Modern Craftsman

Two friends transform a dental office into a contemporary live-work space.

Last year, Jason Maune and Dan Smith bought a dated dental office in need of a deep cleaning. They liked its location on a busy street in the heart of a reinvigorated North Park neighborhood. Its simple, box-like shape would also give them flexibility to carve the interior into a home, an office, a workshop, a showroom and a great gathering place. Inspired to transform the old building into a contemporary space, the friends became business partners, formed Point of Departure Design and launched a makeover of the 1939 building.

“We tried to respect the unique features of the Art Deco exterior, while uncovering its modern aspirations,” says Maune. Both he and Smith are architectural designers by trade, so it is not surprising they found satisfaction in doing most of the remodeling themselves. What is surprising is their youth.

“I think our generation isn’t afraid to break from the norm,“ says Maune, who, like Smith, is in his early 30s. “Out of that can grow innovations in housing or employment that may not have been considered or available before.“

Unlike his parents when they were this age, Maune says, his life doesn’t revolve around family but rather his career and community. And like many in his generation, he has concerns about the future.

“One negative about my age group is we’re developing an overreliance on electronic devices,” he says. “That is of great concern on a human level, as we need to keep in touch with how to work with our hands.”

Both Maune and Smith plan to continue restoring older buildings for modern use. While they may sound wise beyond their years, they haven’t lost their sense of humor. Asked about the one addition to their home that would be most satisfying, Maune quickly responds: “A cleaning service.” 

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