Understanding what drives the need for change
When Tangram decided to establish their Dallas presence, they faced a unique dual challenge: creating a functional workspace for their own team while simultaneously designing a living showroom that could demonstrate their design expertise to clients. The space needed to serve as both a productive workplace and an immersive experience that would showcase diverse workplace strategies to prospective partners. Beyond the functional requirements, the team felt a deep responsibility to honor the rich heritage of Dallas's East Quarter neighborhood, where industrial history runs deep through buildings that have witnessed the city's transformation over nearly a century.
The challenge extended into the modern workplace reality of hybrid work. Every space needed to accommodate seamless collaboration between in-person and remote team members, ensuring no one felt excluded regardless of their location. Designer Samantha East knew that creating an authentic connection to Dallas culture would be essential: 'It's difficult to design when you don't understand the people, so this project was about experiencing the culture.' The team needed to balance respect for local identity with Tangram's innovative design philosophy, all while creating multiple distinct environments that could demonstrate various workplace approaches to touring clients.
How we brought the vision to life
The design journey began with deep cultural immersion, as the team explored Dallas neighborhoods, walked historic streets, and absorbed the city's unique identity. They developed an 'Old Meets New' concept that would weave together the area's 1920s industrial heritage with contemporary workplace innovation. Original materials like exposed concrete and dark metals were carefully integrated with natural textures, creating a warm foundation that paid homage to local landmarks including the historic Magnolia Gas Station. This wasn't just aesthetic choice—it was cultural storytelling through design.
The space was conceived as a series of distinct neighborhoods, each demonstrating different workplace philosophies while maintaining visual and functional connectivity. From the welcoming Social Hub with its café and collaborative zones to the flexible Academy space that could transform for various needs, every area was purposefully designed to showcase specific workplace strategies. Technology integration became paramount, with Microsoft Teams capabilities woven into every meeting space—from formal conference rooms to intimate phone booths—ensuring equitable experiences for all participants. The design team created what they called 'Front Porches' outside private offices, intentional collision points that would spark impromptu innovation and connection throughout the day.
6 solutions from 2 manufacturers
Potrero415
Create inspiring settings — from open-plan casual to conference-room formal — with a wide variety of materials, shapes, and sizes. Potrero415 supports all the ways your people work: inside or outside a meeting room, sitting or standing, for long sessions or short bursts of creative energy. Designed for creative collaborators, Potrero415 is at the vanguard of a new standard of craft that looks better, feels better, and performs better.
Ology
Ology height-adjustable computer desks support the physiology and biology of workers and encourage a more health-conscious environment.
V.I.A.
V.I.A. is Vertical Intelligent Architecture that not only defines space, but redefines the role vertical real estate plays in today's workplace.
Migration
Migration electric height-adjustable desk allows users to move from seated to standing height, stimulating physical activity and promoting wellbeing in individual and group spaces.
Potrero415
Create inspiring settings — from open-plan casual to conference-room formal — with a wide variety of materials, shapes, and sizes. Potrero415 supports all the ways your people work: inside or outside a meeting room, sitting or standing, for long sessions or short bursts of creative energy. Designed for creative collaborators, Potrero415 is at the vanguard of a new standard of craft that looks better, feels better, and performs better.
Ology
Ology height-adjustable computer desks support the physiology and biology of workers and encourage a more health-conscious environment.
3 professionals brought this vision to life
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