SHLTR Architects

Project Strategy

People always say that designing your own space is challenging. However, being an Architecture firm designing your own office space is especially challenging because it acts as a statement to your design aesthetic and abilities on a daily basis to multiple clients and visitors that come through.

We knew right away that we wanted to use Milliken carpet in the offices and conference rooms. We loved the cushion-backed tile and knew that it would help with acoustics and foot fatigue. Additionally, the aesthetic was spot on. We were looking for modern but elegant prints using blacks and whites, and their Grain + Bias line fit the bill perfectly.

We used Forge Commercial Construction as the contractor due to their experience with commercial upfits within the upstate region. We’ve known the owner, Rachel Johnson, through a business networking organization in Greenville for many years and know that she’s a person of integrity and does great work.

Unique Installation Challenge Strategy

We knew that we had a unique three-story building set in a canopy of trees on a lot in downtown Greenville, SC, so we wanted to do what we could to celebrate that and take advantage of the views bringing, nature and natural materials into the building. However, because we were up in the canopy of the trees on the third floor (without an elevator) it made getting materials to the floor, especially large heavy materials or equipment, very difficult. For example, we wanted to polish and seal the existing concrete floors to keep them for the main corridors, however, we weren’t able to get a 1000 lb. sander onto the third floor without the use of a small crane so that idea was out. We ended up using Milliken's concrete look LVT in the corridors to give us that aesthetic, a large wood accent wall, large exterior storefronts of windows, plants, and green furniture accents to bring as much of the outside natural world inside.