Inspiring Offices: Rustic attic office offers light and warmth

By Michelle Kershner

In The City of Frederick, business spaces go beyond basics. Here, unique offices allow businesses to cultivate creativity, express their company's culture, and create a work environment that inspires. From industrial to classic, artsy to funky, historic to high tech, spaces abound to meet a variety of needs.  

Inspiring Offices is a feature that highlights some of the creative and unique office spaces in Frederick.

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes peek inside TWO inspiring offices in Frederick - Warner Commercial and Gallagher Design. These offices share an eclectic and rustic attic space in the heart of Downtown Frederick. On the corner of West Church and North Court Streets, the offices have high ceilings, wooden beams, and natural light.

Learn what these companies love about their Downtown attic office space. 

Warner Commercial 
Q&A with Jonathan Warner, owner of Warner Commercial.
 

Why did you choose your current office location and how long has your company been located here? 

Downtown is the heart of my business and also my life in Frederick. The energy and vibrancy of Downtown Frederick impacts everything I do.

Was it “move in” ready or did you have to design/fit it out? 

The space was an attic with a grand staircase up to it. I worked with my brother, Mallory, to custom design the space and transform it from a dusty attic full of old junk to a bright light office environment.  

What inspirations did you use to decorate/design the space? 

We used a barn and natural wood theme with exposed ceilings that loft up and vertical wood planks to form walls. The structural elements of the building play a key role in giving the space character and warmth. Large barn type door slide across to provide a visual barrier between offices while the space above is all open to the ceiling.   The only enclosed spaces are the bathroom and conference room.  The rest of the space is airy and bright complemented by the four skylights that were added.

What are the most unique aspects about your office space?

The windows were covered with exterior storm windows that masked the windows unique half moon detail that matches the windows across the historic town green on the Trail and Mathias Mansions.

We removed the storm windows and added clear interior storms so now everyone looking up from the street can enjoy the beautiful detail of the windows on both sides of the historic green.  The common window design adds architectural symmetry to entire town green as envisioned by some of the originals architects and builders of Frederick.  I was pleased to restore this elements to the streetscape while bring increased light into the space.

What do you or your employees like best about the office space? 

Everyone loves the airy open feeling of the space and the unique warmth of the natural wood and historic structural elements of the building. The space speaks to what I love to do in my commercial real estate business. I love to bring old building and spaces back to life and Downtown Frederick is the perfect place to work!

Gallagher Design
Q&A with Patrice Gallagher, owner of Gallagher Design and frequent collaborator with Warner Commercial.

Why did you choose your current office location and how long have you been located there?

I’ve been in this location for almost 8 years. I happened on the space accidentally, when I called Jonathan Warner about an office space in Middletown. Turned out that space was way too big for my business, but the space he was subletting here, in his own office, was just perfect! We hit it off well the first time we met, which helped a lot in making my decision to rent the space. I feel lucky to be here, every day.

Was it “move in” ready or did you have to design/fit it out?

It was “move in” ready. My furnishings worked very well in the space.

What inspirations did you use to decorate/design the space?

This space is full of wood beams and barn doors and high ceilings which were perfect for my rustic tastes. I was living in a log house at the time I took the office space!

What are the most unique aspects about your office space?

The building is historic and not very large, so we tenants know each other pretty well. And… did I mention the wood beams and barn doors and high ceilings? :-)

What do you, your employees, or clients like best about the space?

Everyone who comes here comments on two things:
-- How refreshingly unusual the design of the office is.
-- How out of shape they feel after climbing the three flights of stairs to get up here!

Find Your Own Inspiring Office

If you are looking to open or expand a business in Frederick, we can help.  Contact us, and let us help you find your own inspiring office space so you can build your dream. 

If YOU know of any interesting office spaces, let us know and we will put them on our list to feature.

Michelle Kershner is the Business Development Specialist for the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development.