McKinney Architects Inc.

Austin, Texas

All members of McKinney York collaborated in the design and construction of their former storefront office, occupied from 2003 until 2008, to create a space that rethinks, redefines, and refreshes the firm's identity. Completed on a tight schedule and even tighter budget, the firm transformed the long, dark space on the ground floor of the downtown Brown Building through vivid color and a palette of simple materials. The glass-front main conference room opens to the sidewalk of one of Austin's busiest downtown streets and invites the public to view the work of the firm through the display of plans, photos, sketches and models, bringing architecture to the community and exposure for the profession as a whole. Individual work areas are organized in a studio environment to allow the small space to feel open and expansive. Access flooring raises the partners' offices two feet above floor level for privacy.