From concept to construction
The technical craft of custom focal walls
By Lauren Stern
Designing custom, artful focal walls is such a rewarding challenge. There are so many thoughtful layers that go into each one, and that’s what makes the process so special. Every wall is completely unique, carefully shaped by the space around it so it feels intentional and connected.
Inspiration can come from the most interesting places. Sometimes it’s the organic pattern of a terrace floor, the rich textile history of a historic property, or the branding and angular motifs of a well-known textile artist. I love drawing from these details and transforming them into something new and meaningful.
Just as important as the creative vision is the fabrication and prototyping process. This behind-the-scenes work ensures that every detail is considered and beautifully executed.
Below, I’m sharing both the inspiration and the technical side of three distinct projects, and how each one came to life.
1700 PENNSYLVANIA AVE
Project scope
Just a stone’s throw from the White House, 1700 Pennsylvania Ave blends history and modern design in a way that feels both timeless and fresh. My design consultancy Studio 618 was commissioned by Akridge to create a focal wall for the penthouse, a piece that would not only add beauty but also connect to the building’s rich context.
The design drew inspiration from the organic, interwoven patterns of the penthouse terrace flooring and the warm walnut tones found throughout the building. The fins on the wall echo the way paths converge across the terrace, bringing a sense of movement and flow into the space. The focal wall features 168 painted MDF and stained walnut fins, each with varying thicknesses and heights, creating a dynamic rhythm that mirrors the curving benches on the terrace floor. The design even allows the floor and bench forms to feel like a continuous extension of one another.
Beyond the focal wall, the adjacent penthouse elevator corridor and lower-level lobby feature tone-on-tone environmental graphics inspired by the wall. These subtle design cues guide visitors toward lounges and office spaces while maintaining a refined and cohesive aesthetic. The result is a layering of texture, form, and story that ties the building together while celebrating its place in D.C.’s historic landscape.
Intentional materials
Material selection was critical for this project. MDF provides the structural strength needed for a piece of this scale, while walnut brings warmth and luxury. Together, these materials reflect the property’s high standards and support the ambitious artistic goals of the design. Choosing elements that could endure a corporate environment while still standing out visually was a central consideration throughout the process.
Prototyping & fabrication
Installing a complex wall in a busy office building presented several challenges. Coordination with the fabricators, especially Studio Displays, was essential to complete the installation efficiently and without disrupting daily operations. The wall was constructed in three main sections with minimal seams, and a few additional fins were applied directly to the panels on site to complete the design. Surrounding walls included wall graphics and dimensional letters, and the central portion had a walnut frame that had to be carefully integrated.
Prototyping played a crucial role in the project’s success. Brandon Gagnon, custom business development executive at Studio Displays, explained, “Studio Displays had the honor to work with Studio 618 on their unique design of the 1700 Pennsylvania Ave wall. Each element of this display was fastened from behind. We had to map out each location and create a template for placement.
Multiple stain samples were created for approval to match the designer’s intent. Once that was approved, each piece of wood was handmade. We fully installed the wall in the shop to guarantee the completed product would work. After careful review and approval, we disassembled and packed it for shipping. It was very helpful having the designer, Lauren, on-site during the installation process. Our team of professionals strives to take a design from concept to completion with the same intent the designer had envisioned.”
CSI also contributed to the project, handling the lower-level graphics. They integrated flat, vertical 2D slats inspired by the main wall and combined them with photography that mixes color and black-and-white imagery of the penthouse vantage point overlooking Washington, D.C.
Outcome & impact
The finished installation is more than a decorative feature. It is a narrative, a journey, and a celebration of the building,
its context, and its history. The wall seamlessly enhances the spatial experience while giving tenants and visitors a distinctive, memorable environment.
Spinning Mill Lofts: Process photos by Lauren Stern and final photos by Megan Morales • Fabricator: SignArt
SPINNING MILL LOFTS
Project scope
My design consultancy was commissioned to design a unique fiber art focal wall for Taft Development Group’s property, Spinning Mill Lofts. This refurbished historic textile mill now houses luxurious amenity spaces and 25 loft-style apartments, surrounded by eight garden-style buildings in downtown Clayton, North Carolina.
