## Foley Hoag: An Unconventional Firm
Twenty years ago, Foley Hoag made a bold decision to establish their offices in what was then little more than Boston marshland. Today, that same area pulses with energy as one of the city's most sought-after neighborhoods, complete with exceptional dining, nightlife, and cultural attractions.
This transformation mirrors the law firm's own evolution. Foley Hoag has never been content to follow the traditional playbook that governs most legal practices. Instead, they've carved out their own path as a progressive firm that challenges conventional expectations.
After two decades in their space, the firm decided it was time for their physical environment to catch up with their forward-thinking philosophy. The existing interior no longer reflected who they had become as an organization.
## Defining the Vision
The renovation planning process revealed two non-negotiable requirements. First, the firm needed workstations that would integrate flawlessly with modern technology. Second, and perhaps more importantly, they wanted to give their attorneys genuine autonomy over their workspace configuration.
These weren't typical requests for a law firm renovation, but they perfectly captured Foley Hoag's commitment to flexibility and innovation.
## The Custom Solution
Studio Other partnered with Elkus Manfredi to develop a solution that would meet these unique demands. After extensive planning, design development, engineering, and prototyping, they created a revolutionary custom workstation system.
The centerpiece is an ingenious work wall featuring an eight-foot track rail system. This allows the monitor arm to glide horizontally across the entire desk surface, giving users complete freedom to arrange their workspace exactly as needed.
**The system adapts to different work modes:** - Client meetings requiring face-to-face interaction - Focused, heads-down work sessions - Collaborative discussions with colleagues - Video conferences and presentations
Users can reposition their freestanding desk and guest chairs in countless configurations, ensuring optimal functionality regardless of the task at hand.
## Breaking Traditional Boundaries
The design team made another deliberate departure from law firm conventions. Instead of the expected dark wood paneling and heavy, imposing furniture, they chose materials that feel distinctly modern and approachable.
Plated steel became the primary structural element—a material that achieves remarkable strength while maintaining a sleek, thin profile. Wood fronts and accents add warmth without overwhelming the clean aesthetic.
This material palette creates an environment that feels sophisticated yet welcoming, professional yet human-scaled.
## Results That Reflect Culture
The finished space perfectly embodies Foley Hoag's unconventional approach to legal practice. Clean lines and functional beauty create an environment that supports both productivity and collaboration.
More importantly, the design reinforces the firm's culture of flexibility and innovation. When your physical environment adapts to your needs rather than constraining them, it sends a powerful message about how the organization values its people and their diverse working styles.
## Lessons for Commercial Design
This project demonstrates several important principles for commercial interior design:
**User autonomy matters.** Giving employees control over their immediate environment can significantly impact satisfaction and productivity.
**Technology integration requires thoughtful planning.** The track rail system isn't just clever—it's a direct response to how modern professionals actually work with their devices.
**Materials communicate values.** The choice to move away from traditional law firm aesthetics wasn't arbitrary; it reinforced the firm's progressive identity.
**Custom solutions can address unique needs.** Sometimes off-the-shelf furniture simply can't deliver the functionality an organization requires.
Foley Hoag's transformation shows how thoughtful design can support organizational culture while solving practical challenges. In a profession known for tradition, they've created a workspace that looks confidently toward the future.
