The Jones on Main is a modern workplace housed inside the historic JPMorgan Chase building in downtown Houston. Before its redesign, the Jones on Main Management Office was a showroom for the building to display standard finishes and design elements tenants could incorporate into their chosen area. When it came time to move into a new space, AMB was tasked with creating a modern suite with more residential touches. While creating the design, Jones On Main decided to market the management office as a spec suite which resulted in the property management team only being in the space one week before a lease was signed!
The overarching design goal was to create a spec suite that highlighted a residential project’s warm and inviting qualities. Wood tones and warm paint colors were used to balance the urban feel of the open ceiling and concrete floors along with rugs and accessories to provide textural interest.
AMB worked with the Management Office to address several challenges in the iconic building.
The building was built in 1908 before modern HVAC systems, so the ceiling height leaves little room to add new air chaises and ducts. In public areas like the lobby where new infrastructure was needed, the ceilings were kept exposed to prevent the space from feeling cramped.
In areas like the offices where a ceiling was necessary, the designers incorporated a unique light fixture that was shallow enough for the low-profile ceiling.
The client wanted black horizontal mullions at every office front in order to allow natural light to penetrate the interior space. AMB used RACO Interiors’ new glass wall assembly called Design1.
Finishes such as wood were used to produce a sense of warmth and coziness. Some elements made of concrete were left unfinished to maintain a cool aura. Together, the duo created an inviting and relaxing ambiance.
The feature wall of green hexagons was an aesthetic and acoustical choice. The hexagonal grid is made of felt for sound absorption and behind it is a green-painted wall for an eye-catching pop.
In the break room, the ceiling was left exposed to provide a sense of openness. The laminated cabinets and tile surrounding the millwork are either warm or neutral tones. A textile rug was chosen for a textural touch.
