No walls, no problem: Breaking down the barriers of architectural design

Nathan Kalaher is all about breaking down barriers ... literally.

Walking into the second floor loft space that he shares with his PLaN Architecture partners, wife Lisa Kalaher and Paul Martin Jr., the first thing you'll notice is the wood which frames the office space.

That, and none of the partners' office is encumbered by walls.

"This is what works best for our business," Kalaher said, explaining the loft's deliberately unfinished look. "I need to be able to communicate with my partners constantly. Walls would just get in the way."

He smiles while leaning into the wood posts that separate his wife's office and the firm's central space.

"Plus with no walls, it's cool to pretend we all have X-ray vision," Kalaher said with a laugh.

Taking what had previously been a building that was home to an auto garage, Kalaher envisioned the 255 Fifth Street offices for PLaN Architecture to be both funky and functional.

The firm's reception area displays a sleek, clean and modern aesthetic while exposed wood and duct work offers an urban, visual pop of energy.

Paintings are on display throughout the office space (even PLaN Architecture's kitchenette and restrooms boast artwork) and furnishings reflect individuality.

Kalaher wants the layout he's devised for his firm to serve as a template for offices designed for many of PLaN's clients.

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No walls, no problem: Breaking down the barriers of architectural design