Welcome to TPDE’s new downtown Offices — A work in progress that has truly inspired us all to think “inside the box”



TPDE became its own client this year. Over the past several years, our growth expanded markedly so that larger staff and offices were necessary. We took the opportunity to find new offices in an unrenovated loft space (that doubled our size) and evaluated how and what we needed to work more efficiently to benefit our clients more effectively. As in any project, we understood what questions to ask and, more importantly, we knew how to answer those questions in a cost-effective, sustainable, aesthetically pleasing way.

The space is a great open loft area with high ceilings and an abundance of natural light. We created a great functional workspace where privacy and openness are balanced and dialogue is stimulated among our creative professionals. Our work environment is infused with creative elements that empower us and inspire our work. A fresh and modern color palette reflecting TPDE’s new graphic identity was used with particular attention given to the finishes. Natural and organic materials, such as loose laid stone, warm metals, and richly colored red cedar were combined to offer a warm, modern environment. General lighting was combined with an abundance of natural light creating an airy and invigorating space that reflects the vitality and synergy of our team. The overall mood of the space reflects a modern temperament that embraces our progressive and intelligent approach to our work.

We invite you to visit us at our new space; it will be our pleasure to give you a personal tour.


R. sole A Savvy Blend of Art, Entertainment & Retail



In April of 2006 Tobin+Parnes celebrated the completion of R.sole in St. Louis, a retail store that sells Nike and other high-end brands of special edition sneakers and custom-made shoes. The project, which combined a gallery-inspired configuration with an urban nightclub aesthetic, has created quite a stir in the retail industry.

The dark rectangular 2,000 -square-foot retail space resembles a hip art gallery as each collectible sneaker is creatively displayed like a museum piece. Niche wall display units are backlit by color-changing LED lights to enhance and highlight the special attributes of each shoe. The ever-changing hue of lights deliberately showcases a series of strategically placed rotating merchandise display panels and recessed LED floor tiles direct customers to special areas where accessories, toys and other special merchandise are located.

Consistent with the overall store aesthetic, Tobin+Parnes’ designers covered the front windows in translucent vinyl with geometric cutouts, allowing passer-bys only a glimpse of the interior, creating a “non-sell” sell approach to enhance the sense of an exclusive private club. Dark gray finishes were used on the millwork, the floor, ceiling and walls, recalling a designer’s black box, and imparting the attitude of an elite nightclub. The checkout station was designed to be easily converted into a DJ station for parties and community events.

The R.sole project has received numerous accolades, including the 2006 AIA/St. Louis Design Award and Chain Store Age’s 2007 Retail Store of the Year award in the footwear category and First Place in the exterior design category. The R.sole project was also chosen to grace the cover of the March/April issue of Contract Lighting Magazine. In addition to the St. Louis location, Tobin+Parnes was commissioned by their clients to design a similar prototype that recently opened its doors in Memphis.

*Architectural services are provided by and under the direct supervision of Robert Mark Parnes Architecture LLC, a licensed architect.