Cedar Counseling & Wellness Project Reveal

When it comes to any space that we design, we want people to walk in and immediately feel safe and at peace. This is especially true for the counselors offices that we regularly work on but even more so for Cedar Counseling & Wellness. A 3,000 sq. ft. counselors office based in Annapolis, MD this expansive space boasts two waiting areas and seven counselors offices. With such a large space, it could easily feel overwhelming for clients walking through doors, but with our strategic and thoughtful design, we were able to make it into a calming retreat.

When Carrie Nicholes approached us about designing her newly-purchased 3,000 sq. ft. office space back in the Fall of 2020, the world was still reeling from the effects of Covid-19. Having gone off her own earlier that year and starting her own practice, Carrie quickly amassed quite the clientele and was in need of some more space. We began working together in October of 2020 and were able to open Cedar’s doors several weeks later. Breaking the project into phases, we completed it in the late spring of 2021.

BEFORE:

The design of the previous tenants was eclectic to say the least… charcoal gray and neon green walls, an odd waiting area equipped with a faux, gold elevator… there was a lot going on. Walking into the space though for the first time, back in October 2020, I could see the potential.

It was a great space but there was definitely some work that needed to be done.

AFTER:

Taking our inspiration from the name “Cedar”, natural elements played a major role in the over-all design of this counselor’s office. It was this, along with the owner Carrie’s minimal and modern style, that led to the overall aesthetic. Being 3,000 sq. ft., it was our goal the each space be special and unique, but cohesive to the overall vision.

Walking through each office, you’ll note that while their all quite different and unique, their similar in design: professional and modern, with some natural elements. One of the exciting things about this project is that the owner, Carrie, really invested in the quality of the pieces that were placed. They’re beautiful and well-made; they’ll last for years to come.

This project has been so special to me for a number of reasons, one being that it is very similar in concept to the project that I completed for our senior thesis in college! For that project, I had designed a hypothetical retail space for this organic skincare company, Kora Organics. Being a very holistic brand (similar to Cedar), it had a retail space of course, but also a yoga studio and juice bar. The design also, was quite minimal and modern but infused with natural elements (i.e. trees, crystals, tons of natural light, etc.). When working on the design of Cedar Counseling & Wellness, it felt like I had come full circle.

Waiting Area

Office 01

Office 02

Office 03

Office 04

W

Office 05

Office 06

Office 07

INTERIOR DESIGN: Making Room for Peace | PHOTOGRAPHY: Jenna Miller Photography