Marvin Lang: A Modern Design Studio in a Restored 19th-Century Garage

When we first heard about Ansel and Peter’s newly opened studio, Marvin Lang, we made a point to visit. The space is a striking modern office born from an old late-19th-century garage. The designers carefully rehabilitated the building while preserving and celebrating many of the original rustic and industrial elements—exposed brick and plaster, original concrete floors, and heavy timber beams.

A Welcoming Client Lounge

Just beyond the large custom double doors lies a relaxed client lounge filled with vintage finds and Danish modern furniture. The designers paired these curated pieces with the studio’s original surfaces—the rough plaster and brick walls and the concrete floor—creating an inviting and authentic atmosphere that feels both refined and approachable.

Open Plan with Functional Nooks

Because the original garage was a single open volume, Ansel and Peter kept most of the plan open to maximize light and movement. They did, however, add two closets and a generously sized bathroom. The bathrooms feature metal-clad walls that read as a design feature while functioning as large magnetic boards—cleverly combining aesthetics and utility.

Natural light pours in through the openings and bounces off the exposed ceiling beams and sealed concrete floors. The floor was treated with a clear sealant to make maintenance easy while preserving the raw, unfussy character of the original surface.

Reclaimed Materials and Thoughtful Storage

Sustainability and character play a big role in the studio’s material choices. Shelving crafted from reclaimed wood salvaged from the building itself provides practical storage while reinforcing the design concept of reuse. These simple, clean shelves are both functional and eco-conscious, blending seamlessly with the industrial backdrop.

A portion of one wall is covered with large panels of homasote, creating a generous pinboard ideal for displaying prints, sketches, and posters. This gesture adds texture and visual interest while providing a practical surface for the studio’s creative work.

A Compact, Polished Kitchen Corner

Even the kitchen corner was treated with thoughtful detailing. Metal-clad walls continue behind the counter as an easy-to-clean backsplash. The counter itself is a thick slab of Carrera marble with an undermount sink and an elegant wall-mounted faucet. These refined materials lift the casual industrial setting, making the kitchen a striking, functional feature of the studio.

Ansel’s background in graphic design is evident throughout the space. Playful signage adds personality and humor to the studio—little visual touches that make the environment feel personal and curated rather than purely utilitarian.

Original Garage Details Preserved

Among the most charming original elements are the remnants left in the concrete floor: old chains once used to secure cars when the building served as a working garage. These small relics are integrated into the finished floor, offering a tangible link to the building’s history and contributing to the studio’s narrative.

To honor the original opening for cars, the front doors were custom-built to fit the historic garage aperture. The result is a cohesive balance of original architecture and contemporary design—authentic, practical, and visually compelling.

We left inspired by the studio’s honesty and attention to detail. Ansel and Peter have created a space that feels lived-in, purposeful, and full of creative potential—an excellent example of how thoughtful restoration and restrained design can combine to form a modern, functional workplace.

If you have a distinctive home or office you’d like to share, drop a line and you might find us photographing your space next. We’re enthusiastic visitors with an eye for design and a respect for good manners.