Josiah Kopp
When Chelsey Johnson and Leah Peterson of Prairie Design Studio (PDS) were designing the ReadiTech building, the owners requested a smaller second level and no flat roofs with a modern feel reminiscent of the tech industry. The design they came up with takes into consideration the direction of the sun and winter winds, along with creating a comfortable working environment for their employees.
On the front sidewalk is a large block wall to protect from northwest winter winds and also serves as a planter bed. Upon entering the facility you are greeted with large windows, the reception desk, and a seating area where staff can meet with clients and guests. The facility has a mothers’ room, two conference rooms, private offices, and open workstations. There are a couple of transitional spaces where employees can get away from their desks and hang out, one on the second floor showcasing a beautiful curtain wall of glass and views of the growing city. The second-floor conference room has a corner wall of glass overlooking the custom steel staircase, open lobby, and their logo in stained glass fabricated by a local artist, Darla Rufer, owner of Stained Glass Overlay.
They also have an exterior patio off the lobby for outdoor gatherings and company events. PDS collaborated with Chase Alec on the interior design, using neutrals along with the company colors of blues and greens.
“The lighting in this building is a key component to the design,” the Prairie Design Studio team said. This includes colored LED lighting in the vestibule and LED mimicking neon on the exterior, along with statement lighting on the second floor visible from the highway at night. They also integrated LED in the acoustical ceiling of the offices, and of course, all the natural light that pours into the building. The aluminum windows are tinted to avoid glaring sun and window treatments are included as well in the desk areas.
Vendors and suppliers for this project:
- Red River Glazing
- Fargo steel Fabrication
- Hebron Brick
- J & J Flooring Group
- Quality Edge Vesta Sliding
- Stained Glass Overlay
- Wells Concrete
- Integrated Steel
Want to learn more about the Prairie Design Studio team? Check out their stories from “The People Issue” on our sister magazine, trendsetters.com. On the site, search “Chelsey Johnson” and “Leah Peterson” to read each of their features.