Several key factors guided the project. The design needed to feel timeless while complementing SouthPark Interiors’ vision for the space. It also had to reflect Yellow Duck Marketing’s clean and modern branding, honor the building’s historic textile roots, and create an art piece that enhanced the design while telling a meaningful story.
Prototyping & fabrication
The focal wall was developed in stages, with extensive prototyping, sketches, and meetings to refine every detail. The traditional loom I use for textile weaving has notched edges to hold the warp, the vertical strings that hold the weaving. However, due to the geometry of this project, the warping method had to be adapted.
Finding the right fabricator was essential. I worked closely with SignArt to lay out the loom for their CNC router and specified the hole size and their distance to one another to be routed into the aluminum frame. They provided a full-size prototype section to test the process and ensure there were no issues before fabrication.
During prototyping, several challenges emerged. I had to sew in each vertical section individually, as the string would get stuck in the holes if I did not separate it. The sections at the edges of the loom needed to overlap slightly so the top frame could cover the gaps. The prototype section did not have a vertical stand, so I worked hunched over my kitchen table. When the full piece was built, I requested vertical legs to keep it upright, allowing me to weave as I would on a traditional loom. This adjustment literally saved my back.
Lessons learned
The prototyping process was definitely time-consuming, but it was absolutely worth it. It gave us the space to identify and work through potential challenges before the full installation, making sure the final piece aligned beautifully with the original design vision.
Both my client and I were thrilled with how well the fabricator brought it to life. It’s such a good reminder that prototyping isn’t just an extra step; it’s an essential part of the process, especially for a complex project like this.
The Adler: Photos taken by Lauren Stern and ACSM • Fabricator: ACSM
THE ADLER
Project scope
My design consultancy was commissioned to design a custom fiber art focal wall for Taft Development Group’s newest luxury community, The Adler, in Charlotte, North Carolina. From the start, we wanted the piece to feel timeless and truly connected to the space. We drew inspiration from SouthPark Interiors’ interior design, leaned into Yellow Duck Marketing’s clean, modern branding, and honored the textile legacy of the property’s namesake, Ruth Adler. The finished piece brings warmth, texture, and a story that people can feel the moment they walk in.
Prototyping & fabrication
This piece truly came together in stages, with lots of prototyping, sketching, problem-solving, and thoughtful back-and-forth along the way. It was a layered process that required patience and flexibility at every step.
On a traditional loom, the warp threads sit neatly in notches along the edge. But because of the geometry and scale of these four oversized looms, that standard approach simply wouldn’t work. We had to rethink the construction entirely. For early inspiration, we looked back at the custom loom we created for Spinning Mill Lofts, using lessons from that build to guide how we engineered this new version.
Finding the right fabricator was key. I partnered closely with ACSM to lay out the four looms for their CNC router and carefully specified the holes that would be routed into the aluminum frames. Before finalizing anything, I brought in my prototype from Spinning Mill to discuss materials, attachment points, and how the looms would connect to the legs.
With any custom build, collaboration is the key to success. According to Dykia Holland, senior production designer at ACSM, “As lead production designer, I value the communication between the fabrication and design team, enabling each to communicate their process and pivot if any challenges arise. Their hands-on experience and knowledge, combined with my role to model and illustrate how each component of this project came together, reshaped my understanding of how design and build truly work together, and I carry those insights onto the next project.”
Lessons learned
We built and wove one section at a time, which was incredibly helpful. We reused the legs for each piece and learned something new with every section about weaving, tension, and structure. After finishing the first section, we built an outer frame to test the full dimensions. That trial taught us a lot. We adjusted the radiused corners, lightened the weight of the frame, and ensured the outer frame overlapped enough to conceal gaps within the outer edges of the inner frame’s weaving. We also shifted the frame forward slightly to eliminate spacing issues along the bottom.
