MUL-MAC
Architecture + design firm transforms their own space into a moody haven
Understanding what drives the need for change
Architecture and design firm MUL-MAC had reached a pivotal moment in their growth. Their El Segundo office needed both expansion and a complete refresh to better serve their evolving needs. The 2,000-square-foot space required careful consideration of multiple functions: a professional meeting area for client presentations, a collaborative zone for team brainstorming, and a comprehensive library to house their extensive sample collection.
The challenge extended beyond simple functionality. As a design firm, their office would serve as a living portfolio of their aesthetic sensibilities and design philosophy. Every furniture selection and spatial decision needed to reflect their signature timeless and moody style while demonstrating their commitment to thoughtful, purposeful design. The space had to work seamlessly as both a productive workplace and an impressive client showcase.
How we brought the vision to life
Tangram drew upon their established partnership with MUL-MAC to craft a cohesive workspace that honored the firm's design DNA. The strategy centered on creating distinct zones through purposeful furniture placement, allowing each area to serve its unique function while maintaining visual harmony throughout the space. Rather than using traditional walls or barriers, the team employed multifunctional pieces that would define spaces while adding storage and display capabilities.
The furniture selections reflected a careful balance of form and function. For the meeting area, Coalesse Marien152 chairs in striking black houndstooth created sophisticated seating, while Steelcase Active Frames in black and light oak served double duty as room dividers and storage solutions. The collaborative lounge received a show-stopping West Elm Belle tufted sectional in luxurious cloud velvet, instantly establishing the space as both comfortable and memorable. The library design took inspiration from Tangram's own Newport Beach showroom, featuring clean white storage systems paired with a coordinating Coalesse Potrero415 standing table for impromptu sample reviews.
7 solutions from 3 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.
Flex Active Frames
Create your frame, fill your frame, personalize your frame – it’s that easy with the simple system logic of Active Frames. Select your frame and shelves, determine your level of soft or hard enclosures and then make it yours. Active Frames gridded and modular structure allows for short or long term reconfiguration and provides the adaptability needed in a resilient and evolving workplace. As team and workplace needs change, so can Active Frames. Add doors and locks to create personal lockers, or increase the height and width for more privacy in a space. Active Frames can support a wide ranges of needs in the open office.
Belle Sectional
West Elm Work Belle is an expressive modular sectional featuring an overstuffed form and tufted channels inspired by 1970’s European design. Inspired by deco-era design and expertly tailored, its seat and wide channeled back stands up to commercial wear and tear. Better yet: it’s totally modular, able to adapt to the layout of your space. Designed by West Elm. Made by Steelcase.
Marien152
Marien152 is a richly tailored seating experience that’s inspired by the home and designed for the workday. Thoughtful comfort is the foundation of a modern residential expression, bringing a surprising level of support together with warm, inviting style across a variety of postures. Design personalization is built into the collection through a wide range of upholstery, color, base and materiality choices.
Belle Sectional
West Elm Work Belle is an expressive modular sectional featuring an overstuffed form and tufted channels inspired by 1970’s European design. Inspired by deco-era design and expertly tailored, its seat and wide channeled back stands up to commercial wear and tear. Better yet: it’s totally modular, able to adapt to the layout of your space. Designed by West Elm. Made by Steelcase.
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.
3 professionals brought this vision to life
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