Nathan Deal Judicial Center
Georgia Building Authority (GBA) & Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission (GSFIC)
New Home of Georgia’s Judicial Branch
The Nathan Deal Judicial Center is the State of Georgia’s first building dedicated entirely to the Judicial Branch. The seven‑story, 224,500 SF facility brings the Supreme Court of Georgia, the Court of Appeals, and the statewide Business Court together in a purpose‑built environment designed to support efficient operations, long‑term growth, and public accessibility.
Public-Purpose Centered
SSOE served as Architect of Record, partnering with Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA). From the earliest planning stages through construction, our team worked closely with the Courts, GSFIC, Georgia Building Authority, and State Properties Office to ensure the facility met operational needs, respected the Capitol Hill district, and demonstrated responsible stewardship of state resources. The building’s placement, orientation, and façade were carefully planned to enhance the Capitol complex and present a recognizable, civic‑minded presence to the public. A 112‑foot central atrium brings daylight deep into the building, simplifies wayfinding, and creates a safe, clear connection between judicial functions and the public.
A Decade of Planning, Coordination, and Delivery
State leaders entrusted SSOE to guide this project across more than a decade of development—from programming and site selection through design and construction. That responsibility included the demolition of the former State Archives building, navigating a highly constrained site, and coordinating multiple agencies and oversight bodies. Throughout the process, our team focused on transparency, communication, and predictable project delivery to ensure the building opened on time and within budget.
Performance‑Driven, Resource‑Responsible Design
The Judicial Center incorporates energy‑efficient HVAC systems, LED lighting, water‑saving fixtures, and Georgia‑sourced materials to reduce operational costs and support the state’s sustainability goals. Furniture and courtroom components were reused and refurbished where possible, extending the life of valuable assets and reducing waste. The project achieved a three‑Peach rating under the Georgia Peach Green Building Rating System—one of the few buildings in the state to reach this level.
“This is a magnificent architectural achievement that should evoke pride in the entire state … it embodies the ideals of our courts, as well as Governor [Nathan] Deal’s deeply personal commitment to criminal justice reform and to this great state.”
— Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, U.S. Supreme Court, at the Dedication Ceremony
