural entitled Imagine by Matt Ritter, located in the center of the office, and Zip by Jason Johnston, a sculpture near the entrance, both greet clients and visitors upon entering. Other works include various glass and graphic designs.
With its attitude for art and style, the building becomes in many ways the opposite of a standard formal law practice, expressing the personality and spirit of the Owners.
