Large Developments
We master plan large-parcel developments as connected experiential ecosystems—not isolated buildings. Shaping movement, identity, programming, and the moments that bring people in and keep them engaged.
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Our Design & Architecture Philosophy for Humans
Vessel is an architecture and design studio focused on creating spaces that are memorable, purposeful, and deeply connected to their surroundings. From concept to completion, we design distinctive environments for living, learning, working, and gathering places people truly experience as a destination.
Scroll to exploreWork / Learn / Experience
01
People-First Design
Inspire daily visits and everyday hangouts.
02
Problem Solving
Beyond retail and mixed-use developments: designing experiences that drive value.
03
Community Focused
Places that strengthen connection and bring people together.
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Nothing Accidental
Every square foot has intent, purpose, and impact. Comfort, function, and vibe matter.
What we bring to Architecture
Our
Services
A connected approach to architecture and design—bringing a fresh perspective as we shape distinctive places from concept through completion.
Elevated Interiors
Interiors that unite refined materials, intelligent technology, and human-centered function into spaces with warmth, clarity, and unmistakable presence.
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Intelligent Environments
Responsive lighting, acoustical zones, and seamlessly integrated technology that quietly supports how people work.
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Immersive Visualization
Step inside the idea. VR walkthroughs and spatial studies help teams explore, refine, and align before construction.
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Material & Furniture Design
Natural textures, biophilic elements, and adaptive furniture curated around the identity and function of each space.
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Integration & Evolution
Coordinate design, technology, and installation—with upgrade-ready thinking and room to adapt after launch.
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The Vessel Philosophy
Our
Approach
Every space has a recognizable identity—one that people feel the moment they enter.
Explore our design thinkingRethinking Community Spaces01 / 03
Education/Entertainment/Esports Hybrid
Community Hub
Entertainment, Education, and Esports all in one venue. We’re redefining what an education venue can be. Drawing on our experience designing educational and community spaces, we’re creating a bold, immersive destination that makes the next generation eager to show up, explore, and imagine what’s possible.
IT'S TIME FOR EDUCATIONAL VENUES TO INSPIRE
Storefront Concept02 / 03
Material, light, and intention
Hybrid Storefront
A layered hospitality and elevated retail destination where a curated collection of pre-owned high-end guitars, luxury watches, custom furniture, and a wine bar is brought together with a live stage and lounge. A warm palette of timber, stone, and atmospheric lighting unifies these distinct programs, shaping an inviting environment designed for discovery, gathering, and long conversations with friends.
Materiality / Light / Hybrid Floorplans
Rethinking Workspaces03 / 03
The Human Experience Leads the Architecture
Workspaces
We design workplaces that bring people, purpose, and technology together. Thoughtful architecture and human-centered details create spaces that support focus, foster connection, and adapt to the way teams work.
Elevated / Identity / Performance
OUR SIGNATURE / CULTURE MEETS PLACE
Redefining the Neighborhood
Gathering Place
Architecture here acts as an invitation to stay, turning the public domain into a true community-owned landscape. Master planning has long treated urban space as a transaction—designing squares and corridors meant to capture foot traffic, accelerate commerce, and usher visitors out as quickly as they arrived. We approach master planning through an experiential lens that prioritizes culture and civic permanence. By designing spaces that double as neighborhood living rooms, outdoor classrooms, and communal dining rooms, we shape environments built for lingering, learning, and deep social connection.
Who we are
A small studio.
A big point of view.
Vessel is a tight, senior team that stays close to every project. We are designers, strategists, and makers who believe the best environments come from people who genuinely care how a space feels to be in.
Ian Coyne
Ceo / Founder
Ian builds immersive storytelling to create places that feel original, magnetic, and deeply human. His work is driven by the belief that great environments do more than serve a function: they spark connection, shape culture, and leave an unmistakable mark on the communities around them. His foundation was forged in Los Angeles within the attractions and theme park industry, designing world-class themed entertainment where guest immersion, emotional pacing, and scale matter most. From there, he pioneered the next wave of experiential tech environments, delivering high-performance esports labs across the country that bridge digital engagement, physical design, and active community gathering. Through Vessel, Ian channels that multifaceted perspective to transform ambitious concepts into destinations people genuinely want to inhabit. From early creative vision through real-world execution, he champions fresh, bold spaces that captivate audiences, foster authentic connection, and push the boundaries of what modern physical environments can achieve.
Tad Lupton
Lead Architect
Tad Lupton has spent 30 years doing architecture the way it should be done — with full attention to the client's needs, a deep respect for budget and function, and a genuine passion for design that lasts. He began his career as an Imagineer through Walt Disney World's College Cooperative Education Program — an experience that shaped his belief that architecture should tell a story and create experiences, not just shelter. From there he went on to build and operate his own firm, Beyond Architecture, in Indianapolis, where he designed everything from custom residences and affordable housing to civic institutions and large-scale urban master plans. His project experience spans an extraordinary range: the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, the Town of Speedway master plan adjacent to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Fort Benjamin Harrison adaptive reuse in Lawrence, Indiana, award-winning residential subdivisions, and dozens of custom homes for individual families.
MATERIAL / TECHNOLOGY / DISCOVERY
What's next
in the build ecosphere.
ORGANIC MATERIALS
Fungi, Algae and Tree Forks
Smart Building Materials is the next way to design. Beautiful, unusual, high-performance materials. Hydroceramics and 3D-printed mycelium is a game-changer for green and bio-friendly design.
FUTURE FORWARD TECHNOLOGIES
Infused LED screen in Materials
How does the space work in new and exciting ways? 3D-Printed Wall Systems, SwitchView Smart Glass, Kinetic Facade System and other new and exciting ways to convey a new look and feel. Removing the need for LED panels and black rectangles on walls is a big step forward.
ECO-FRIENDLY
Re-usable & Renewable
We continuously search for new renewable materials, technologies, manufacturers, and ideas that can make the spaces we create more useful, beautiful, sustainable, and unexpected.
LONGEVITY
Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber in building design is most useful where low mass, high stiffness, corrosion resistance, or thin profiles matter. Designers usually work with carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), whose performance depends on fiber direction, laminate construction, resin, geometry, and manufacturing quality.
Masion Fiber
Future Materials
Maison Fibre is a multi-story architectural installation exhibited at the 2021 Venice Biennale that explores digital, coreless robotic weaving using glass and carbon fibers as an alternative to traditional, resource-intensive construction methods
Get In Touch
Your next project
deserves a new perspective!
A workplace, a learning environment, a new approach to a development, a new kind of experience. Tell us what you imagine—and let’s explore what it could become.