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DESIGNER’S SALON, 1999
Renton, Washington
Mark R. Blubaugh, architect

We are experienced tenant improvement design architects. We put that experience to work in the conversion of an old bank branch into Designer's Salon day spa. Designer’s Salon is an unusually large salon, with 26 hair styling stations, nine hair wash/dying stations, six tanning stations, three waxing/facial stations, two manicure stations, and two pedicure stations. The owner wanted a Mediterranean theme, and a place where clients would want to come to spend the whole day. Our architectural design responds with a barrel vaulted entry colonnade, leading to a series of separate styling areas with arched entry portals. The colors follow a warm Mediterranean theme.

Major Considerations: Given its very large scale, it was important that the salon not feel like a beauty school or styling factory. The division of the hair styling area into four separate ‘mini-salons’ of nine or fewer chairs each gives the salon a cozy feel despite its size. The experience walking through the salon is of a series of small rooms.