Sometimes, the most remarkable design moments begin with something overlooked. Inside the Indiana Repertory Theatre’s administrative offices, a textured wall lingered from a previous era, out of sync with the fresh, modern design taking shape around it. It didn’t match the new vision, but instead of hiding it, the Schmidt Associates team saw potential.

“This felt like a rare opportunity to try something unexpected, something that could turn a forgotten surface into a standout design feature.”

Electrical Designer Eric Graul

Finding Beauty in the Unlikely

Rather than covering the wall, the team proposed celebrating it. With the strategic use of wall grazers—lighting fixtures that cast light at sharp angles to enhance textured surfaces—the wall transformed into a feature worth noticing.

Wall grazers don’t work on smooth surfaces. They rely on texture to create depth and visual rhythm. And this wall, once considered a mismatch, suddenly had everything it needed to shine.

The result was understated yet striking. Light and shadow danced across the surface, adding movement and character without overpowering the room.

Design That Works Harder

The solution did more than look good. It worked well, too. Recessed lighting above adjacent countertops provided task lighting without harsh glare, improving comfort for staff in a busy office environment.

For a place like IRT, where creativity and performance are central, this kind of intentional design felt especially fitting. It echoed the artistic energy of the stage and brought it into the everyday environment of those who support the theater behind the scenes.

A Focus on Follow-Through

To complement the textured wall, the electrical engineering team added wall washers to nearby flat surfaces. These fixtures spread light evenly, offering a soft, uniform glow that contrasted the focused beams of the wall grazers.

After installation, a new challenge appeared. The grazers were noticeably brighter than the washers, creating an imbalance. Rather than leave it, the team returned after move-in to make refinements. Working alongside a lighting representative, they adjusted the wall washers to match the grazers’ intensity. A small detail, carefully addressed, that made the space feel whole.

“If we don’t get it right the first time, we stay with it until we do, because the owner deserves to see their vision fully realized.”

Eric Graul

It’s this level of follow-through that ensures the final experience lives up to the client’s expectations—down to the last detail.

Elevating the Existing

This story is about more than lighting. It’s about seeing possibility where others might not, and about transforming limitations into opportunities. Through creativity, collaboration, and a client-first mindset, a forgotten surface became a defining moment in the space.

In the end, the wall that once felt out of place became a quiet centerpiece. Proof that even the most unexpected elements can be reimagined with care.

Want to explore how Schmidt Associates can help you uncover potential in your existing spaces? Let’s talk.