Brand MarketingThis SoCal Agency Turned a Multiplex Into a Sun-Filled, Creative OfficeBy Emma Bazilian|November 29, 2016ShareBy Emma Bazilian|November 29, 2016Share Housed in a former multiplex, the Huntington Beach, Calif., offices of Grupo Gallegos are more than a little "unconventional," to borrow a word from founder and CEO John Gallegos. Founded in 2001, Grupo Gallegos became a go-to for brands looking to reach the exploding Hispanic market. (Current clients include Comcast, Kia and Nascar.) By 2010, the agency had outgrown its original Long Beach headquarters. After finding the 40,000-square-foot former cinema, Gallegos hired noted architect Lorcan O'Herlihy to transform it into a free-flowing, creative work environment. "We challenged [O'Herlihy] to create a space that had the flexibility to expand as we grew without losing the open feel," Gallegos explained. In keeping with the active SoCal lifestyle, Gallegos also invested in amenities like a gym with full-size basketball court, batting cage and TRX training wall. Even the office's exterior plays a part: "There are amazing views out the front of our office," he added, "and that energy flows right into our space."1Under my umbrella The ceiling of the main workspace is decorated with upside-down umbrellas, which represent one of Gallegos’ favorite quotes from philosopher Wayne Dyer: “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” When closed, the "floating" conference room blinds read “Occupado.”2Chill out The bright, open theme continues in the kitchen and break room3State of the art The agency commissioned a mural showcasing images from campaigns it created.4Hit record In addition to postproduction facilities, Grupo Gallegos has a state-of-the-art studio for recording and mixing commercials and other projects. Added Gallegos, “When not in use for clients, you’ll see some of our employees—aka aspiring musicians—using the studio for their own work.”5#Winning A wall displays some of the agency’s 300-plus awards. “We ran out of space around 200 [awards],” noted Gallegos. This story first appeared in the November 28, 2016 issue of Adweek magazine. Click here to subscribe. Adweek Adweek