SPACE Design + Construction

Tony officially joined the SPACE crew back in November, but we’ve been working with him off and on for years. One of our stellar superintendents, Tony has been in construction for almost 20 years, with experience in both residential and commercial jobs. Since he joined SPACE, he’s been managing some of our boutique projects, and he’s a winner with our clients for going the extra mile to make sure the job is done right.

Tony’s the master of dad jokes, and he’s got the [outer] space bug: he tracks the ISS every night. [And he is indeed Ryan’s brother.] Welcome aboard, Tony!

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✨WHAT A NIGHT! ✨ Huge thank you to St. Louis Magazine for hosting a fabulous Architect and Designer Awards last night at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra!

We're proud our friends at PWRx Health won for Commercial Retail Space, and Bartolino's Restaurant on the Hill won for Commercial Hospitality Space. Smith + Simms Hair Co. was a finalist in the retail category, so it was extra nail-bitey for us.

Our team had a great time seeing all of the incredible work in St. Louis, and it couldn't have been at a more beautiful venue.

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In recent years, the concept of “aging in place” has come to the forefront. Retirement communities built en masse to accommodate an aging Baby Boomer generation have given way to a different perspective: what would it look like if people could stay safely in their homes for the long haul? What if homes were built for durability as well as beauty?

According to a 2022 Harvard University study, less than 4% of American homes were equipped with basic accessibility features. The next generation prioritizes independence over convenience. As architects and builders, we have the ability to build environments that allow people to continue daily activities and routines in the place they love that are durable, functional and beautiful.

At SPACE, we believe homes should adapt to people as they age. Wide hallways and doorways that allow movement, zero-entry access to outdoor spaces, gracefully hidden storage drawers and finishes that feel warm and cozy but are designed for longevity even with hard use.

We’ll be taking a look at some of the ways we work to provide ADA compliant homes that accommodate aging and special needs in a graceful way. Visit our website to learn more about our commitment to accessibility for all and the ways we accomplish this.

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Bar J is an upcoming project in Columbia, Missouri with restaurateur Jina Yoo, owner of Jina Yoo's Asian Bistro. Nearly a decade after collaborating with Jina on Le Bao Asian Eatery, we’re excited to work together again on a space designed to sit just next door to her beloved restaurant.

Conceived as a speakeasy-style companion to the restaurant, Bar J will offer a place for guests to drift in before dinner, linger after a meal, or settle into the lounge for cocktails and small bites. The design centers on a large bar and lounge area with soft seating that can be reserved, creating a setting that feels both intimate and social.

Lush draperies shape the room—softening acoustics, regulating temperature, and keeping the space dim even in long summer evenings. Created for beauty and practicality, the panels can also be drawn around seating areas to create smaller vignettes within the lounge. A Coromandel screen will serve as wall artwork, with layered textiles and textured fabrics adding depth and moments of visual intrigue throughout the space.

A deep red feature wall with a sculptural snake element anchors the space, pulling the eye across the room and setting the tone for a sumptuous, atmospheric counterpoint to the restaurant next door.

Bar J is currently in development: our friends at Coil Construction are building the space, and our Ryan is heading out in a few weeks to hang our fabricated gantry above the bar. Jina's looking to be open in late spring, so follow along to watch the space come to life!