The owners of this portrait photography and graphic design business set forth the challenge to the architects to design a new facility within a business technology park just north of Indianapolis.  This husband and wife team’s first desire was to build a studio in a rural setting.  Land costs proved prohibitive to their budget, which led to the acquisition of the property in a technology park in Fishers, Indiana.  The family owned business originated in a downtown Indianapolis studio, and the owners desired to retain this urban feel for the interior environment, while knowing they were located in the heart of a suburb. 

The owner’s building program included a flexible studio space capable of various settings and flexibility to change backgrounds/environments readily.  The studio required only north light to accomplish the photographer’s goals.  There needed to be a courtyard / garden for exterior portrait work, and was to be adjacent to the north light of the interior studio.  A functioning kitchen would also double as a photography set on which the owner could photograph food, which was a vital part of their business.  The kitchen would also be used daily for staff, clients and after-hour functions.  The photography studio required a “shop” space accessible to the main studio for building and easily moving sets into the studio.  Another vital component of the business model was to incorporate a “viewing room” to present photography to their clients.  This room was to be cozy and living room-like complete with a wall mounted flat screen projection system to complete the presentations.  A must-have requirement was to incorporate comfortable changing rooms with comfortable furniture and adequate make-up capabilities.  These rooms were to be private and able to accommodate nursing mothers.  The most obvious component of the studio was to have a gallery accessible to display the owner’s work to the public.  The graphic design side of the business required office space, a separate conference space as well as a sizable workroom for layout and production space.  It was very important to include future expansion space for both sides of the business.  All of the owner’s wishes were to be accomplished on a very tight budget.  Finally the owner stressed that they are very family-oriented and desired that the entire facility be family friendly to enhance their business model.