Steelcase - Next Law Firm — Sydney Minton Designs

Steelcase- NEXT Law Firm

Justice Rooted in Natural Order

Course: Studio III | Fall 2025

Media: Revit, Enscape, Adobe Photoshop

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Project Size: 15,000 sq-ft

Developed for the Steelcase NEXT Student Design Competition, this project reimagines the traditional law firm as more than a corporate workplace. The NEXT Law Firm is a community of individuals bringing unique perspectives, experiences, backgrounds, and ideas together to create an adaptable and collaborative environment.

For the NEXT Law Firm's Los Angeles branch, I sought to reflect the values of balance, identity, well-being, and growth through a biophilic design approach. Through the intentional use of color theory, natural light, greenery, and organic materials, the interiors establish a harmonious connection to the surrounding landscape of Los Angeles, drawing inspiration from the Pacific Ocean, coastal plains, mountains, and valleys.

Recognizing the vital role nature plays in human well-being, my design integrates its influence into the corporate environment to enhance quality of life and bring greater meaning to the workplace. While nature is inherently wild and organic, the practice of law is rooted in structure and order. By balancing these contrasting principles, the design creates an environment that embraces the serenity of the natural world while maintaining the professionalism, stability, and structure of the legal profession.

Steelcase- NEXT Law Firm

Early Research

Los Angeles

The Los Angeles area hosts an extraordinary diversity of natural environments, from coastal beaches and wetlands to mountains, deserts, and lush urban canyons.

The Arts District

The Arts District in Los Angeles is a vibrant creative hub where historic warehouses have been transformed into galleries, studios, and design-forward businesses, cultivating a community driven by innovation and cultural expression.

Organic Forms

Integrating principles of nature to enhance productivity, well-being, and focus through thoughtful use of color, organic materials, and natural lighting, creating a balanced and restorative workplace.

Steelcase- NEXT Law Firm

Ideation

Steelcase- NEXT Law Firm

Visual Identity ⟶ Material Palette

Natural Order

Implementing organic forms, natural light, and biophilic design into the corporate workplace.

Sterile Office ⟶ Productive Ecosystem

The Next Law Firm is more than a corporation; it is a community shaped by diverse perspectives, identities, and experiences.

The Los Angeles branch reflects balance, identity, well-being, and growth through biophilic design, drawing inspiration from the city's coastal plains, Pacific Ocean, mountains, and valleys. Through natural light, greenery, organic materials, and color theory, the design connects nature's restorative qualities with the structure of law, creating a harmonious, human-centered workplace where natural serenity meets human order.

Key Ideas

Sustainability

Using sustainable, commercial-grade finishes and materials that reflect natural identity and color-palette.

Materials

Blue
According to Jalil et al. (2012), blue promotes calmness, focus, and mental clarity. In the Next Law Firm design, deep blues symbolize trust, professionalism, and stability, creating a grounded environment that supports thoughtful, productive work.

Green
Jalil et al. (2012) associate green with renewal, balance, and well-being. Inspired by biophilic principles, muted greens connect occupants to nature, reducing fatigue and encouraging focus, restoration, and harmony.

Deep Orange (Terracotta)
Jalil et al. (2012) suggest that warm tones stimulate energy, creativity, and engagement. In the Next Law Firm design, terracotta introduces warmth and vitality, encouraging collaboration while balancing the calming qualities of blue and green. Together, these hues reinforce harmony between humanity and nature.