Author: brad@sidecarpr.com

Financial advisory offices are often defined by navy palettes, rigid geometry and an undertone of intimidation. Mercer Advisors, a national Registered Investment Adviser (“RIA”), set out to redefine that experience for their predominantly female clientele. 

Elsy partnered with Mercer Advisors to bring this repositioning to life through design, drawing from Mercer’s signature raspberry hue and wave motif for inspiration to create a space that feels both confident and calming.  

From the moment of arrival, visitors are welcomed into a composed reception area oriented to capture sweeping mountain and downtown views. Strategic angling of the entrance and client-facing meeting rooms maximizes natural light and reinforces a sense of openness. 

Multi-dimensional wood wall cladding with refined brass inlays introduces warmth and texture, while soft lighting and layered materials temper the environment. A custom nature-inspired wallcovering in raspberry and blush tones spans two conference rooms, delivering a memorable yet sophisticated expression of the brand. 

Overhead, sculptural acoustic baffles trace gentle curves across the ceiling in an architectural focal point, subtly guiding circulation toward a vibrant multi-functional lounge designed for collaboration and respite. In response to the client’s preference for exposed ceilings, the design team worked closely with engineers and contractors to selectively open key areas, balancing spatial drama with acoustic performance. 

Planning decisions further reinforce equity and wellness by preserving perimeter daylight for open workstations, while strategically placed “JIT” rooms provide advisors with flexible, on-demand call spaces. The result is a thoughtfully branded workplace that transforms a traditionally formal typology into a warm, empowering environment for clients and staff alike. 

Transforming a dated one-story building into a sleek, modern law office is no small feat, especially when part of the space has to remain occupied during construction. That was the challenge facing Elsy Studios and the project team when Griffiths Law acquired their new Lone Tree headquarters in 2022. The solution required meticulous phasing, creative problem-solving and close coordination between contractors, architects and the firm’s leadership to keep business operations running smoothly while reimagining the space.

Elsy was engaged to lead the interior design, working in collaboration with ASR Companies, VH Engineering and MEP Engineers to ensure the 9,132-square-foot renovation could be executed with minimal disruption to the firm’s daily operations. Phase one involved renovating both sides of the occupied suite while carefully managing noise, dust and logistics for attorneys and clients. Once the tenant vacated, phase two brought the two sides together into one cohesive space, including structural modifications to unify the interiors.

The completed project delivered more than 33 private offices designed to enhance attorney-client confidentiality and productivity, along with new collaborative spaces and break areas that support both professional and social connection. By exposing the building’s steel structure, Elsy was able to raise ceiling heights and create a more open, progressive feel. ALUR glass walls in all private offices allow natural light to permeate the space, while a curated palette of black, white and natural tones elevates the environment with modern sophistication.

Far from the traditional “stuffy” law office aesthetic, the design balances professionalism with warmth, making the office welcoming for clients across generations. The space reflects Griffiths Law’s leadership: forward-thinking, approachable and committed to excellence.