Our job is to serve our clients creatively and practically. In doing so, we hold flexibility as an important design principle, saving rigidity for the project intent and the structure. While creating, we must be fluid, flexible and move with our clients. This is best done with an open, honest relationship - no matter what the scope.

Working on a wide variety of projects is a welcomed challenge. It’s great being a part of a collaborative design team under an Architect and working with various disciplines of engineering firms. On the other side of the client spectrum, designing spaces for individuals on their own personal projects is incredibly rewarding.

The role of a consultant has changed dramatically with an abundance of information in our hands at all times. What we do, in addition to the creative, is provide guidance and direction on products and concepts that are out there, as any team professional may bring them to the table. The knowledge of what will work, what won’t and what is worth using is key for trying new things and knowing how to pivot if it doesn’t have the results you’re looking for.

We draw a lot from the music business, and as musicians will tell you, there is an abundance of talent and the ones who stay busy are good company. They’re the people who you want to be around, who make you feel comfortable and who make you better. This translates well from the studio to the office workspace, our clients absolutely need to feel comfortable and confident in who they are working with.

“The way I (Mathias) approach studio design is to draw parallels from a producer working on an album. Having worked in studios as an intern, engineer and producer, I’ve studied the role of all personnel, specifically the producer. Rick Rubin put it best (and I’ll paraphrase) - the producer's role is to facilitate the best version of the art and the artist. As a designer, my role is to facilitate the best space for the client.

This starts by getting to know their workflow, expectations (both visual and spatial), feel, vibe, what they like, what they don’t like, what will live in the space, speakers, instruments, art, etc…all of which drive design decisions.

As the project progresses, it’s important to be able to speak to all parties within their vocabulary. Producers can speak to managers, engineers, musicians, and artists in ways they understand and make them comfortable. It’s an important skill in design as well. Acoustics are typically the unknown design element, and it's our responsibility to present it in a way that can be understood by each discipline. Architects, engineers, musicians, producers, contractors, subcontractors…all have their own language, which we need to be able to speak to.

It’s an important parallel for me, that of record producer and studio designer. Keeping everyone moving towards the same vision of the artist/client, be it a musical or architectural medium.”

As important as it is to know what we do as a firm, it’s important to note what we do not include in our scope of work.

We do not sell or provide any products, equipment, or building materials. Nor do we build any portion of our designs. We do not hold a license and do not sign & stamp any drawings or documentation.

To state simply, IPDG is a design only consulting firm.

We put everything on paper that you need for your project, and are available throughout the entire process for all involved.