Workplace Culture 
Late last year Elemental Post, a Canadian post-production outfit, engaged the help of Willow King from Floorspace Commercial to find the perfect commercial space for the studio. Running an extensive process, the team found a creative space in Vancouver’s Railtown district that captivated the studios attention.
From the very beginning, the studio’s vision was to create a space that embodied natural light and openness. However, the need for soundproof and dark rooms to ensure color accuracy posed a challenge in achieving a bright and inviting design.
Working with Willow was an absolute dream for Dave Tomiak, co-founder of Elemental. The search for the perfect space was quite extensive, but Willow’s patience and invaluable assistance made it a smooth journey. For Elemental, Willow’s involvement made all the difference. Her dedication and commitment to their success were evident throughout the entire process. Thanks to Willow’s expertise and attentive support, Dave and his team were able to find the perfect space that perfectly aligned with their vision and goals.
It was quite the long search and Willow was so patient and a serious lifesaver helping navigate the whole process with us. She took the time to really get to know us as individuals and our business so she knew exactly what we needed in a space and therefore was able to provide the best advice possible.
Dave Tomiak, Elemental Co-founder
Upon discovering the unit, the wooden beams and skylights in the common area immediately captivated the studio’s attention. It was clear that preserving as much of the common area as possible was crucial. After considering the potentially claustrophobic nature of the dark rooms where they would spend hours working, they desired an experience of stepping out into a vibrant and spacious environment.
With this in mind, a minimalistic approach was adopted for the design. Keeping the kitchen and common area open to each other maximized the square footage and maintained a sense of community. The presence of skylights proved to be a game-changer, allowing the incorporation of plants into the common area. In a technologically advanced space like theirs, integrating greenery and openness could be challenging, but the skylights played a vital role in realizing their vision. The only thing they wished for now was triple the number of plants!
A pony wall was installed to create a great first impression upon entering the space. Its purpose was to direct the eyes towards the center of the room, guiding people into the space. The studio particularly loved having the common area at the heart of the studio, with the rooms branching out along the perimeter. This layout fostered a communal and open atmosphere while also providing a slightly more private feel to the kitchen, despite its proximity to the studio entrance.
Collaborating closely with Vancouver-based production designer Robin Tilby, Color room 1 was meticulously designed. The concept featured gray furniture and a concrete gray rug, complemented by 18 percent gray walls essential for achieving balanced color grading. The addition of black metal accents into the muted palette of gray created a visually appealing contrast. The pièce de résistance, however, was the marble coffee table, serving as the centerpiece of the room. Its pop of color and texture in an otherwise muted space made it one of the favorite spaces in the studio.
The bathroom held a special place in the studio’s heart. Early on in the design process, they had a clear vision of a green bathroom. Working alongside Robyn Ripoli of the Design Build firm Elevation, they discovered a stunning green/turquoise tile that became the focal point of the entire design. The tile perfectly complemented the gold mirror, faucet, and light fixture. Inspired by the bathroom, they decided to incorporate a similar vertical tile with complementary colors into the kitchen’s backsplash, creating a cohesive flow throughout the space.
Designing the theater presented its own set of challenges, but the outcome was extremely satisfying. The goal was to create an immersive experience, achieved through floor-to-ceiling wall sconces that directed attention to the front of the room and the screen. The theater served both as a working space and a screening room, with tiered seating allowing people to sit in front of them while they worked without obstructing anyone’s view of the screen. Equipped with 4K laser projection and 7.1 surround sound, the room offered a unique and emotionally engaging experience for film viewing.
What captivated the studio about the space was the variety of rooms, each evoking a distinct atmosphere. Rooms like Sound 1 or the Theater embraced darkness, sleekness, and an appropriate ambiance for technical purposes. In contrast, the common area, kitchen, and boardroom exuded openness, brightness, and a clean, modern aesthetic. The unexpected contrast between the different areas ensured the space remained constantly intriguing.
About Elemental
Leading the boutique label, Elemental, are Post Supervisor and Sound Designer, Matt Drake, and Senior Colourist, Dave Tomiak. With their expertise, the company has achieved notable successes. Among their recent credits are the critically acclaimed feature film “Riceboy Sleeps,” directed by Canadian filmmaker Anthony Shim, which received the Toronto Film Critic Award. Additionally, they were involved in the production of the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary “I’m Just Here for the Riot” by filmmakers Asia Youngman and Kat Jayme. The documentary focuses on the 2011 Vancouver Stanley Cup riot.
Learn more about Elemental with recent features in Deadline and the Vancouver Sun.
About Willow King
Willow is an experienced commercial real estate broker, assisting companies in finding office, retail, and industrial spaces in the vibrant Metro Vancouver area. What sets Willow apart is her prior experience as a primary listing agent, which gives her a unique advantage when representing companies. Willow’s specialized focus lies in catering to professional services, science, technology, and creative agencies. She understands the specific challenges and demands these industries face and is well-equipped to provide them with tailored solutions that align with their unique requirements.
If you have any questions regarding the Vancouver commercial real estate market, finding or subleasing your space, or strategizing about your space footprint amidst the evolving hybrid work environment, feel free to reach out to Willow King at willow@floorspace.ca
