DESIGNWORKS 2025

Cornerstone Wealth Advisors / 718 Lady Street Office Renovation

Columbia, SC

GMK Interiors | Heather Ling + Cornerstone Wealth Advisors

he Lady Street Office Renovation, located at 718 Lady Street in Columbia, SC, was undertaken to create a modern and professional environment that would serve as the client’s new Columbia location for executive-level financial meetings. The leased office space, though centrally located and structurally sound, presented several challenges: finishes were dated, the reception area felt closed-off and uninviting, and the overall aesthetic did not align with the image of a forward-thinking financial services firm.

The client’s goal was not only to update the interior finishes but to establish a workplace that projected confidence, professionalism, and hospitality to their clientele. At the same time, the project had to be delivered on a tight budget, requiring creative solutions and thoughtful reuse of existing materials. Exposed brick walls and stained concrete floors were retained to provide character and cost savings, while new millwork, lighting, and carefully curated furniture were layered in to elevate the overall aesthetic.

Ultimately, the renovation was driven by the need to position the Columbia office as a hub for both daily operations for the midlands and executive client engagement. The design team worked closely with the client and contractor to modernize the interiors, strengthen the company’s brand presence through integrated signage and graphics, and deliver a space that balances efficiency, identity, and impact. The project demonstrates how strategic design can transform a dated leased office into a polished workplace tailored to client expectations.