Challenging construction trends, Studio Independent renovates building for local advertising agency

TAMPA, FL, December 22, 2010 (Press-News.org) Studio Independent LLC, a young architecture firm based in Ybor City, has designed the new headquarters for the local branding house SPARK. The 7,000sf renovation of a 1969 metal building, previously used as an auto parts retail store and warehouse, is located at 2309 West Platt Street in Hyde Park, and provides a high profile, modern office for the boutique, South Tampa-based advertising agency.

At a time when most local design firms are struggling to find work, Studio Independent feels fortunate to have found a client like SPARK. "The inherent creative energy in a project like this is incredible", says Studio Independent principal Brandon Hicks. "As a young firm this is the project we wanted - the opportunity to collaborate with a design-based client like SPARK - an opportunity that doesn't come along very often. I joked with our client during the initial interview process, 'This is it...this is the perfect project for us. In fact, if we don't win this commission, I'm done with architecture - I'm going to open a coffee bar.'

"Our approach to the design of the project really attempted to parallel that of our client's own creative process", says Brandon Hicks. "What we immediately discovered is that several of SPARK's clients were established companies looking for something new - a fresh image, an updated logo...a creative story. Certain existing elements of the current branding formula for these companies may have been working, however SPARK looked to re-package these branding elements into something new and energetic. Our design strategy for the vacated warehouse was born out of this idea of re-packaging. Reflecting the design process of the agency it houses, selective elements of the existing facility were kept and re-utilized while others were newly clad. This mixture of old and new allows the character of the building to remain while also imparting an idea of progress."

Studio Independent, established in July 2009, is a majority woman-owned, two person firm located in Ybor City. Studio Independent is a full-service architecture and design firm with a strong interest in cultural value and sustainability within each of our projects. The firm appreciates the totality of design and sees architecture as just the start of any project.

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Studio Independent LLC is a full service architecture and design firm with a strong interest in providing cultural value and sustainability within each of our projects. We are here to assist in navigating the complex process of project development and provide specific planning, design and delivery solutions for each project.