After experiencing frustration with other event technology solutions, Conway Solomon and Jonathan Foucheaux co-founded WRSTBND in 2019 to provide various music and food festivals, sporting events, conferences and more with services such as access control, cashless payments and credentialing.
A few years later, when the company outgrew its garage-sized office, CEO Solomon and CTO Foucheaux acquired former medical office in Elmwood and reached out to locally based CICADA — a multidisciplinary design firm — to create a new office space that would accommodate the company’s growth and also embody its spirit.Solomon’s brother, a real estate developer, recommended CICADA for the project. Following the renovations, the company moved in on Jan. 3, 2023. The space now serves 24 full-time team members.
The co-founders were clear on their vision.
“Given the crazy travel [schedules] and hours our team members endure regularly, it was important that the office felt inviting and comfortable,” Solomon said. “Based on our company’s growth plans, we were able to [determine] the total number of desks and workspaces desired.”
Solomon’s brother, a real estate developer, recommended CICADA for the project.
“After meeting with Seamus [McGuire] and his team, we really connected on the intentions of the space,” Solomon said. “We wanted to be cost-effective, yet still be creative with the space, and CICADA hit the nail on the head for us to find the balance between the two.”
The existing building had been carved up into many small rooms, so CICADA gutted it to create an open floor plan and to position offices near windows. The design team, consisting of Project Manager Seamus McGuire and Designer Dyani Robarge, were also inspired by the company’s logo and the building’s uniquely curved portal windows.
“The walls and layout were completely reworked,” said James Catalano, partner at CICADA. “The big thing we kept was the structure. All the existing columns stayed in place to minimize cost. We explored a lot of design ideas that incorporated curves to help soften the hard edges of the office walls—the goal being to migrate away from the typical ‘corporate’ look.”
Recognizing the significance of teamwork in a startup environment, CICADA strategically positioned collaborative zones throughout the office. WRSTBND’s sophisticated yet playful office space now features a reception area, a showroom, two conference rooms, an operations headquarters, eight office spaces, a full kitchen, two phone booth rooms, a nap room and an arcade that doubles as an open office for team meetings. The focal point, however, is a curved wooden installation piece — dubbed “The Ripple” — in the showroom.
“The new tech office required an open and inviting display area to test and present their [technology],” Catalano said. “Inspiration for the wood installation in this display area arose from the vibrant music festivals that WRSTBND’s work revolves around. [The Ripple] undulates outward and through the middle of the office to create a spine that pulls visitors through.”
The custom-fabricated parametric installation features oak plywood panels (chosen for natural warmth, ease of construction and affordability) that soften the edges of the surrounding glass offices. The belly of The Ripple visually oscillates to create a uniquely lit canopy under which visitors can experience the company’s products. CICADA also infused bright pops of color to reflect the company’s brand, white and oak finishes for balance and an added warmth, and Astroturf as a fun touch in the showroom.
As a young startup, WRSTBND also sought cost-effective interior design solutions that were still stylish and functional. Locally based AOS Interior Environments worked with the design team to find budget-conscious, sleek and comfortable contemporary furnishings such as Knoll Antenna modular desks and Muuto Fiber Armchairs.
Another standout element is the curved kitchen island, which CICADA custom-designed to match the curve found in the WRSTBND logo.
“The island surface was thermo-formed into an arch to create a unique curve at one end,” said Catalano.
Overall, Solomon said they are pleased with how the colors and aesthetics of the building match the vibe of the company.
“The work that we do is invigorating and exciting, and we wanted the building to reflect the same energy,” he said.
WRSTBND
250 Plauche St. // Elmwood //844-977-8263
wrstbnd.com // linkedin.com/company/wrstbnd
@wrstbnd // vimeo.com/showcase/wrstbnd