The City of Austin, Texas, is known for its vibrant music scene, its quirky aesthetics, and its patio culture, with much of residents’ time lived outdoors. A simply scripted “I love you so much” painted on a building was made famous by Instagram, with residents and visitors alike stopping to take photos of it. Even through the heat of summer, you’ll find people outdoors, walking their dogs through downtown or gathering outside at local eateries.

RSM is an international accounting firm that emphasizes incorporating local flair into each of its locations. Its Austin office had grown to the extent that some employees had to work off-campus because of space issues. A larger office located in a new building in downtown Austin gave RSM an opportunity to bring every employee under the same roof with walkability to amenities. It also gave them the chance to transform the location to fit the new hybrid work style that RSM has adopted companywide.

Upon entering the office, visitors are struck by the natural brightness brought in by floor-to-ceiling windows on all exterior walls. All conference rooms and offices along the window line are glass-fronted to allow this natural light to endow the entire space. The reception area also overlooks the Colorado River, which clients can view easily through a full-glass partition.

The social hub and main collaboration area are just beyond reception to prioritize inviting clients and employees to experience the culture of RSM. The space features a massive 19-foot-long custom island in the social hub where employees can lay out their work, gather in large groups, or conduct client meetings in a more social atmosphere.

The office has a classic, timeless aesthetic interwoven with industrial elements exposed in unexpected ways. Raw concrete throughout the space, hot-rolled steel panels, and exposed columns and decks are juxtaposed with polished floors and meticulously designed ceiling and light elements that camouflage the mechanical and electrical systems, sprinklers and support structures to maintain a clean look above. Exposed ceilings and wood floors demarcate the office’s circulation path, while a mix of drop-down clouds, rugs and large felt panels in RSM-branded navy give both a look of comfort and aid sound dampening in the social areas.

The essence of Austin is seen and felt throughout the office. Music – an important part of the culture of the city, which hosts the annual South by Southwest music festival – is playing continuously in the social hub, with album covers displayed on a TV and a jukebox. Multiple custom murals by a local artist bring the soul of Austin into the office. “I love RSM so much” alludes to the now-famous wall in Austin. Another wall mural that looks like a giant postcard reads “Greetings from Austin” and depicts famous sights of the city in the letters while adding splashes of color.

To bring the outdoors into the office, greenery is infused throughout. Potted plants in seating areas and moss artwork in multiple shades of green, combined with the natural light and amazing views from the windows, make you feel like you could be working outside.

RSM’s Austin location imbues the local culture of music, nature and sociability throughout the office. The City’s quirky nature is expressed in the unexpected glimpses of color and raw industrial elements in an otherwise elegant and neutral palette aesthetic. Mixing different types of work areas – from small huddle rooms to private offices to large collaboration spaces – ensures employees can find the space they need when working in the office.

Design: Shive-Hattery
Photography: Rachel Kay

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