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National Music Publishers’ Association

Challenge
Solution
Impact

Challenge

From the beginning, the overall idea for the office was to create a unified and branded design for National
Music Publishers Association (NMPA), this being their first custom workspace in DC. The space needed
to have a likeness to a museum, and be bright, clean and welcoming to their staff and occasional guests. While
the budget and unique design features proved to be a challenge, the introduction of a pandemic became
a priority. Various members quickly adapted to created safe environments for all parties involved while
maintaining the schedule.

Solution

A thorough cost and design benefit analysis was implemented as part of the design process to mitigate
costs overages while maintaining the design intent. In order to deliver the project vision, the design team
was challenged to create cost effective details beyond the typical construction methods for features such
as the guitar niches, metal “Guitar String”, curved edges, and segmented glass assemblies. Music is a
key aspect to how NMPA is defined. Inspired by these aspects, the concept of “Flow” introduces rounded
edges, delicate, connecting black lines, and a simple high contrast palette sweeping throughout the space.
Numerous autographed guitars are central to NMPA’s identity. The team incorporated continuous “guitar
strings” constructed out of low-cost EMT conduit to connect the display niches and main Conference Room
glass front. Lights are hung from these “strings”, representing notes on a music “bar”. Segmented glass
provides a rhythm and repetition complementing the black conduit lines directly adjacent. Curved walls and
ceilings with a continuous recessed light guides the viewer/individual through the space and around the
central pavilion.

Impact

NMPA ‘s new space has become an extension of its brand and a welcoming collaboration spaces for employees, members and guests to unite to progress the organization’s mission.