The challenge was to fit a full-service hair salon for 12 stylists and 4 assistants into 25% less space than they had in their previous location, and for only $200/SF. As an oddly-shaped corner shell space with tall storefront windows comprising more than half of the perimeter of the 1,555 SF space, few solid walls were available for organizing styling stations and salon equipment. Instead of traditional rows of styling stations, two freestanding sculptural hexagonal towers were built floating in the space in order to create spacious and uniquely-oriented stations for each of the twelve stylists. This results in less floor area needed per station, interesting sight lines, and balanced day-lighting to most accurately render hair coloring, a salon forte. Each station is equipped with flush cabinets to conceal all the stylist's tools, supplies, plugged-in appliances, and pull-out worktop, while a powder-coated steel kickplate and drink shelf provide durable functionality.

In plan, the hexagonal shapes repeat and rotate through the space in various iterations, including the reception desk, waiting bench, dressing room, ceilings, and lights. In elevation, the simple arched shapes allude to the Spanish and Mission Revival architectural styles of Pasadena, but without emulating it. Accent colors also abstract the local environment, with dark blue-greens of the ocean and vegetation, terracotta orange prolific in Pasadena architecture, and larch wood that warms the space and evokes the beach. The main space remains bright and open, revealing the urban nature of the raw concrete building shell through exposed floors, ceilings, and walls. The use of drywall is limited to conceal mechanical equipment above ceilings and neatly hide back-of-house uses without doors (other than restroom) to facilitate ease of movement.

The faceted shapes help acoustically to scatter sound, while several functional design elements do double-duty to absorb sound, such as the dressing room draped in velvet, large felt pendant lights, and light-bouncing foam ceiling clouds. Adjustable sconces above mirrors work in tandem with hexagonal halos of linear LED lighting that float above the station towers to provide diffuse, neutral, and high-CRI lighting that is essential for shadow-free styling and accurate color perception.

As an atmospheric backdrop, a photographic wall mural by local artist Brett Stanley provides a unique view of the Arroyo Seco Bridge, a local landmark. Circular wall art pieces were designed to evoke abstract day and night views of the ocean, while providing a horizon line as a visual anchor and illusion of distance.

As a bold departure from the owner's previous salon and logo, which were quite traditional in style, our design of the new modern and playful space, along with a new logo, provide a complete re-branding of the salon and help elevate it to its rightful place as one of the top high-end salons in Pasadena.