A custom steel reception desk with visible imperfections conveys both craftsmanship and strength in the HOK-designed Equinox in the Houston suburb of River Oaks.

The blackened steel staircase is framed with metalwork to guide the eye upward.

The mezzanine on the second floor is clad with a striped wood feature that serves as a natural transition between the lounge and the locker rooms.

The upstairs lounge is appointed with custom curvilinear furniture, which juxtaposes the location’s raw material palette.

A soft lighting scheme is a welcome contrast to the more masculine aesthetic typical of fitness centers.

Warm wood elements, including in locker rooms, reference the neighborhood’s surroundings.