Form Function Studio - Czech Studio

Commercial Office Renovation | 1,250 SqFt

Cedar Rapids, IA

The Form Function Studio Office is the self-designed studio located in the heart of Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village. Through a clear design parti, honest materials, and a collaborative layout, the space reflects the ethos of Form Function Studio— engaged relationships for its team, an intentional workspace, and unique crafted solutions. It serves as both a workshop of sorts and a living portfolio, showcasing the studio’s commitment to elevating the everyday through intentional design.

The Opportunity

Situated in a modest commercial space within a historic district, the opportunity was to transform an unassuming building, externally into an internally, dynamic, design-forward studio that embodies Form Function Studio’s Mission, Vision, and Values. The goal was to create a workspace that feels like a mechanic’s shop for architecture and design —raw, functional, and humbled yet inspiring and curated —while fostering creativity, collaboration, and material exploration. As a firm deeply rooted in community and design integrity, this renovation was a chance to build a space that supports both the craft and culture of architecture.

The Solution

The design strategy focused on immersing the team in the materials and methods that define their work. Exposed structural elements, curated architectural lighting, and a tactile material palette create an environment that is both expressive and efficient. The open-plan layout eliminates any and all hierarchy; all team members working side-by-side at identical desks—reinforcing a culture of shared ideas, dignity for all positions, and authentic collaboration.

Flexible zones throughout the studio support a range of interactions, from focused solo work to full-team collaboration. A standout feature is the studio wide integrated material library, which includes samples from current projects and past projects, knowledge based resources, and a curated collection from admired designers. Lighting fixtures from Louis Poulsen, WAC, Blackjack, and Lumenture add warmth and elegance, complementing the studio’s minimalist yet expressive aesthetic.

Personal touches—like red grout in the kitchen, eclectic gallery walls in the bathroom, and artifacts from team travels—infuse the space with authenticity and character. This is not a showroom; it’s a working studio or shop, where architecture and interior design are actively shaped.

The Impact

The renovation of the Form Function Studio Office transformed a modest commercial space into a vibrant creative hub—one that mirrors the studio’s values and fuels its daily work. The design solution gave the team a space that inspires collaboration, showcases material honesty, and supports evolving workflows. For the studio, the result was more than a workplace—it became a living portfolio and a physical embodiment of their mission to elevate the everyday through architecture.