All of the loom shapes were quite large, with one measuring an impressive 7' X 7'. Because of its scale and irregular geometry, we ran into an unexpected challenge when the metal frame began to warp.
We reattached it to the legs and added extra stability bars, which quickly resolved the issue. Taking the project section by section allowed us to troubleshoot thoughtfully and refine the construction as we went. That steady, problem-solving approach ensured the final installation felt stable and beautifully executed.
The weaving process required some flexibility, too. In one section, I initially chose a yarn that was too thin, and once it was woven, the gaps were more visible than I had hoped. I ended up removing about 75% of that section to get it just right.
Thankfully, the adapted warp system we developed for the Spinning Mill Lofts project and incorporated here as well allowed me to salvage about 25% of the work. Even moments like that are part of the process, refining, adjusting, and making sure the final piece truly lives up to the vision.
Dry fit & installation
After more than 160 hours of weaving and fabrication, we completed a full dry fit before installation. The fabricator assembled the entire structure vertically to attach and detach the weavings, double-check alignment, and hide any visible gaps. This preparation ensured a smooth installation with no surprises.
Projects this custom naturally come with complexity. Our goal was to translate a detailed design into a buildable system without compromising the look or integrity of the piece. Every adjustment and lesson learned strengthened the final installation, making it truly one of a kind.
Why artful focal walls are a smart investment
Bringing life & story to your space
Whether you are developing a new building or refreshing an existing one, investing in an artful focal wall is always a smart choice. These walls do more than fill empty space. They bring life, character, and story to your environment.
Elevating existing design features
A well-designed focal wall can do so much more than fill a blank space. It can highlight key features and create meaningful moments that people actually remember. In a fitness center, for example, a dynamic mural that emphasizes movement and bold color can instantly energize the room. In a game room, playful shapes and layered textures can make the space feel more immersive and fun. Partnering with an experiential designer can truly shape how those moments come to life.
Focal walls can also build upon what is already special about a space. Rather than competing with existing architecture, they can reflect and amplify the details that make a building unique. At Spinning Mill Lofts, the industrial elements like exposed metal and industrial-style lighting were echoed in the wall’s materiality and dimensional lettering alongside the fiber component. The warm palette of oranges, yellows, and greens layered with natural grays, tans, and whites was inspired by the interior design firm’s overall vision. By thoughtfully tying into these design cues, a focal wall can tell a richer story while feeling completely at home in its surroundings.
Budget & customization
Artful walls do not have to break the bank. I have worked with fabricators to create walls ranging from simple two-dimensional graphics for around $5,000 to full-scale, three-dimensional installations exceeding $40,000. The cost depends on scale, detail, and materials, but there are always ways to make the project fit your budget. Dream big, and the design and fabrication can evolve to match your resources.
Standing out in a competitive market
With the rise of new multifamily and workplace buildings, standing out is more important than ever. Artful focal walls offer a unique opportunity to create a strong first impression and a lasting experience for residents, tenants, and visitors. A thoughtful, unique wall communicates care, quality, and intentionality, turning everyday spaces into places people want to experience and return to.
Long-term impact
Ultimately, an artful focal wall is more than decoration. It is a chance to tell a story, highlight your building’s personality, and set your space apart from the competition. It is an investment in both design and experience, creating a space that residents, tenants, and visitors will remember and value.
Final thoughts
Working with an experiential designer can truly transform a space, helping it feel both highly functional and visually engaging. Thoughtful design has the power to shape how people experience a property from the moment they walk in.
As you begin planning your 2026 budgets, it may be worth setting aside funds to elevate your lobbies and special amenity spaces with a custom focal wall. A one-of-a-kind feature can create a memorable first impression and help your property stand out in a meaningful way. It’s an investment that continues to add value long after installation.
Lauren Stern is the owner and experiential designer at Studio 618, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based consultancy specializing in story-driven signage and wayfinding. She transforms ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences and authored “Signs Have Much to Say,” a children’s book about the importance of signage, available on Amazon. Learn more at studio618design.com.
