Concepts

Concepts, a global streetwear retailer and brand based out of Boston, MA, sought to create a revolutionary experience symbolic of their trusted brand for their new flagship location on Boston's renowned Newbury Street. Concepts enlisted our team to transform a historic building into an immersive retail and event space. The complex design vision, created by partner Sid Lee, was brought to life by Bergmeyer as the Project Architect.

The task of transitioning a physically constrained historic space into a multilayered retail store and event venue required an innovative design paired with a distinctive skill set to execute the vision. Our approach was modeled on our extensive experience with projects with historical roots and multiple community stakeholders, commonplace in Boston. As the conveners and orchestrators for the project, Bergmeyer always had the owner's ideas, stakeholders' needs, and end-user experience in mind through every step of the process.

Bergmeyer assembled and worked collaboratively with an army of partners to fully transform the space and successfully execute Concepts' design goals. Components from the project's scope included the construction of a new glass storefront, a zinc paneled grand staircase, and specialty lighting and millwork elements as components of the significant interior alterations; preservation and celebration of select elements of the original historic structure; outfitting the space; and the creation of new accessible entrances and elevators.

The building's existing storefront, built in 1927, was modernized to align with Concepts' brand aesthetic and the retail district’s surrounding vibrancy. To accomplish this, our team reinforced the vertical elements of the façade and enlarged the glass openings to create more visibility to the store interior. Bergmeyer facilitated approvals to renovate the historic building façade with the Boston Landmarks Commission and the Back Bay Neighborhood Association by working with the Concepts team to craft the design intent narrative necessary to secure the community support required to permit the construction.

Upon arrival, visitors to Concepts' new flagship experience are welcomed by a grand staircase linking the three floors, a striking zinc cube designed to cast light at different angles throughout the space, and a collection of individual galleries that house the retailer's apparel and accessories. Unexpected elements such as a DJ booth, a dedicated display zone for rotating special collections and collaborations, and the Concepts Cafe, with its bespoke food and beverage offerings, deliver on Concepts' unique hybrid retail/event experience.