Photographing Gathering Spaces in Residential and Commercial Architecture

I love photographing gathering spaces in residential and commercial architecture. These are oftentimes the most thoughtfully designed areas in a building because they are where we spend time connecting with those closest to us. It is where we host get-togethers or relax with our loved ones in our homes and, in our workplaces, where we connect with colleagues, host meetings, networking events, etc.

When photographing a well-designed living room or gathering space, my goal is to capture the intention that the designer had in mind when creating these spaces. Occasionally, that involves adding people to the photo. How are the elements of the space being used? Why is that piece of furniture or decor in that specific place? How would a person use a certain feature in a space? These are the questions I ask myself when composing images for interior design and architectural photography.

Here are some photographs of various gathering spaces I have photographed over the years for a little eye candy and inspiration today.

The main lounge at Bangarang in Nashville, where CDP Architecture opened the ceiling and let the original trusses do the work.

A modern Bel Air mansions living room where the shelving and the view compete equally for your attention.

A residential living room where the fireplace is the kind of thing you build the whole room around.

The cafeteria at Lifeway HQ in Nashville, designed by Visioneering Studios. Bold color and warm wood in a space most companies treat as an afterthought.

A residential lounge where every object feels like it was placed with intention.

The corridor at Capgemini's Buckhead office, where the transition spaces were given as much attention as the rooms they connect.