1Box Clever, Inc.

Case Study

How one design company’s use of space helps take an idea from concept to reality.

Drawings are layered across the wall. Each row is neatly assembled, at display, inviting critique. Nearby, someone sketches on a table. Behind him, another is designing a logo at his computer. They are working separately, but on the same project. It’s the beginning stage of the creative process, one that will eventually become Fade, a task light that defies the form, function, and feel of what people expect from the lighting industry.

This is the type of design work being done at Box Clever, where ideas come to life in beautiful, surprising, and inventive ways. Founders Bret Recor and Seth Murray met while both were working at fuseproject, a San Francisco-based, award-winning design studio. Since forming Box Clever they’ve developed

Box Clever Inc. San Francisco, California, USA

2Box Clever, Inc.

Case Study

Box Clever employees use their upstairs meeting space to get away from the high-energy atmosphere of their primary work area, to converse with colleagues, and to present ideas to clients.

furniture for the home and workplace, along with a number of consumer products including Runcible, a one-of-a-kind mobile device; Span, a watch that does far more than tell time; and Nebia, an innovative showerhead that saves 70 percent of typical water consumption.

Box Clever resides among the giants of the Bay Area’s tech culture, not far from the offices of Adobe, Zynga, Airbnb, and Pinterest. In their 2,400-square-foot space, the people of Box Clever are intimately connected with their work from start to finish.

“Our strength is really creating a strong core narrative through the product, and we follow through on that narrative with every touchpoint for the brand,” Seth says.

Throughout the design process, space empowers the team’s ability to form that narrative. Its black and white scheme provides a quiet, sophisticated backdrop as Box Clever’s designers and

their work take the forefront. They, and their work, give the space its life and vitality. “The design process is very organic, Seth says." To the outside world that can seem chaotic—we specialize in making sense out of the chaos.”

At Box Clever, there is ample space for both group and individual work. Downstairs is a dynamic mix of activities. Everyone from graphic artists to industrial designers have a desk to call their own, along with a number of tables that serve as secondary work areas. There’s a magnetic whiteboard that stretches across the perimeter, allowing employees to post progress or move an entire project with relative ease. They move the furniture frequently too—all depending on the activities a project demands.

3Box Clever, Inc.

Case Study

Magis Steelwood Tables situated near the primary workspace downstairs provide an opportunity for small group engagements, when employees can chat about a project while remaining connected to the larger team.

The team at Box Clever brings ideas to life in beautiful, surprising, and inventive ways.

Upstairs is a quieter, more focused space where employees retreat for a focused getaway, meet with colleagues, or talk with clients. The same black-and-white motif carries over from the lower level, supporting Box Clever’s commitment to never distract from the idea.

With the creative process being core to the growth and vitality of Box Clever, Bret and Seth thought long and hard about the layout, aesthetic, and the tools that support their work activities. While at fuseproject, Bret worked on the design of the Herman Miller Sayl Chair, so they knew it would be a natural fit for furnishing the individual workspaces downstairs. Upstairs, Setu Chairs, with their unique combination of flex and strength, provide instant comfort for people gathered around the conference table. These join efficient Tu Storage units and tables and side chairs from Herman Miller’s Italian partner Magis.

These furnishings are among the tools Box Clever uses while working to create functional and beautiful products for everyday use. Along with these products, Box Clever has been developing something else for years: a strong culture. Having this has been critical—especially in a market with real competition for true talent. “Finding the right people is difficult,” Seth says. “We are constantly on the lookout for talented, smart people with a strong design perspective. This is what results in the best work.”

Box Clever attracts forward-thinking individuals with a flexible style of work—one that strays from typical corporate practices. They encourage people to bring their own opinions and

experiences to the table, as many points of view make for better ideas. The space itself attracts people with its casual nature, encouraging employees to relax, catch up with the team, and enjoy the successes of their work.

The opportunity to make a mark, shaping the company as it grows, also attracts potential employees. Being small—staff size is around 10—forces team members to wear more than one hat and take on multiple tasks. Doing so is critical to the success of an idea. “We have a lot of trust in our team,” Bret says. “It’s just a matter of making sure everything follows through with the strategic thinking.”

As a team, Box Clever responds to challenges with agility. This correlates with their company name—one that ties to boxing, where the most successful competitors rely as much on their wits as their strength.

With creative tenacity and an arena for innovation, Box Clever is poised to continue their mission of making exceptional products that result in meaningful experiences. In Bret and Seth’s eyes teamwork, collaboration, and a shared belief will be critical to growing and sustaining what they’ve created. “We make sure everyone can see the vision and also contribute to it," Bret adds.

"We can’t do it all ourselves.”

4Box Clever, Inc.

Bret Recor (left) and Seth Murray are the founders of Box Clever, a San Francisco-based studio that specializes in brand-driven design.

© 2015 Herman Miller, Inc., Zeeland, Michigan

Herman Miller, Y, Eames, Sayl, Setu, and Tu are among the registered trademarks of Herman Miller, Inc.

Magis is a registered trademark of Magis SpA

Photo credit: Mark Mahaney

Case Study

Industry Industrial Design

Topics Brand Small and Medium Business

Applications Collaboration

Project Scope 2,400 square feet

Herman Miller Products Air Chair by Magis® Eames® Molded Plywood Chair Sayl® Chair Setu® Chair Steelwood Table by Magis Stool_One by Magis Tu® Storage

Year Completed 2013