“Tenant infill/improvement within existing mixed-use building. Proposed use is a guitar repair shop with accessory office and client hospitality spaces. Scope includes storefront alterations, new concrete slab, new interior mezzanine and stairs, non-bearing interior partitions. MEP scope includes ductless mini-split heating/cooling units (connected to existing rooftop condenser units), new electrical throughout including panel, rough-in, receptacles, and lighting throughout. Plumbing includes 2 new sinks and undersink point-of-use water heaters in tenant space, as well as specification/layout of (2) shared W.C. lavs and toilets in adjacent common areas.”

• Catering the Space to our Client:

  • Carry our client, Nate's, personal style, preferences, and aesthetic over into the design of the space with careful consideration to his workflow.

• Overhead Guitar Storage: 

  • The guitar storage contents are intended to be concealed and locked away when the double height rack is overhead and not in use. The overhead storage will be on a motorized system that allows it to easily be pulled down for use and pushed up for concealing.

• Demo the Mezzanine: 

  • Utilize the 15’ ceilings for overhead guitar storage (rather than a mezzanine with shortened head-height clearance).

The main design move within the space presented for Stahman Guitars is the overhead guitar storage which allows for approx. ⅔ of the overall space to be designated to Nate’s private workshop.

• The guitar storage contents are intended to be concealed and locked away when the double height rack is overhead and not in use. 

• The overhead storage will be on a motorized system that allows it to easily be pulled down for use and pushed up for concealing. 

• By utilizing the 15’ ceilings for overhead guitar storage (rather than including a mezzanine) the space is very much catered to our client, Nate, and his preference to dedicate most of the space to the workspace over the lobby/client meeting area while keeping ample guitar storage that can be concealed from public view. 

• The lobby area is still intended to be a very comfortable space for the clients that has a very fun, unique, and retro aesthetic within it – this retro aesthetic will carry into the workshop as well. 

• The corner nook within the more public client meeting portion of the space (adjacent to the sound testing room) is a design move meant to be a fun gallery wall that adds to the space’s unique personality while also serving as a great photo backdrop for clients to take a photo with their guitars before leaving if they’d like.

The design of Stahman Guitars is centered around maximizing functionality for the client, Nate, while integrating his personal aesthetic and workflow preferences. The key architectural move of this specific design was the custom motorized overhead guitar storage system. This major overhead storage design move reflects the practical needs of Nate’s business while simultaneously allowing for efficient use of vertical space with careful attention to maintaining a clean and organized environment when the storage is not in use. By eliminating the mezzanine and utilizing the 15’ ceilings for storage, the design opens up ⅔ of the shop for Nate’s private workshop, ensuring a larger workspace without sacrificing storage capacity.

This thoughtful balance between the public and private spaces is essential to the overall design. The lobby and client meeting area are designed to be inviting and comfortable, with a distinctive retro aesthetic that carries through to the workshop, creating a cohesive look and feel throughout the shop. The corner gallery wall, located near the sound testing room, adds a personal touch and a fun, interactive element to the client experience, serving both as a photo backdrop and a unique visual feature.

The concept for this project emphasizes the seamless integration of form and function, catering to both the operational needs of the shop and the client’s personality. The result is a space that is highly functional, visually distinct, and reflective of the values and style of Stahman Guitars.