STUDIO 800 at the BANQUE LOFTS

Constructed in 1922 and designed by Henry Charles Trost, the First National Bank Building in downtown Albuquerque has long been an architectural landmark. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979, the building—now known as The Banque Lofts—houses a mix of residential and commercial tenants. The renovation of its eighth floor offered an opportunity to transform 8,000 square feet of raw space into a contemporary, collaborative design studio that both honors its historic character and supports a new generation of creative work.

SMPC’s design approach began with a deep respect for the building’s historic structure. The existing concrete frame, plaster walls, and banded windows were carefully repaired and celebrated as the defining features of the space. New materials and systems were introduced as light, transparent layers—revealing the story of the building’s original construction while accommodating present-day needs. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were integrated visibly and intentionally, contributing to the layered expression of old and new. The design emphasizes openness and equality, eliminating the hierarchy of traditional private offices in favor of flexible work areas that promote interaction and shared creativity.

Perimeter windows frame panoramic views of downtown Albuquerque and the Sandia Mountains, bathing the interior in shifting daylight and connecting occupants to the rhythm of the city. Adjustable-height desks, mobile furnishings, and a mix of formal and informal meeting areas encourage movement and collaboration. Select mid-century furnishings reference the era in which the firm was founded, providing warmth and continuity within the modernized setting.

A centralized, climate-controlled server room anchors the firm’s digital backbone, with elevated cable raceways ensuring clean organization and system accessibility. Dual-band Wi-Fi provides secure network performance for staff alongside managed guest access.

Achieving a balance between preservation and innovation, Studio 8 demonstrates SMPC’s ongoing commitment to revitalizing Albuquerque’s historic core. By adapting a 20th-century landmark to a 21st-century workspace, the design extends the building’s life while contributing to the downtown’s cultural and architectural vitality.

Photography by Kirk Gittings Architectural Photography.