Pee-Wee's Hip Playhouse

Door number 3’s office looks like it’s too much fun for work. The 14-year-old independent advertising agency, which represents clients such as the National Hoackey League’s Dallas Stars, the Texas Rangers and W Austin Hotel & Residence, has made East Austin its home since 2005, when it moved into the Snell building on East 11th Street. The agency was an early convert to what is now a booming mixed-use area just blocks from I-35.

Sherbet-hued walls give a tropical feel, and eclectic décor abounds in what is basically a large L-shaped studio space with one enclosed room. Have a seat on the sunny yellow waiting-area couch and you’ll take in plenty of eye candy, from the “Clinton and his Women” Russian nesting dolls – complete with Monica, Linda, Paula, and Hillary (guess who’s the smallest?) – to the giant mounted swordfish, the lawn sprinkler gnome and the old Lincoln Coninental grill section, minus the actual grill, surrounding the Pancho Villa clock. Everything has a story that founder and President M.P. Mueller will gladly share.

“The best ads and creative experiences happen when opposite and unexpected elements are juxtaposed together,” says Mueller. “That’s kind of the thought behind this office – to create an atmosphere of unexpected, inventive elements combined with traditional business tools that become a natural birthplace of good creative thoughts.”

A room that has achieved some notoriety is the “Board Room,” centered by a customized dual-surfboard conference table. It’s a cheery aqua-colored room filled with client work, awards, and a dry-erase wall. Just outside is the self-proclaimed “largest collection of vintage passive workout equipment,” including the Gyrolator chair (a must-try). There is also a striking snow-globe display case, featuring at least 50 pieces from around the world and regularly added to by traveling staff and friends.

“Visitors come in and say ‘I love your office,” says Mueller. “Maybe it takes them to an updated version of a childlike place—part Pee-wee’s playhouse, part modern hip.”