Office Spotlight: 1105 W 41st St

Bumble looked to Mark Odom Studio to design their new office in Austin. We were able to speak with Mark Odom Studio and learn more about this vibrant office design.

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What’s the first thing someone would notice in this office?

Mark Odom Studio

The building’s bright yellow color makes it a standout on the block. Nestled in between the Rosedale and Hyde Park neighborhoods, the hive is hard to miss with it’s vibrant exterior that is completely on-brand. Upon entrance, the eye is immediately drawn to the hexagonal shapes that ascend the staircase, the bright neon sign that begs confidence to, “make the first move” and the eclectic, yet perfectly paired colored choices of each conference room.

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What does this office say about the company you designed it for?

Mark Odom Studio

It was important to Bumble that its new headquarters felt like a home rather than a traditional office. Mark Odom Studio led the team to ensure that the architectural elements and spatial design complimented their vision while also remaining in code with the city’s protocol. The female-forward app wanted an office that felt more residential and inspired the team with confidence, resilience and fun! A result of a close partnership, everything in the office is fully customized to the Bumble brand, from the nooks and crannies, to the staircase, and Whitney Wolfe’s office.

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Describe the layout of this office. How does this office design encourage creativity, productivity, and team happiness?

Mark Odom Studio

An open floor plan promotes communication and collaboration between team members in an encouraging atmosphere that instills confidence in employees, much like the brand tries to do with its users.

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What does the space do best?

Mark Odom Studio

The space encourages creativity and collaboration. It deviates from the confines of a cubicle or even a traditional work space to make one feel they’re in a comfortable and inclusive setting that evokes optimal work flow while providing personal support. A pumping room, community kitchen, large open seating area, are just some of the aspects of the office that caters to individual’s needs.

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What went into choosing the colors and materials for the office’s decor?

Mark Odom Studio

We followed the Bumble brand as closely as possible. You’ll notice acute detail in the hexagonal shapes and painting and designs that compliment Bumble’s aesthetic. The ombré wall, which took four painters to achieve, is an example of the dedication and determination in emulating Bumble’s vision into the finished product. Our team had to work closely with the Bumble team, the interior design team at JEI, the owner of the building and the City of Austin, making the process complex, yet fun, from beginning to end.

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What is your favorite part of this office?

Mark Odom Studio

How the space tends to unfold with scalable detailed layers, which is exciting because I love spaces that maintain curiosity and experience. It’s obvious that the design is heavily focused on the Bumble brand, however, as you walk around, the brand is referenced in many ways outside of logo imprint. To discover and experience Bumble by walking through the space, is a wonderful adventure. From the custom stair railing down to the light switches … it all reads as one uniform idea. I think it’s also wonderful that the space transcends into a different thing from day to night. The daytime lends itself into a playful and interactive work environment that stands out on the streetscape. At night the space transcends into a glowing volume where the noticeable details of day fall to the background.

Photographer: Casey Dunn

Designer: Mark Odom Studio