A stage actor, artist and photographer-turned hair colorist approaches the architect to design a new salon in a soon-to-be trendy part of town. With an established clientele from a decade of business, the salon owners are looking to create a chic presence for their new operation. The modest storefront of 900 square feet occupies the first floor of a newly renovated domestic building that was built in the 1920’s with two new apartment units above. 

The design of the studio is analogous to the artist’s workroom; an industrial space where the painter or sculptor can pursue his/her craft, elevating  the “transformational “  to  a product of creative intention rather than routine processing. Gallery lighting, a combination of halogen for realistic color and LED 3700K for fill light, are used to sculpt the space to achieve dramatic chiaroscuro. The mirror consoles, front desk and millwork are custom designed using 3/8” carbon steel and whitewashed white oak. The floor is concrete and has a wax finish to provide desired reflectivity. The piece de resistance is the symmetry of flaming heads; photographs taken by the owner and printed on waterproof wall film.