John Wells Production
Using a Japanese Bento Box as inspiration, John Wells Production’s new workplace was oriented to optimized space.
Understanding what drives the need for change
When acclaimed filmmaker John Wells decided to move his production company away from the Warner Brothers lot, he faced a unique challenge: creating a workspace that would inspire creativity while maintaining the operational efficiency his team needed. Wells, known for his attention to detail and appreciation for craftsmanship, wanted to break free from the sterile corporate environment that had housed his previous office. He envisioned a space that felt more like a thoughtfully designed home than a traditional office building.
The goal was ambitious - design a custom workspace that would reflect Wells' artistic vision while supporting the diverse needs of a film production company. This meant accommodating everything from intimate creative sessions to large collaborative meetings, all within a space that felt warm, residential, and inspiring. Wells was particularly passionate about moving away from generic built-in furniture toward pieces that told a story and reflected the craftsmanship he valued in his own work.
How we brought the vision to life
Drawing inspiration from the elegant compartmentalization of traditional Japanese Bento Boxes, our design partnership with ShubinDonaldson created a workspace that balanced efficiency with beauty. We developed a zoned layout that naturally separated different functions while maintaining visual and operational flow throughout the space. Each area was purposefully designed for its specific use, with carefully planned breakout spaces that encouraged both collaboration and contemplation.
The heart of our approach was a deep collaboration with Wells himself, who brought his filmmaker's eye for detail to every design decision. Together, we moved away from standard office furniture toward custom-fabricated pieces that embodied a mid-century aesthetic using carefully selected mixed materials. Our team designed and built handcrafted workstations, conference room furniture, and private office pieces that created the residential feel Wells sought. Every element was thoughtfully considered to support both the practical demands of film production and the inspiring environment that fuels creative work.
1 professionals brought this vision to life
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