OUR LATEST COMMERCIAL TENANT IMPROVEMENT INTERIOR DESIGN BUILD PROJECT // A PRIVATE REHEARSAL VENUE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Welcome back to The 4pt Report! We’re so glad you’re here. We are thrilled to share our latest COMMERCIAL TENANT IMPROVEMENT INTERIOR DESIGN BUILD PROJECT REVEAL with you today!

RELEVÉ STUDIOS

Relevé is a classical ballet term meaning “raised.” It is a ballet step that is taught to beginner’s in some of the earliest classes. It describes the action when a dancer rises up and seemingly is standing “on their toes” in a demi-pointe or a fully en pointe.

“…and that’s what we do. We lift up our members. Our goal is to foster a LOVE for creating and performing while building skills and confidence, I’m elated to say that I see that happening every day. It’s a joy to offer this private rehearsal venue for members only. We hope to add value and community for our private club members.” – Jodi Shilling 

RELEVÉ’S MISSION

“Relevé Studios aims to nurture creative minds with enthusiasm and expertise, helping clients develop professionalism, versatility, and proficiency in all aspects of the performing arts, encouraging them to strive for excellence both in spirit and in their artistic endeavors.” – Jodi Shilling, Artistic Director/Owner, Releve Studios

THE BEGINNING

We started with a big, (icky), box…and an idea!

DESIGN AND BRAND CONCEPT

When our beautiful client came to us it was one of those magic moments.  We both KNEW by the end of the initial meeting, that we were a perfect fit, and we jumped right in.

We quickly developed a streamlined and focused “new brand” concept based on our clients core values, a strong vision of their highly functional “dream” space, and our signature style, and began to sketch!

Once we defined the new brand standards,  scope of work, and list of must-haves, we sketched out the environmental activity zones and goals with commercial tenant improvement code compliance in mind; with strategic consideration of the wide range of ages (from toddlers to adults) of the performers, attendees, staff, members, and students that would be utilizing the space. It was pretty amazing how it all came together so organically. It was, (dare I say), EASY.

Then, it was on to developing and finalizing architectural details, drawings, and formal construction documents.

DEMO DAY

Finally, it’s GO time. Once we had the green light, demo began and we moved FAST.

With concepts, floor plans, engineering, structural, and construction documents, budgets, timelines, and final permits in hand, we were off and running. However, there was one significant hurdle to consider, we were within two weeks from the onset of the holiday season and our client had to be open by January 5th.  Yep. that’s about 10 weeks from demo to occupancy, holidays included. The timeline was CRAZY.

Now, I must say, this is not a typical (or suggested) schedule and certainly not the preferred timeline. However, sometimes things can occur during the pre-construction phase that are unexpected, unforeseen, and/or out of our control. In this case, it was the final release of the keys (due to 3rd party issues outside our client’s control, even after signing the lease) that delayed the process for almost three months.

But this brings me to the BEST part: the beauty of integrity and COMMITMENT.  Keeping the faith, staying focused, supporting our client with weekly timeline meetings during the stress and delay, project and document front loading, the client’s relentless TRUST in our team AND process, and the ongoing maintenance of our team’s “state of readiness”, was the KEY to our timely success and completion.

TENANT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT WEEK ONE // BUILD OUT

Remove all (and I mean ALL) of the existing interiors; the t-bar ceiling, interior walls, all existing finish plumbing, gut all interior non-structural finishes, floors, walls, and clean up and haul all debris off site.

By removing the ENTIRE ceiling to reveal the FULL HEIGHT it gave us an opportunity to design custom ceiling layers, (both exposed and suspended), in order to design the lighting to serve not only the aesthetics of the concept, but the function.  One important element of our space concept was the full expression of the brand, (Relevé), leaving plenty of height for the custom theatrical lighting, and the beautiful lifts the dancers perform.

Our team moved this project forward with so much heart and soul, working together in rain storms, from early mornings to late nights, some Saturdays, and even a very RARE an occasional Sunday to complete this project so our client could open on time.

For us, it is essential standard procedure to check all tiles prior to installation for chips and irregularity.  The subway tiles rise 6′ high in the restrooms making the walls chic and easy to clean.

The beautiful five-layered maple professional athletic suspended flooring system installed throughout the two large studios and the corridor, while the professional vinyl dance flooring system was installed in studios THREE and FOUR.

So, with the flooring and lighting installed, and the construction complete it was time to load in and get this place open!

WE DID IT

Although there were still a few finishing details and furniture installations pending at the time of the “soft opening” our client DID OPEN on time. Take a look at the finished space!

