Space with Soul

When JENNIFER KRANER, founder, president, and interior designer at Big Sky Design, heard about the renovations to create the Community Justice Center in The Harrelson Center downtown, she jumped right in. Championed by seasoned visionaries with over twenty years in the design game, Big Sky’s all-female team curates spaces that resonate with depth and soul. 

That is exactly what recently retired district attorney BEN DAVID needed as he opened the Community Justice Center (CJC), where he serves as CEO and chief legal counsel. The new nonprofit, which received grant funding through the New Hanover Community Endowment, houses office space for several local agencies and organizations that support victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and youth trauma. 

Kraner says her team aimed to create a welcoming space. “What we love about civic projects is seeing the passion that everyone brings to the project,” she says. “Getting a tour of Ben David’s brainchild was very inspiring. The behind-the-scenes tour showed us how all of the departments at the center will interact. It was emotional getting a better understanding of what is still happening in our community and the issues our community faces every single day. But it was also super exciting and got our gears turning. We knew the space had to be collaborative and uplifting.”

SAVANNAH HUCKABEE was the interior designer on the project.

“Our goal was to provide an all-encompassing place for post-trauma victims to tell their story and feel supported,” she says. “The space we created for the Community Justice Center has warm and welcoming finishes, furniture and artwork throughout.”  

Along with David, the Big Sky team worked closely with MEADE VAN PELT, The Harrelson’s Center’s executive director, and RACHEL HARTLEY, district associate legal assistant, who suggested a coastal feel for the space.

“What that meant was soothing colors, light – not too dark – and not too office-like,” Huckabee says. “We selected three accent colors – a buttery amber, a marine green and a tranquil blue. We tied those colors into furnishings, area rugs, fabrics, lamps, and artwork. The colors hint at feelings of hope to solidify the mission of the CJC, and the artwork suggests a feeling of calmness.”

Kraner says they made an effort to create a comfortable space instead of one that feels institutional. “There’s a residential style sofa with performance leather so someone can lay down,” she says, adding that live plants also give a more natural ambiance. 

The tight budget did not include a child care room for kids, so the CJC staff designed a cheery place near the waiting area. “The staff did a terrific job. It all came together and was a true team effort,” Kraner says.

The project took about three months from start to finish. “It was all hands on deck at Big Sky with our commercial team,” she says. “Once we had a design, we had to order furniture quickly to meet the timeline for the unveiling of the center.”

When Kraner first started Big Sky Design, she provided interior design services for the New Hanover County Judicial Building and the New Hanover County Historic Courthouse.

“I have seen the community change and evolve over time. It’s ironic that The Harrelson Center was once a jail, and now is a center for justice,” Kraner says. “That really brings home what can happen when people like Ben David dream about change and make it happen. It’s not just another business getting started, it’s an integral way our community is being made better and more whole. As a women-owned business, this project provided us the opportunity to be a change-maker. That is very powerful for us. It’s amazing to be a part of something that for years to come will serve the community.”

To view more of photographer Madeline Gray’s work, go to madelinegrayphoto.com.

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