Photographs to Portray the Right Image at the Office

Like the larger metropolitan areas in Pennsylvania, Allentown is seeing a renaissance. Businesses are moving downtown to take part in the renewal of the urban center. The growing accounting firm of MillerSearles, LLC, found the ideal office space in the Butz Corporate Center at Ninth and Hamilton Streets, where they could operate in a modern, sophisticated, yet classic environment.

MillerSearles managing partner Matthew Searles wanted to create a setting that reflects the firm’s reputation of quality and experience and also provides a comfortable, attractive office space where employees are inspired and proud of their workplace. Mr. Searles realized that “organized, pleasing, and well thought-out design tells people about the [business], what it stands for, and its success, and promotes confidence in the business.  In this regard, office interior design is similar to the idea of ‘dress for success.’”

After procuring three business suites on the third floor of the Butz Corporate Center in 2016, MillerSearles employed the design firm of DesignPoint, Inc. to help with the procurement and installation of furniture, fixtures and the interior architecture. Searles wanted a contemporary office space with an urban feel, with natural light filtering throughout the entire office. But in addition to the standard elements of design and decorating, Searles felt the office needed a characteristic element of style make it unique. Matt Searles had a few ideas about the office’s artwork and wall decorations, but he also wanted some extra time to think through his ideas.

Settled in and content in the beautiful new office space, Mr. Searles was feeling the energy of the renaissance of the Queen City. He looked at the blank walls around him and knew that he wanted to pay homage to the city’s past with classic historical photographs of Allentown. Despite this he was unsure how to arrange and display the images to create the impression he desired. DesignPoint suggested that he select some photographs and then help him showcase the images throughout the office.

Mr. Searles visited the Lehigh Valley Heritage Center and selected nearly one hundred photographs. DesignPoint sat down with Searles to look through the photographs and select the top images. Then they discussed each image, what it represented as well as where and how it could best be displayed within the office. DesignPoint recommended some other creative ideas and enlisted the help of Valley Wide Signs & Graphics for mounting the images.

In one hallway, MillerSearles chose a collage with photos of the Hess department store, an icon of Allentown, which closed 21 years ago after 100 years of attracting tourists and locals to downtown Allentown. At the opposite end of this mural, Hamilton Street is depicted with bustling crowds of shoppers and people conducting business. Also displayed is a photo of President Theodore Roosevelt, waving to crowds as he visited downtown Allentown in 1914. Other photographs feature military parades, as well as ads and vehicles of the era. A wall sized scene of Hamilton Street in the lobby greets clients and visitors. Some of the images were touched up with color to make them more impactful.

The focal point of the firm’s space is MillerSearles’s “trust wall.” Incorporated into the collage of photographs on this wall are the words, “Experience, Trust, and Results,” along with the accounting firm’s logo. The trust wall display shouts the firm’s image of integrity and dedication to its clients.

DesignPoint designed for MillerSearles a modern workspace with more than a touch of nostalgia – a link to its history. Because Allentonians are as proud of their heritage as they are forward-looking, DesignPoint successfully created an atmosphere that portrays both innovation and a look back to those who built our local culture and economy.

Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, DesignPoint works on both regional and national levels. DesignPoint, Inc. is a full service Interior Design & Procurement Firm with a focus on corporate, hospitality, senior living, medical offices and high-end residential interiors. When considering new interior construction or renovations, DesignPoint will provide a comprehensive package of interior architectural space planning, construction documents, and furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) procurement services for a successful project. For more information about the firm and the type of projects they manage, visit them online at www.designpoint-interiors.com