Our Role in Raising Capital for your Project
(above) rendering of the coworking space at the Hangar
I recently had a conversation with Roderick Red, CEO of Red Squared, about the challenges that business owners, entrepreneurs, and developers face when starting a new construction project.
Initially, I assumed that securing capital was the biggest hurdle. But Roderick pointed out that managing the sheer scale and complexity of these projects pose an even greater challenge. Beyond their daily responsibilities, taking on a construction project means more decisions, more time, more money—more of everything. And that can feel overwhelming.
As someone inside the building design and construction industry, I hadn’t fully realized how daunting this process can be for those on the outside. After all, this is exactly why people hire us—to organize and analyze project goals and translate them into a functional, beautiful space. From the initial vision to construction documentation, we handle it all. But what I didn’t recognize is that even starting the conversation about a project can be intimidating. You just don’t know what you don’t know which can generate lots of questions.
Questions like:
What’s the difference between a development study and a test fit?
Which consultants are needed, and who oversees them?
Who makes the final decisions?
What’s the timeline?
How much will it cost?
What makes one architect better suited for the project than another?
For those unfamiliar with construction and architecture terminology, these unknowns can feel like roadblocks before they even begin. That’s why we’re excited to take you step by step through a project we’re working on with Roderick Red—to demystify the process and make it more approachable.
Chapter 1: I have this idea!
Bringing The Hangar to Life: A Vision for Jackson’s Creative Community
Roderick Red approached us after meeting Ben at the Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business Program. During the working cohorts, Ben showcased our some of our projects, and Roderick immediately connected with Studio BKA’s work. He had a bold vision: transforming an existing warehouse in Jackson, Mississippi, into a dynamic creative hub and coworking space.
The Hangar wouldn’t just be home to Red Squared’s office—it would also house a soundstage, green screen, equipment rentals, private offices, and dedicated workstations. It was an ambitious project, and Roderick estimated a renovation and build-out cost of approximately $4.5 million for the 28,000-square-foot warehouse.
But what came next?
Was his proforma accurate?
Did he truly need $4.5 million, and if so, how would he raise it?
What steps should he take to move the project forward?
From Vision to Concept
We started by diving deep into Roderick’s programmatic goals. How many dedicated spaces did he need? Which areas should connect, and which required privacy? With these insights, we developed a conceptual layout that balanced function and flexibility.
(above) process work for the layout of the Hangar
Once the layout was approved, we curated a material palette that aligned with Red Squared’s mission and brand identity. After finalizing these materials, we integrated them into a 3D model, experimenting with different silhouettes and finishes until we found the perfect balance.
Finally, we added the finishing touches to photorealistic renderings, allowing Roderick to truly see and experience the space before construction even began.
Roderick’s Perspective
Here’s what Roderick had to say about the process:
“As much as I’ve worked on this, it never felt more real than when I first saw these images. It’s amazing what visuals can do.
The photorealistic renderings help us paint a clear and compelling vision for partners and potential investors. They bring our ideas to life, making it easier for people to see The Hangar’s full potential—which is crucial for fundraising and securing long-term support.
The interior concepts not only reflect but also elevate our brand’s mission and company culture. The design embodies our commitment to innovation, creativity, and community, ensuring that The Hangar becomes a space that fosters collaboration and growth for the people we serve.”
rendering by StudioBKA of the Hangar
The Power of Visualization
The Hangar is more than just a workspace—it’s a statement about the future of creative industries in Jackson. And we’re excited to be part of the journey. Its worth noting that Roderick also stated “This project isn’t just about securing funding—it’s about aligning with partners who share our vision and can help bring The Hangar to life in a way that maximizes its impact on the creative economy in Mississippi.” In other words, it’s not just about communicating cost or quality, it’s about connecting with others who share your detailed vision for the future - which can be a LOT to communicate.
Fortunately, pictures, they say, are worth 1,000 words.