Kilroy Realty
Soft seaside neutrals meet bold colorful elements in this Long Beach open-air space
Understanding what drives the need for change
Kilroy Realty faced a complex challenge: transforming a sprawling 955,000-square-foot multi-tenant campus into a vibrant destination that would attract and retain over 100 diverse tenants. As a California-based real estate company committed to maintaining fresh, contemporary spaces across office, retail, residential, and life science sectors, Kilroy needed their Long Beach Airport Plaza to reflect both their environmental standards and the unique coastal character of the region. The existing spaces lacked the cohesive identity and engaging amenities that today's tenants expect from premium commercial real estate.
The project required a delicate balance: creating distinct zones that served different functions while maintaining a unified aesthetic throughout the campus. From professional lobbies and conference areas to casual breakrooms and open-air courtyards, each space needed to feel intentional and connected. The team also had to consider the outdoor elements unique to Southern California, ensuring that materials and furnishings could withstand both high traffic and coastal weather conditions while maintaining their visual appeal over time.
How we brought the vision to life
Working in close partnership with SKB Architects, Tangram developed a design narrative inspired by Long Beach's relaxed coastal lifestyle, anchoring the aesthetic in light wood elements and organic seaside materials like wicker and rattan. Rather than creating a literal beach theme, the team crafted a sophisticated interpretation that balanced residential comfort with commercial functionality. The design strategy centered on establishing neutral, airy foundations throughout the campus, then introducing strategic pops of vibrant color and rich patterns to create visual interest and wayfinding cues.
The selection process emphasized both form and function, with pieces like the DEDON BRIXX modular lounge serving as sculptural focal points while providing flexible seating solutions. Custom elements, including a specially designed earth-tone area rug and bespoke upholstery, ensured the space felt unique to Kilroy's brand. In the amenity areas, playful additions like the handcrafted District Mills shuffleboard table brought an element of joy and community building, while carefully curated pieces from artisan makers like Belgium's Atelier Vierkant added authentic craftsmanship. Every material choice prioritized durability for high-traffic commercial use while maintaining the welcoming, residential-inspired atmosphere that makes tenants want to linger and collaborate.
3 professionals brought this vision to life
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