Specialized Bicycle Components

Austin, Texas

When Specialized opted to change the game in Chicago’s retail market, they looked to OKW. As the first store of its kind outside of California, the concept had to not only work architecturally, but function as a community center that could host local events. OKW worked with Specialized to translate their vision into reality, blending the programming requirements of a retail store with the architectural details of hospitality environments.

Our success in Chicago has led to several additional retail stores nationwide. The first to open after Lincoln Park was in Austin. The design for this store hinged on the spoke and wheel, which also doubles as a subtle nod to guitar strings. Austin, after all, is Austin.

The result is a mixture of elegance and grittiness, of light woods and steel, combining the beauty and sculpture of their signature product with the energy and strength of their customers.

Photography by Leonid Furmansky

RELATED: Changing the Game: The Specialized Retail Experience, insights with our designers on the overall rollout and client experience