By Larry Urish

Hughes Marino’s Stylish Office Reflects its Family-First Culture

It may seem ironic that a leading commercial real estate firm operates in a space designed to look and feel like a home. However, in the case of Hughes Marino Inc., irony has nothing to do with it.

“We are a very family-oriented team and want our home away from home to reflect this unique approach to business,” says COO Shay Hughes, who designed the firm’s Irvine office.

Hughes Marino moved to a larger space last April, but not before it was completely renovated.

“We set out to create an inspiring atmosphere that fosters work-life balance by encouraging team members to collaborate over espresso at our breakfast bar, share a meal together at our family-style farm table, unwind over a game of pool or sink into a comfy couch and strum a tune on a Taylor guitar,” Hughes says.

Blending both traditional and contemporary design elements, the vibrant office includes an open area dressed in white-on-white swirls and polka-dots; custom-made decorative lighting fixtures, including a spectacular three-tier chandelier over a billiards table; hand-blown glass LED balls that light a one-of-a-kind marble conference table; and dark walnut cabinetry and iceberg-marble counter surfaces in the kitchen and communal spaces.

Some of the design elements here are unforgettable. An assortment of pieces by world-renowned artists – including a work composed of nearly 5,000 Swarovski crystals and a human sized Barbie doll – adorn Hughes Marino’s office.

This article originally appeared in OC Metro.