Helix Architecture + Design’s New Headquarters featured in Kansas City Business Journal
Helix Architecture + Design has officially moved into its new headquarters, after more than 20 years in its previous office. A recent feature in the Kansas City Business Journal explores how Helix transformed two historic Film Row buildings into a collaborative design studio that reflects the buildings’ Hollywood roots and the Crossroads Arts District.
While working on the project with developer and philanthropist Shirley Helzberg, Helix found that the new space fit their needs, not far from their previous location in the Crossroads. The decision to stay rooted in the neighborhood was intentional. “When you pick your neighborhood, you commit to it. That’s always been really important to us,” Principal and Director of Architecture Doug Stockman shared. “We wanted to reinvest in the place that we love so much.”
The design balances between preserving Film Row’s cinematic history and creating an updated, timeless space. “The Film Row is a part of this very glamorous, big industry, but we didn’t want the design to be cheesy (and turn) into this glitzy Hollywood,” said Principal and Director of Interior Design Alissa Wehmueller. “So we thought: How do you get playful with that?”
The buildings provided interesting details to work with, including circular shapes on the stair banisters and unique patterns in the brick.
With an open floor plan and lots of collaborative pin up space, the interior design of the new studio creates a “clean, modern and simple aesthetic that really allows our work and our people to be on the stage, front and center,” stated President and Principal Erika Moody. The 6,700 SF studio is a collaborative environment where nothing feels too precious and good design ideas can come from anyone.