Powell Street Studio
Vancouver, BC
Construction complete 2019
1897 Powell Street is the shared creative studio of MOTIV architects and Studio Roslyn. The studio is located within the heritage Hamilton Building, constructed in 1908. The ground floor of the building was originally a bank - still retaining its brick vault, high ceilings, wood panel wainscotting, and fir flooring.
Wanting to recreate the energy of a creative co-working space, MOTIV was intentionally looking to share space with like-minded colleagues. East Vancouver was their specific target - a desire to engage in the community where they live.
Asher, Tracey, Kate, and Jess designed the space and invested their own sweat equity to create a central meeting room surrounded by workstations and a shared kitchen. Modern crisp millwork and glass were added to contrast the existing character elements. The reception area and meeting room display rotating local art and window art was commissioned for the street façade; a unique community billboard and communication tool.
The design challenge was to bring together the collaborators’ distinct aesthetic preferences in a creative way. The design result is a playful, light-filled space that is a source of inspiration for both creative practices.
Photos by Upper Left Photography