Contract Magazine - October 2019 - 47

Location Portland, Oregon

Founded 2015

Typologies

Work & Co.'s bright, light-filled
office (opposite page) is a
welcomed contrast to the dark
and rainy winters of Portland.
The palette of white and light
woods acts as a backdrop that
comes to life in a different way
each day, as people fill the
office. Hightower's showroom
(this page) plays on texture,
color, and shape to create
unexpected statements. The
soft-hued, plush showroom
makes for the perfect escape
from the busy halls of NeoCon,
while arched vignettes add
intrigue to the space and
frame furnishings.
Casework photos courtesy of
Casework; Work & Co. images
by Nicole Mason.

that is a true extension to their personality. Each project we are a part of is
For the Portland, Oregon-based studio Casework, experience and narrative
as individual as those involved. At the root, we are designers looking to create
are the driving influences behind each and every one of their projects. Founded
by Casey Keasler in 2015, the five-person team is focused almost entirely on remodels, meaning in the work we produce. We are listeners, managers, detectives,
therapists, advocates, and visionaries."
and very rarely partakes in new construction. With a focus on environments
For furniture manufacturer Hightower's Chicago Merchandise Mart
and how they are experienced, Casework believes strongly that quality of one's
showroom, Casework began the design phase by asking the company for three
environment is one of the greatest and most overlooked sources of happiness.
words to inspire the project. They chose varmt välkommen (Swedish for 'warm
"The power of design is real, and our goal is to understand our client's needs
welcome'), linger, and unexpected. The showroom is now a true reprieve from
and ideas, then translate them into an environment," says Keasler. "Just like the
the chaos of NeoCon, and guests are welcomed to kick their feet up, charge their
clothes you wear and the music you listen to, your space is an extension of you.
The most meaningful projects tell visual stories that have layers of past and present, phones, and enjoy a drink. Unexpected details playing on space and scale adorn
the showroom, from traditional and upside-down arches that create vignettes
unexpected elements not from one particular style or era, but have a familiarity
into other rooms, to a 12-foot pink Boxplay sofa by Swedish partner Swedese.
that is real. In short, they have biographies."
The space tells a story and makes visitors feel welcomed and at ease.
No matter the size of a project, the team at Casework dedicates the same
While designing the Portland offices of digital agency Work & Co., Casework
attention to detail and passion. Rather than filling a space with items and furniture,
employed the same careful consideration for what the client desired-the comforts
they strive to build connections between the spaces and those who occupy them.
of home. The minimal, contemporary office is functional for all employees, and acts
These humanist sensibilities are then blended with the firm's technical expertise,
as simply a supporting role to creativity and work, without unnecessary distractions.
resulting in successful, meaningful design.
The company's core values of collaboration and community shine through the
One of the most unique aspects of Casework's design process is the client
entire space through lounge spaces with plush seating, a spacious break room
interview process, which Keasler compares to a first date, in which both she and
the client get to know one another and explore the potential of what can be created for lunches and social activities, and multiple meeting rooms of various sizes.
together. "We believe each client is unique and because of this process, each
project has a unique result," says Keasler. "The bottom line is not about what
Casework wants to design, rather it is to serve the clients and create a space
contract

Contract Magazine - October 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Contract Magazine - October 2019