Our WorkGarrett Leather

Design Brief

Project Location: Buffalo, NY

Garrett Leather's Corporate Headquarters in Buffalo, NY desired to relocate from a four-story facility to a one-level building. The purchase of an existing printing press warehouse and adjoining print office proved to be in need of a major renovation.

Ceilings and walls of the 75,000 sf facility were painted clean white and the entire warehouse floor was repaired and refinished to provide a fresh, bright backdrop to over 750 rolling horses of leather. The front office was completely reconfigured and renovated into a contemporary layout of open, collaborative workstations clustered by function. Glass-faced offices and an all-glass Team Room adjoin the workstation areas, enabling the existing windows' daylighting to offer a maximum impact on the space.

A clerestory-height entry addition creates a maximum impact on the entry sequence (despite its modest 350 foot plan) by establishing street presence, clearly presenting the building's entry, and illuminating the showroom and reception spaces with natural light from above. Upon entry, visitors are greeted by a feature wall clad in 245 custom leather panels and illuminated by a custom fabricated Garrett Leather Logo. From reception, guests look through a faceted glass partition into the company's designer showroom, where a sample of every color and style of leather offered adorns the wall--over 450 varieties. The showroom also offers a retail-like display room in the entry vestibule, where leather-clad objects and furniture are prominently displayed.