The design creates a tenant improvement and re-branding strategy for an established beauty salon in downtown Pasadena California by offering an innovative approach to organizing a modern salon. Instead of traditional rows of styling stations, two freestanding hexagonal towers float within the space to create open and unique stations for each of the stylists. Other sculptural hexagons activate the space with functions and amenities. Subtle references to both its Southern Californian and urban context are provide through rich colors and bold shapes.

Architect Clay Holden operates a multidisciplinary design studio founded in Los Angeles in 2016 that approaches work with an unostentatious dedication to craft and environmental well being. Regardless of scale or limitations Clay’s dedication to balanced design excellence in architecture, landscape, and interior design is unwavering. He is an integrator who is able to seek out, analyze and apply a complete array of critical information to any design problem. His design exploration then fuses imagination and innovation with relevance and function to find clever solutions that address multiple issues simultaneously. Clay focuses on the physical qualities that bring architecture to life - the making and crafting, always with originality and authenticity down to the smallest detail. His extensive travels, international studies, and experience in the design and making of furniture and fine art bring a unique perspective and sensibility to his work. Clay is a leader in the Los Angeles design community through his long-standing work for the American Institute of Architects and stewardship of the annual 2x8 student exhibition and scholarship program since 2002. He also gives back to the greater Los Angeles community as a volunteer and founding board member for the non-profit organization Architecture for Communities Los Angeles (ACLA) and professional pro-bono work for local schools and non-profits. Clay Holden's design contributions have been recognized with multiple International accolades including Interior Design Magazine “Best of Year” Honoree Award, a position on the Dezeen Awards long list, and many awards for his design work in collaboration with his previous firms over a 20 year period.

Salon Xia is an upscale beauty salon in downtown Pasadena California specializing in hair coloring and cutting edge styling techniques. The proprietors Mark Mayner and Claudia Velasco are experienced, passionate, talented, and vibrant members of the community.