Fine, Kaplan & Black was on the verge of leaving this narrow office space for larger premises when we were asked to investigate and decided to everyone's surprise that they were in fact in the right space; it simply needed renovating. This was a particularly challenging assignment, however, when you consider that the firm was projecting explosive growth, possessed an extensive art collection, and also wanted to give its principals sufficient breathing room.

As the accompanying photographs show, the optimum design solution featured octagonal spaces, which generated much-needed wall space to display the artwork. In fact, as one moved through the octagonal circulation space, the eye was directed to specific points, thereby highlighting the artwork. The octagonal spaces were defined by a combination of elements including walls, floor finishes and patterns, and ceiling finishes. All in all, an artful solution.