At Kirkwood, the customer experience has always been paramount. From the moment a customer walks through the doors, we strive to provide not only excellent print quality but also a comfortable and inspiring environment. Recently, we decided to elevate that experience by transforming one of our customer rooms into a space that is as bold as the projects we produce. Welcome to the Bison Room.

The Concept: Boldness Personified

The Bison Room, designed by Kirkwood's own Jay Polson, centers around the concept of “Boldness.” Jay shared his design thinking behind the transformation:

“I wanted to make a statement that you could inhabit. The idea was to design a space that could be experienced in the moment, and leave a lasting impression of being inspired to act. The bison came to me as a representative of boldness; an American icon boldly facing the storm. Courageous, daring, and unafraid to face challenges.”

Before the renovation, the space was an unassuming conference room— bare walls, a simple sofa, and a desk. Functional, but uninspired. Designers, print buyers, and production staff often spend time in this space waiting for the next press sheet to be ready. The idea was to create an environment where they could not only work but also feel energized and empowered by their surroundings.

**The American West Inspiration**

The design evolved with an American West theme, incorporating historical references to capture the rugged yet resilient spirit of the bison. The centerpiece of the room is the bison itself, affectionately named "Bob" after our CEO, Bob Coppinger. Much like its namesake, Bob the Bison embodies boldness and leadership—qualities that inspire everything the room represents.

**Materials that Bring Boldness to Life**
The room's transformation was all about attention to detail, with every material selected to make a lasting impact. Here’s how the space came together:

**Bison Wall**: The striking bison wall graphic was created using **3M IJ180 adhesive vinyl** with **8520 matte lamination**, giving it a sleek and durable finish.
**Leather/Suede Walls**: These feature **Dreamscape digital canvas wallpaper**, adding texture and a luxurious touch to the room.
**Rock Drawing Wall**: We used **Dreamscape digital plaster wallpaper** here, adding an earthy, tactile element to the room that complements the overall bold aesthetic.
**Story of the Rock Wall**: The story behind this design feature was printed directly onto **3mm white sintra** and installed via cleat for a polished, professional display.
**Edward S. Curtis Print**: This historic print was printed directly onto **brushed aluminum dibond**, giving it a sharp, industrial look that ties in with the room’s rugged theme.
**Plaque for the Edward S. Curtis Print**: The plaque was created using a second surface print **direct-to**-**digital acrylic**, adding depth and a clean, modern feel to the piece.
**Dimensional Logo**: The Kirkwood logo in the room is made from **acrylic, and painted matte black**, adding a bold, sleek finish that perfectly complements the room's overall design.

A Space That Inspires Action

The Bison Room isn’t just beautiful; it’s a showcase of Kirkwood’s own capabilities. The space serves as both a design feature and a sample of the type of work we can deliver for our clients. It’s a room designed to foster bold ideas and inspire action. It leaves a lasting impression, not just through the work being reviewed, but also through the environment in which it’s experienced.

So, next time you find yourself at Kirkwood for a press check, be sure to spend some time in the Bison Room. We promise, it’s more than just a room; it’s an experience.