Design at Work // Spitzmiller & Norris

Photography by Christina Wedge. An 18th-century Grand Tour bronze bust from Parc Monceau and a Mid-Century French wire lamp are perched on a round table that stands between a pair of lounge chairs.

Photography by Christina Wedge. The conference room chairs were brought from the old office and given new slipcovers.

Photography by Christina Wedge. A conference table, custom-made by Kevin Scanlon, is one of the few new pieces. Its double cast-iron pedestal drafting bases and bleached-oak top with metal strapping ensure the space is anything but an ordinary conference room. Spitzmiller, left, and Norris.

Photography by Christina Wedge. A drum fixture descends from a suspended ceiling in the library, which offers a bit of coziness to contrast the high, open ceilings.

Photography by Christina Wedge. The breakfront displays design awards. A late-19th-century wooden finial from Parc Monceau is enhanced by the abundance of natural light in Norris’s office.

Photography by Christina Wedge. Blueprints and design schemes for projects in the works.

Photography by Christina Wedge. Architectural elements and design books on Norris’s desk.

Photography by Christina Wedge. Spitzmiller chose the Ralph Lauren Brompton Desk for his office.

For 25 years, the residential design firm of Spitzmiller & Norris was housed in a traditionally designed office. But since owners Rick Spitzmiller and Robert Norris moved to their new ADAC West location a few years ago, work doesn’t seem like work, even when it surrounds them all day.

Both men believe atmosphere has everything to do with creativity and productivity, and they were adamant about finding a space with an abundance of natural light. “We spend long stretches of time at drawing tables and desks, and the connection we now enjoy with the outdoors keeps us from feeling isolated from the world,” explains Spitzmiller.

The 1,800-square-foot office is almost half the size of their old one, but doesn’t seem so. “Thanks to technology, we need less space for file cabinets and storage now,” Norris says. Defining this sophisticated yet relaxed environment is a soothing, warm white-and-stone palette, and 13-foot-high ceilings that allow light and air to flow unimpeded. However, with less square footage, all furnishings—a mix of classical and contemporary pieces—have to serve a real purpose. “Everything in this office is functional and aesthetically pleasing,” notes Norris.