XMission HQ

CLIENT

XMission

SERVICES

Interior Design | Fabrication

TYPOLOGY

Workspace, Custom Built In Furniture, Custom Furniture, Branded Spaces

LOCATION | STATUS

Salt Lake City, Utah | Completed 2021

The tale of four cities

the design concept for this project was built around the idea of the “Tale of Four Cities,” where each city represents a distinct characteristic, collectively shaping the soul of the space. In X-Mission’s case, these four identities became the teams that define the company’s ethos: technology, sales, administration, and executive leadership.

The dark zone—technology—required spaces devoid of sunlight, places where focus and productivity thrive in the absence of glare (and yes, where they could game in peace). On the opposite end, the light zone for sales called for warmth, light, and openness—a space designed to welcome clients, existing and potential, with a bright, airy atmosphere that fostered connection. Then there’s the quiet zone—administration—what the client cheekily dubbed “outer darkness,” where the goal was simple: undisturbed focus. We designed a series of translucent rooms here, diffusing light in a way that created a soft, solar eclipse-like effect—a balance of shadow and light, perfect for getting down to business without distraction.

Finally, the refined zone—executive—required a touch of individuality and sophistication. Each office was customized down to the person who would occupy it, reflecting the unique personalities of the founders. In the end, the result was something more than just a workspace; it became a reflection of X-Mission itself—funky, thoughtful, and wholly its own. It wasn’t just about making something functional; it was about crafting an environment that mirrored the brand, the people, and the culture that brought it to life.

approach

please bring on the funk!

Let’s not kid ourselves—the funkier the client, the better the results. And X-Mission? They’ve been dripping with funk since the beginning. Founded in 1993 by tech maverick Pete Ashdown, they weren’t just aiming to be another ISP. No, X-Mission took Salt Lake City by storm and hasn’t slowed down since. They’ve gone from providing local internet to running a sophisticated global network, offering hosting, telephony, email services, and blazing-fast connections to a world hungry for speed.

But what really sets them apart is their soul. X-Mission isn’t just about tech; they’re about people, community, and the planet. They back Utah nonprofits, buy Renewable Energy Credits like they’re going out of style, and managed to pull off a perfect 100/100 Energy Star Certification from the EPA. That kind of attention to detail, that drive to innovate while staying true to their values—that’s what made them the perfect fit for us at WOW Atelier. We don’t just design spaces; we dig deep into the heart of who our clients are, crafting environments that reflect their vision down to the last detail. With X-Mission, we knew we were in for something special—tailoring a space as unique and funky as they are was our kind of challenge.

sales and technology

technology

For the technology team, we had to create a cave, plain and simple. These folks are glued to their screens around the clock, and that means glare is the enemy. So, we banished the light. Dark walls, all the tech you could imagine, and desks that move with you—adjustable to the needs of the moment. But let’s not forget, this group thrives on flair. We threw in whimsical wall panels, and for a little punch, a graffiti-style mural painted all in gold on plywood, because why the hell not? We even installed vending machines that look like they were pulled straight out of 2001: A Space Odyssey. And of course, the pièce de résistance: the world’s best gaming room, where work and play blur into one.

sales

On the other side, you’ve got the sales team. Their needs? Couldn’t be more different. They’re the face of the company, the bridge between the techies and the clients. So, we filled their space with natural light, warm wood, and airy slat walls that make the whole area feel open and inviting. It’s home to the reception desk, the first point of contact for clients, so it had to feel welcoming. And with plenty of seating, it’s perfect for sitting down with a cup of coffee to hash out ideas or answer any questions. This space is all about gracious interaction with clients, but it’s also designed for flexibility—breakout meetings on the fly, impromptu brainstorming sessions. Light, open, and ready for anything.

This is what happens when you balance the quirky needs of a tech team with the smooth flow of a sales team—two worlds colliding in one harmonious space.

upper mid management

the highlands

The administrative team’s space was a tricky one—privacy, focus, and light, all at once. They’d been stuck in what they called “outer darkness,” a soul-sucking corner with poor lighting and zero inspiration. So, we worked with them to design something entirely different: a space that felt like a solar eclipse. Skylights were cut through the roof, flooding the area with diffused, soft light. Colorfully painted studs ran over translucent corrugated walls, creating a playful, refracting glow that bounced around the room, giving life to a previously dead zone. As a playful nod to the old space, we crafted a booth named “Outer Darkness”—but this time, it’s a cozy, reduced footprint that reminds everyone how far the space has come.

upper E team

Now, for the executive team, they needed something different altogether. They wanted a place to focus, to plan, and to strategize. But more than that, they wanted their spaces to be personal. We took that seriously. One exec needed room for a full-scale 1980s arcade machine; another, a space to tear apart computers at a moment’s notice. There were requests for a mid-day nap area and supergraphics that celebrated early American technology. This wasn’t about decor; it was about creating spaces that allowed each person to work at their best, surrounded by the things that inspired them.

recognition

wow-atelier--x-mission-copper-circuit---activations---architecture---interiors---planning---fabrication---park-city---salt-lake-city---utah---6

IIDA AWARDS

BEST TABLE

studio team

WOW atelier

Gregory Walker, Nick Lorenzo, Gurkirat, Singh, and Chimso Onwuegbu

Fabrication Team : John Burdick, Kevin Lucey

collaborators

Horne Construction

custom furniture as seen in project

matrix booth design
INTERIOR DESIGN

matrix

booth

READ MORE
INTERIOR DESIGN

thin-line

workstation

READ MORE
INTERIOR DESIGN

liquid honey

office set

READ MORE
INTERIOR DESIGN

copper circuit

table

READ MORE