Topline Corp., a small footwear design and manufacturing company based in Bellevue, Wash., has a 20-year history of designing shoes that have appeared on runways and Hollywood red carpets. In contrast, their design headquarters, 40 miles east of Seattle, has not been as red carpet-suitable. Where sleek and sexy would describe their shoes, confined and out-of-touch depicted their office and studio space.

Due to strict constraints of “office” development in this light industrial neighborhood, Topline’s offices had been relegated to a small area in front of and above the warehouse for more than a decade. Explosive growth made it impossible to stay within the limited confines of Topline’s existing space and it was faced with the dilemma of finding a way to renovate the existing office/warehouse structure or picking-up and moving to a new home elsewhere.

Through analysis, creative interpretation of zoning regulations and negotiation with city officials, the design team was able to utilize the full 30,000-square-foot warehouse, integrating ample support, design research and development areas, along with much desired showroom space and amenities. Topline’s work model, which previously segregated designers from clients, was transformed to a collaborative workplace that connects clients and designers with their product. The project includes a new lobby, design studios, showrooms (including a 40-foot-long catwalk), corporate offices, meeting facilities, a shoe library, magazine lounge, design lab, café, and informal brainstorming areas.

Since moving in, Topline has increased design production and noted its ability to sell product is off-the-charts.

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