We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Studio Atelier11 about their original and creative Office design work. Studio Atelier11 is an award-winning architectural designer, that makes our world a better place with their original office works.
Studio Atelier11 ("SA") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Studio Atelier11 Office. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
SA : Our main idea was to create an architectural mediator between the urban grid and the natural landscape. Located at the intersection of planned urban structures to the north and organic nature to the south, the A11 Office Building embraces the topography and builds a spatial language that reflects this duality.
SA : The design is rooted in primal geometry—specifically, the triangle. By layering and intersecting four triangular volumes, we created a composition that is both visually striking and spatially dynamic. These shapes respond to both environmental factors and human scale, transforming a simple form into a nuanced spatial sequence.
SA : Balancing legal constraints such as the floor area ratio with our desire for a sculptural form was a major challenge. The solution came through stacking and rotating volumes, effectively cutting and adjusting spaces while still maintaining architectural coherence and regulatory compliance.
SA : The southern slope of the building, angled at 25.5°, was designed in direct response to the sun's path, while the rectangular frame at the rooftop frames Mount Halla—a symbolic presence for the Jeju region. These gestures allow the building to participate in the landscape, not just occupy it.
SA : The configuration of the triangular masses creates in-between spaces that invite movement and gathering. The variation in scale and volume encourages exploration, offering a rich sequence of visual and spatial experiences that connect people within the building and to its surroundings.
SA : Instead of relying solely on mechanical systems, we embraced passive design strategies such as maximizing solar access through orientation and slope. By exposing the natural ground and aligning with the site’s geometry, the design minimizes unnecessary interventions and harmonizes with the environment.
SA : We wanted the users to feel a sense of openness and curiosity. As one navigates the structure, the shifting geometries and unexpected frames offer moments of surprise, calm, and connection—with nature, with others, and with the architecture itself.
SA : Yes, we were deeply influenced by the work and philosophy of Louis Kahn. His approach to revealing structure through light, geometry, and silence strongly inspired how we shaped spaces in our own office. We also referenced vernacular Korean architecture—especially how it engages with courtyards and layered thresholds.
SA : This design was primarily for ourselves. It is our own architectural office, so we designed it with the intention of creating a workspace that nurtures both deep concentration and spontaneous collaboration. However, as a showcase of our architectural values, it also speaks to potential clients who resonate with poetic functionality and spatial clarity.
SA : Unlike many commercial offices, our building is intentionally small in scale yet rich in spatial experience. The design plays with light, material transitions, and unexpected voids to create a layered narrative. It also defies standard front-facing façades by inviting the visitor through a sequence of subtle spatial gestures.
SA : The name is simply “atelier11 office.” We wanted it to be transparent and grounded—just like our design approach. “11” refers to our studio’s name, and keeping it in the project title reinforces that this space is both the physical and philosophical foundation of our practice.
SA : We used a combination of analog and digital tools. Sketching and physical model-making helped us shape early concepts, while digital tools like Rhino, AutoCAD, and Enscape allowed us to fine-tune geometry, light, and spatial flow
SA : The most unique aspect is the dialogue between mass and void. We deliberately cut into the volume to create terraces, courtyards, and skylit corridors. These carved-out spaces become transitional zones between work and rest, inside and outside, structure and sky
SA : Yes, we collaborated closely with structural engineers and local builders who understood our intention for minimal yet precise detailing. Craftsmanship was essential, so we spent a lot of time on-site coordinating with carpenters and masons to get proportions and textures just right.
SA : Technology played a silent but essential role. While the building appears handmade, much of its precision came from digital modeling, solar analysis, and detailed construction documentation. Passive design strategies were also tested digitally to optimize daylighting and ventilation.
SA : Yes. We conducted sunlight studies and thermal performance simulations to ensure comfort in each workspace throughout the year. We also researched precedents in small-scale office buildings to understand spatial efficiency and user behavior patterns.
SA : One of the biggest challenges was balancing cost with craft. Since it was a self-initiated project, budget constraints required careful prioritization. We had to make choices about where to focus detailing and where to simplify. Another challenge was zoning regulations, which we overcame through creative massing.
SA : This project felt like a personal and professional milestone for us. It was the first time we designed a space entirely for ourselves. We wanted to share it with a global audience not to boast, but to connect with others who value quiet, intentional architecture.
SA : This project deepened our understanding of space as a lived experience. We learned how the smallest decisions—such as the thickness of a wall or the way light enters a stairwell—can profoundly affect daily life. It taught us patience and trust in the slow, physical process of building.
SA : Perhaps one final note: designing your own space is both freeing and humbling. It reveals your blind spots as much as your ideals. For us, this office is more than a building—it’s a quiet manifesto of how we want to live and design.
