A Common Point of Inspiration

REFERENCE is a collaborative design platform and curated showroom located within Library Nineteen in Baltimore’s Fell’s Point neighborhood.

Within that framework, REFERENCE operates as a non-traditional showroom. Furniture, lighting, objects, and material studies are placed in conversation with the building—and with the working practices of Cohere, good neighbor, and PI.KL Studio, whose disciplines span brand, interiors, and architecture.

The concept grew from a simple idea: to create a shared point of reference for the three founding practices and their wider creative community. The goal was to establish a physical place to encounter good work, exchange ideas, and connect designers, makers, architects, clients, and collaborators.

Interior shot of a spacious room with large windows letting in natural light, a high ceiling with crown molding, and a large black shelving unit filled with small decorative objects. The foreground features large green leafy plants, and the wooden floor has several small wooden tables and chairs scattered around.

THE FOUNDING PARTNERS

COHERE

Brand Strategy + Storytelling

Cohere is a creative agency working across brand strategy, identity, storytelling, and experience. Its practice is particularly rooted in hospitality, real estate, food, and place-based projects.

Within REFERENCE, Cohere helps shape the platform’s identity, editorial voice, storytelling, communications, and broader cultural programming.

PI.KL STUDIO

Architecture + Design

PI.KL Studio is an award-winning architecture and design practice based in Baltimore.

The studio brings an architectural perspective to REFERENCE, helping shape how the collection relates to space, material, proportion, circulation, and the historic fabric of Library Nineteen.

good neighbor

Interiors + Curation

good neighbor is a Baltimore-based design practice and retailer known for its considered approach to interiors, furniture, objects, and everyday environments.

For REFERENCE, good neighbor brings its curatorial perspective, product knowledge, interior design experience, retailing opportunities, and relationships with designers and makers.