SHALL WE DANCE // AFTER

CORE VALUES

The concept that drove this entire project (beyond our #cleanfreshmodern signature style), was the core values of our clients brand.  We designed and expressed these values by installing custom beautiful inspiring 4” 3D matte words (you’ll see those in PART TWO), and 3M commercial glossy word decals in the client’s newly designed brand standards.  They “float” seamlessly throughout the entire space, subtly inspiring everyone who meanders throughout the space.

DIVIDE AND CONQUER

We integrated acoustic paneling; a state-of-the-art theatrical lighting and audio system throughout the space; and stunning partition doors that lock in place creating an acoustically sound-proofed space. It divided the two LARGE studios into four separate spaces. The HUFCOR doors are easy to operate with cleanable finishes, and the look is sleek.

HELLO AND WELCOME

The custom designed reception area includes a merchandise slat wall, a television monitor, a desk for two staff greeters and plenty of under-counter storage.  An open grid lighting system reflects just the right amount of subtle “sparkle” in the countertops.

DANCE DANCE DANCE // STUDIO ONE AND TWO

And now it was time to DANCE! During the entire process it was always our goal to shoot the space with dancers.  All the elements working in perfect harmony in this wide open, glorious, and heavenly space!

IN CLOSING

As an ex-professional dancer, this tenant improvement project was a DREAM COME TRUE.  Creating a space for our client that, “…far exceeded and surpassed any of my wildest dreams…”, was a blessing even “I” couldn’t have DESIGNED. It took a village.  The entire journey was a profound statement of faith, beauty, trust, fearlessness, and hope. It concluded with this MAGICAL photoshoot.  Working alongside such creative talent; choreographing these two stunning professional dancers; and partnering with the mega-talented and intuitive Amy Bartlam, was (dare I say), PERFECT.

AN INVITATION

I invite you to take a look at our behind-the-scenes VIDEO (click here). Created by dancer, teacher, and videographer, Anthony Jackson of AJtwerks, it features photographer, Amy Bartlam; professional dancers, Dexter Green and Uliana Sáenz; and our MUSE, Jodi Shilling.

We invite you to join us again soon when we present and celebrate our second installment, PART TWO: LIVING THE DANCE.  We will feature the studios in full action and a few additional images of the merchandised reception area! See all the glorious finished details.

SEE THE FULL PROJECT PORTFOLIO IMAGES here.

As always, if you have any project questions or if you want WORK WITH US, tell us about YOUR next project and please say “HELLO” by contacting us here.  Fill out our questionnaire, and let’s get started!

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Thanks for stopping by and we’ll see you next time!

Blessings,

Laura

14 comments on “RELEVÉ STUDIOS | THE LITTLE PROJECT THAT COULD

  1. Sheri Bruneau on

    Laura, what a wonderful project for you. Your heart and passion came shining through.

    I cant wait to see Part 2 and spend more ‘virtual time’ in this gorgeous space.

    • Laura Muller on

      Sheri! Thank you so much for your kind words and constant support! I’m so grateful for you! And I feel so grateful for projects and opportunities like this!!! Can’t wait for part two…you’ll see these talented kids in action!!! XOX

    • Laura Muller on

      Hi Maria! Thank you so much for your kind words! Aren’t the dancers just beautiful! What a dream this project was! Be safe and well! xox

  2. mitzi beach on

    oh my dear Laura, what a master piece you and your team designed and implemented. After devouring your post, and then watching the video, I am truly in awe.
    To watch you in the video be so hands on, shows your absolute commitment to every single detail. Plus, you check every tile, wow!
    What a gift as you wrote, being a professional dancer yourself. Your talents are limitless. xoxoxo

    • Laura Muller on

      Sweet Mitzi! Thank you so much for your love and support! I’m so glad you loved it…It truly WAS a gift and blessing! I’m so glad you loved the video, too. It was a beautiful day! Be well and stay safe dear friend. Love you so much! xox

    • Laura Muller on

      Thank you so much, Lisa! I know how much you appreciate the work that goes into creating the perfect spaces for our clients! I’m so grateful for your kind words and for being so supportive! Be well and stay safe! xox

    • Laura Muller on

      Hi Janet! Thank you so so much! I’m so grateful for your support and enthusiasm! I can’t wait to share part two! In the meantime, be well and stay safe! xox

  3. Mary Ann Benoit on

    LOVE! As a dancer myself, I just love how this came out, everything from the flooring, colors, counter top and floating inspirational words, and the movable partitions to create separate studio space. It was a treat to watch the dancers in your video. What a fabulous project!

    • Laura Muller on

      Hi Mary! Love that you are also a dancer! I guess once a dancer, we’re ALWAYS a dancer, right?!? Thank you so much!!! xox

  4. Jeanne Chung on

    What a fun project to work on – being a part of project that you are so passionate about. It is so on-brand with what you do. Looking forward to Part 2!

    • Laura Muller on

      Hi Jeanne! It really was such a dream project (and a dream client too)! Thank you so much! xox

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