Cover of Twin Cities Business magazine's August/September 2023 issue
Office Envy: Charlie & Co.
Designed for breaks and informal chats, the lounge area takes on a residential feel. photos by spacecrafting

Office Envy: Charlie & Co.

Architectural firm Charlie & Co. creates a modern office at 10 West End.
By Tina Nguyen
December 13, 2021

Company Charlie & Co.  |  HQ 1601 Utica Ave. S., Unit 212, St. Louis Park  |  Size 2,400 square feet  |  Designer Charlie & Co. in partnership with iSpace Environments, Admit One, Ellington & Co. Design  |  Contractor TELOS

The work of designing homes demands an inspiring space. Architectural firm Charlie & Co. recently traded a cramped North Loop office for a brand-new space in the new 10 West End office building. The firm created headquarters that exude what its partners describe as “sophisticated comfort.” That includes private workstations furnished with large ergonomic drawing desks, adjustable for sitting or standing. Almost every room is equipped with technology that makes it easy to project blueprints or conduct hybrid meetings. Glass walls allow natural light to flow through the entire space. The centerpiece of the office is a huge counter area—17 feet long—where designers, technical consultants, and clients can work together. “The art of what we do is a collaboration of very talented people, not only with our office but other businesses that come in,” says Charlie Simmons, the company’s founding principal and designer. “So being able to create a space that allows our team to share with other teams and vice versa, without disrupting the rest of the office, was very important to us.” 

Workstation pods are separated by Sheetrock walls that start low and curve up against the glass wall for more privacy. The floor-to-ceiling fabric helps the acoustics and softens the space.
Workstation pods are separated by Sheetrock walls that start low and curve up against the glass wall for more privacy. The floor-to-ceiling fabric helps the acoustics and softens the space.
Floor-to-ceiling acoustic glass panels soundproof the main conference room.
Floor-to-ceiling acoustic glass panels soundproof the main conference room.
The firm’s principal designers are known to throw Wiffle balls against the glass that separates their offices to grab each other’s attention.
The firm’s principal designers are known to throw Wiffle balls against the glass that separates their offices to grab each other’s attention.
The central space features a reception area along with the 17-foot island, which serves as the core of the office. Toward the back is the kitchenette and through the paneled door is a “secret room” where printing and storage can be kept out of view.
The central space features a reception area along with the 17-foot island, which serves as the core of the office. Toward the back is the kitchenette and through the paneled door is a “secret room” where printing and storage can be kept out of view.

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Tina Nguyen

Tina Nguyen is an associate editor at TCB.

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