Project Description
Overview
Falcon Square Capital is an independent, full-service fixed income broker dealer serving Institutional Investors, Corporations, and Municipalities. The firm’s client-focused Capital Markets approach delivers unique insight to institutional clients. Founded in 2013, the firm quickly outgrew their original offices in Raleigh, and the four partners purchased the 7000 first floor a three-story brick building to accommodate their expanding staff. Taking possession of 2/3 of the floor and subleasing the rest, the Falcon Square management group enlisted WSDG to design a spacious flexible, open format Trading Floor, a separate enclosed Back Office, a reception area, kitchen/dining space and two small private offices.
Program
Graced by 25 windows, and a (10’) ceiling height, the original space was an empty concrete shell, which provided a blank canvas for WSDG and specific program requirements as directed founding partner/interior designer Beth Walters. She envisioned a bright, airy, spacious open workspace conducive to supporting high energy “Bullpen” activity. With a full staff of 20 representatives discussing financial issues and opportunities with clients via headsets while seated at a long conference tables, acoustics presented a primary concern. Multiple speakers conducting complex conversations in close proximity to each other has the potential for creating a distracting atmosphere that needed to be carefully modulated.
Design
The WSDG design program incorporated a synthesis of acoustic treatments to create a sonically tuned room that provides the Falcon Square team with a conversation-friendly environment. Beth Walters reports that new developments in acoustically friendly products such as Venetian blinds, ceiling and carpet tiles were selected for their sound control properties as well as their aesthetic values. “Research, product awareness and a careful study of the requirements of the Falcon Square team’s trading room process enabled us to develop a setting that facilitates their ability to carry on multiple dialogues without intruding on each others sonic space,” Walters says.
Photos by Cheryl Fleming