Project Tapiola lobby and community room.
A transformation rooted in light and care.
Tapiola, a Finnish community centre in Farmington Hills, Michigan, invited us to reimagine its interior spaces with a focus on natural light, care, and accessibility. As a Finnish designer, this project held a special resonance – an opportunity to bring elements of my own heritage into a space shaped for a community that shares it. Our work covered the full design scope, from concept development and space planning, to lighting, color palettes, custom shelving and finishes, furniture selection, and the integration of new windows and skylights. Every decision was guided by a desire to create environments that feel uplifting and supportive of the residents who use it daily. We considered the variety of activities the spaces needed to accommodate like gathering large groups together for festive meals, and spaces for quiet reading and relaxing.
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We designed a functional kitchenette for the community room for coffee and social gatherings. -
We selected sturdy, weighted pedestal tables to provide unobstructed seating and to allow a wheelchair to pull in easily. Round tables encourage social connection by allowing everyone to face one another naturally. White tabletops were chosen for their ability to reflect light — an important consideration as vision becomes more sensitive with age.
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Custom ash shelving in the front lobby — a natural element designed to make the space feel more like home. -
Technical sketch from design process.
The broader transformation of the space is almost unrecognizable from its original form. We removed a dividing wall, an outdated kitchenette, an unused entrance, and an interior door — allowing the main area to open and breathe. Additional windows, new skylights, dimmable recessed lighting, new finishes, blinds, and soft accessories helped shape an airy environment. What once felt closed and heavy now feels calming and Nordic.
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Helsinki Remade fine art prints by Elizabeth Salonen weave Finnish heritage into the atmosphere in a subtle, contemporary way. -
The community room offers a warm, inviting space for socializing, furnished with comfortable, sturdy chairs
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One of the project’s central elements was the creation of a dedicated puzzle area for the seniors in the community. -
Helsinki Remade fine art print designed by Elizabeth Salonen
One of the project’s central elements was the creation of a dedicated puzzle area for the seniors in the community. The design grew directly from their needs. We selected a weighted, stable table base to offer balance and support, and a pedestal structure to eliminate obstruction from table legs. A white tabletop helps puzzle pieces stand out, especially for residents with vision challenges. The room is positioned near a window for natural light and seasonal views. An overhead lamp brings focus in the evening, while a colorful round rug adds warmth and gentle playfulness. Danish chairs were tested for comfort and stability.
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A welcoming front lobby designed to encourage community and social connection.
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View from halfway before renovation. Wall on left was opened up. -
After the renovation.
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View of the community room before the renovation. Front wall was removed. Windows were added to the exterior. -
A view of the community room after the renovation.
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We carried out a rigorous testing process, evaluating a range of chairs for accessibility, support, and durability. -
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The space was fully gutted to its bare structure. -
Supports were designed to keep Ash shelving from warping.
Project Scope
Design concept
Space planning + floor plans
Lighting strategy
Kitchen design
Ergonomic office design
Lobby Design
Bathroom and laundry design
Surfaces: flooring, tiles, custom finishes
Custom shelving
Color palettes
Furniture + accessory selection
Artwork curation
The addition of windows for natural light
The addition of skylights for the community room
Project manager: Sarah Wiideman