Influences of Denver Design

As more and more people flock toward cities with expansive growth, Denver has become a hotspot for design, business and innovation. Growing steadily at a rate of 1.46% annually, the city’s population has increased by over 25% since the most recent census. As Denver continues to grow, more and more businesses are searching to embody authentic Denver design. The question is, how can designers bring these elements of the public realm to the forefront? Inspiration is everywhere, and this city is booming with it. So, we caught up with two of our designers at Working Spaces Denver to discuss the influences of Denver design and how the city’s culture plays a role in commercial office space. 

Rich History 

The first thing to understand when it comes to Denver design is the city’s rich history and diversity. “What people picture when they think of Denver and what it is are two completely different things,” explains Heather Pabst, Senior Designer at Working Spaces. When most people think of Denver, their first thought is most likely the landscapes and mountainous terrain. However, that’s only half of what Denver has to offer. In fact, many may be surprised to learn that Denver is a cattle town and the city is big on historic preservation. Pabst continues, “These are all key factors that play a role in today’s design and help preserve Denver’s character. So, when new corporations come to town – it’s a chance to expand and build upon this existing foundation for an eloquent design that blends old and new.” 

According to Working Spaces Designer Keith Falcon, a great example of blending old and new is when companies incorporate historical aspects of the city. “Some offices want every piece of artwork to be something historical.” Falcon continues, “In that case, each design element would be carefully curated to represent that town’s history and include references from other local projects and buildings.” 

All Natural 

In addition to Denver’s rich history, the city’s connection to nature also plays a role in modern Denver design as companies pull on natural elements to encapsulate the feel of the town. “Denver is a growing city, but its connection to nature is what sets it apart from other major metropolitans,” Pabst states. “These elements all work together to create a style unique to Denver and can be seen by including natural wood, metals, and live-edge tables in commercial design.” People want to bring these outdoor elements into their space, and this is frequently seen through the use of color. “People in Denver want to incorporate color, but not bright color,” says Pabst. “So, our color palettes are made up of the colors you would find naturally in Colorado like greens, blues, browns, tans, and so on. Of course, the most significant request we get from those looking to connect with nature is all about the view. Everyone wants to see the mountain view.” 

Sunshine for Days 

Did you know that Denver is sunny 300 days out of the year? The mile-high city thrives on natural light and according to our Denver designers, its sunny demeanor plays a significant role in the city’s design influences. “Sunshine is reflective in our architecture, our interiors and our people – it’s energetic,” says Falcon. “The desire to embrace this natural light means that offices need to focus on letting light in to create a warm, inviting space for both clients and employees to enjoy.” 

See the Difference with Working Spaces 

Whether it be the mountain views, the diverse history, or the natural elements found around every corner, each plays a role in influencing design throughout the city. “Living in Denver is a certain lifestyle that many companies want to reflect in their work-life, and it’s our job to help that aspect shine through in their design,” says Pabst. “Being able to take each piece that makes Denver special and craft a space that embodies company culture with the culture of the city. That’s what sets Working Spaces apart.” If you’re ready to design your next commercial space with inspiration from the city, contact Working Spaces to get started. Explore all of our markets at wspaces.com