The Elmhurst Schools campus in East Oakland comprises of two middle schools; Elmhurst Community Prep and The Alliance Academy. The scope of work included; auditorium modernization, fire alarm and telephone/intercom/clocks systems upgrades for the entire campus, and upgrade of the gymnasium lighting. The music curriculum is at the heart of the Elmhurst Schools. The proposed design reinvigorated the auditorium as the center of the music and performance curriculum and reconstitutes a space for the two schools to convene. The strategy was to improve thermal comfort, ventilation and strike a balance of utilizing existing materials where possible. The white oak wood panel wainscot/ gypsum wall finishes provide a furred insulated assembly, unify and correct the visual proportion of the room. Insulated structural glass units replace the existing single glazed windows. The new heating and ventilation system replaced 1940 equipment. The existing wood chairs were artistically refurbished and reinstalled in a new accessible configuration. New advanced production lighting and AV systems allow the Elmhurst/Alliance music and performance curricula to flourish.
The Serenity Med Spa project was a tenant improvement to the former Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon at 126 Post Street. Studio Perez worked closely with Sophisticate Interiors to reconfigure the 6,300 square foot space for medical spa programmatic use. The program includes a series of treatment rooms, consultation rooms, offices, and a main consultation/greeting lobby and reception and a treatment lobby. Spaces were configured to maximize daylight opportunities. LED lighting was used throughout the entire space. The sinuous curve of the ceiling in the main lobby threads through several spaces. The space is abstracted into a series of curves, planes, solids, and translucency to create a light and airy backdrop for the doctors and their work of rejuvenation.
Studio Perez collaborated with Gelfand Partners Architects as consultant project manager for the Beneficial State Bank (BSB) tenant improvement project in Oakland, California. The program included providing open offices, private offices, meeting rooms, conference rooms, kitchen/lounge and a wellness room for the bank and BSB Foundation in a 2,500 SF space. The client desired following the LIving Building Challenge (LBC) criteria for sustainable design, health, and wellness. Natural materials, recycled content, LED lighting, and Living Plant walls are some of the materials and methods that were used to achieve LBC criteria.