Arts and Crafts warmth, built new

The short answer

Jones Berkeley is a new multifamily building in Berkeley, California, with interior architecture, interior design and art by The Scale Collective. Its lobby, lounges, gym, courtyard and rooftop blend California coastal modernism with Berkeley's Arts and Crafts tradition, anchored by a custom mural by artist Ellen Rutt.

Communal lounge with a custom sectional and Christopher Farr rug — Jones Berkeley apartments by The Scale Collective

Location: Berkeley, East Bay
Type: Ground-up multifamily
Scope: Interior architecture, interior design, art
Architect: Pyatok
Landscape: Miller Company
Photography: David Wakely

The story

Coastal modern, with a craftsman's hand

A local developer asked us to give a new building the warmth of the Berkeley homes around it. Our narrative started with the Arts and Crafts houses the city is known for, then updated them with Japanese and Scandinavian restraint, mid-century pieces and the cliffs and colors of the northern coast.

The result is clean-lined but warm and enveloping, carried through the lobby and mailroom, the residents' lounge and game room, the gym, a courtyard with a firepit, and a rooftop terrace with Bay and city views.

Art is at the center of the building. Detroit-based artist Ellen Rutt created a custom mural and painting for the lobby, developed with us, and installation pieces carry through the shared spaces.

The project

Inside Jones Berkeley

Craftsman-inspired residential lobby with warm lighting and bespoke rug — Jones Berkeley apartments by The Scale Collective

Custom Ellen Rutt abstract mural in Berkeley apartment lobby — arts and crafts meets modern design by The Scale Collective

Communal lounge with sculptural Estudio Persona chairs and custom sectional — Berkeley CA interior design by The Scale Collective

Abstract art installation and painting in residential lobby — custom mural by Ellen Rutt for Jones Berkeley apartments The Scale Collective

Abstract art installation in residential lobby — custom mural by Ellen Rutt for Jones Berkeley apartments The Scale Collective

Entry room lounge and lobby in Berkeley, CA for Jones Berkeley apartments. Interior design by The Scale collective features a mix of warm California craft furnishings, and warm modern timeless aesthetic.

Mailroom in lobby featuring custom Mural by Ellen rutt, coastal craft california aesthetic by The Scale Collective

Sculptural low slung lounge with Christopher Farr custom rug — Berkeley apartment amenity space by The Scale Collective

Communal rooftop terrace with Bay Area cityscape views — multi-family building designed by The Scale Collective Berkeley CA

Modern indoor/ outdoor lounge area at Jones Berkesly with outdoor mid-century modern inspired furnishings and an outdoor fireplace. Design by The Scale Collective, a boutique design firm in Marin County.

Residential courtyard with firepit and outdoor lounge — Jones Berkeley community amenity designed by The Scale Collective

Rooftop lounge with San Francisco Bay views and communal dining — Jones Berkeley apartment designed by The Scale Collective

Entry corridor with warm textural finishes and curated objects — Jones Berkeley interior architecture by The Scale Collective

Private gym in Jones Berkeley Apartments, Interior Design by The Scale Collective

Bright apartment living area with California coastal modern aesthetic — Jones Berkeley multi-family design by The Scale Collective

Scandinavian-influenced kitchen with clean lines and warm wood tones — Jones Berkeley apartments by The Scale Collective

“Rather than sticking to one visual style, our work is a response to the site, the client's narrative and the story being built about the house. Each project has its own visual language.”

Sara Alexander · Founder & creative director, Master of Architecture

Pieces and art

Custom mural and painting by Ellen Rutt
Custom sectional by Croft House
Custom rug by Christopher Farr
Estudio Persona chairs
NanaWall pocket doors
Warm wood and textural finishes

Credits

Interior architecture and interior design: The Scale Collective
Lead designer: Sara Alexander
Interior design principal: Amy Eliot
Architect: Pyatok
Landscape designer: Miller Company
Photography: David Wakely

Questions

Good to know

What did The Scale Collective design at Jones Berkeley?

The Scale Collective led the interior architecture, interior design and art for the building's shared spaces and apartments: the lobby and mailroom, residents' lounge and game room, gym, courtyard, rooftop terrace and the apartment living areas and kitchens.

Do you design multifamily and commercial spaces?

Yes. Alongside private homes, The Scale Collective designs a select number of commercial projects, including multifamily lobbies and amenity spaces, preschools and restaurants, mostly in the East Bay and Marin.

Who made the art at Jones Berkeley?

Detroit-based artist Ellen Rutt created a custom mural and painting for the lobby in collaboration with The Scale Collective. Her abstract work explores environmental and social justice themes.

Next project

Lakehouse Residences

View the project