Corporate Workplace

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Originally constructed in 1919, The Concord is a two‑story commercial building in Des Moines’ historic Sherman Hill neighborhood. Once home to a neighborhood bakery and grocery store, the building served as a daily community touchpoint before falling into disuse in recent decades. Through a thoughtful adaptive reuse effort, the SHYFT design team, now part of SSOE Group, teamed with DEV Partners to transform the vacant structure into The Concord Collaborative: a modern workplace rooted in history, flexibility, and community.

The design balances preservation with performance, retaining historic character while introducing a highly functional office environment. Inside, the recast space supports a range of work styles, with open lounge areas, informal meeting spaces, enclosed conference rooms, and virtual conferencing zones throughout.

Shared amenities, including a central kitchenette and flexible workstations, encourage collaboration and adaptability as needs evolve. A key focus was restoring original materials: brick masonry was carefully cleaned using dry ice blasting, while original wood beams and flooring were preserved and refreshed rather than replaced.

Historic mosaic tile at the storefront entry remains intact, maintaining a tangible connection to the building’s past. Window openings were preserved and enhanced with restored frames and historically accurate replacements, improving daylight while reinforcing architectural character. A contemporary metal stair links the two levels, maintaining openness and light flow.

At street level, the storefront has been reestablished as a welcoming entry and informal gathering space, renewing the building’s long‑standing relationship with the neighborhood. By working within the original footprint, the project maximizes efficiency, minimizes waste, and preserves embodied carbon.

Today, The Concord Collaborative serves as both a modern workplace and a visible reinvestment in Sherman Hill—demonstrating how adaptive reuse can respect architectural heritage while supporting contemporary commercial needs.

In fact, we loved the result enough to move in ourselves.

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Working in close collaboration with a long-time client, SSOE transformed the third floor of the Marathon building, known as The Hub, into a modern dining experience and more. This central gathering spot is not just for eating, but also for meetings, attending events, and even working quietly alone in a warm and inviting environment. The variety of settings within the Hub support all of these ways of working and gathering.

The removal of the outdated kitchen and serving line allowed the reorganization of the space to create a modern and open chef-driven cooking arena with fresh food being prepared in front of employees. These opportunities for choice, as well as a visual connection to the cooking, promote positive interaction with space and colleagues. The Hearth, a 7,000-pound Italian pizza oven, encased in copper, centers the serving area and the hospitality feel of the overall space.

The project faced several challenges, one of which was the need to maintain operation while construction took place, catering to a campus with 2,800 employees. The team created 3D models to help the client visualize the space, worked closely with the kitchen crew to map out their steps for efficiency, and collaborated with the kitchen equipment consultant to ensure the space functioned well for the kitchen team. The open kitchen layout provides flexibility for future menu changes and the ability to use less staff with visual monitoring available across the space.

The new café boasts several unique architectural features and a mix of materials that create a balance between enclosed and open spaces, offering exterior views from nearly every angle, while still maintaining a cozy atmosphere.

Located at the center of campus, artist-created signage that complements the interiors provides clear wayfinding to all connecting buildings. Inspired by Marathon’s roots as a refining and transportation company, as well as the Art Deco style of the campus buildings, the Hub speaks in reverence to the past, but also the active future. The

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When Toledo law firm Eastman & Smith needed to lease new office space, they began reevaluating their growing needs while trying to stay connected to their existing roots in downtown. The firm opted to remain in One Seagate and move to the 27th floor of the facility, and they sought SSOE to design their new 22,400 SF space. In order to make this space work, our team of architects and interior designers were able to create an office that reflected the firm’s brand and mission while focusing on providing welcoming spaces for clients and employees.

In their previous space, Eastman & Smith’s office denoted an obvious hierarchy in terms of office size and location. In the new space, the firm wanted a neutral and level playing field, as well as a more collaborative environment. In the new design, the offices are all the same size and are outfitted with the same fixtures. There are no corner offices in the new design, and instead the four corners are spaces that can be utilized by any employee.

To accommodate diverse work needs, the space also features flex offices that allow for a hybrid experience, and large and small meeting rooms. Technology was upgraded throughout the suite to provide team meeting spaces and electronic sign-outs for a variety of spaces.

The renovated space includes employee-focused and collaborative areas: a café with views of the Maumee River, spaces for collaboration and team-bonding, and a wellness room. The wellness room is a private area built for one person to have quiet space. There is a separate mothers room.

Our interior designers worked with the furniture vendor to incorporate prefabricated modular walls for the offices. We selected the furniture and finishes for the built environment. In addition to the aesthetic and functional elements, SSOE provided structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering, along with Data / Fire / Security services.

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Chemence’s tagline, “Creating Bonds That Last,” signaled the specialty chemicals company’s fresh start. And with SSOE’s help, they designed a workplace aligned with their new branding. Their CEO James Cooke acquired a 28,000 SF facility in Alpharetta, Georgia, designated for their new headquarters and R&D facility. This strategic move aims to bolster Chemence’s growth in the U.S., stemming from their strong beginnings across the pond.

Inspired by his wife’s SSOE-designed office, Cooke envisioned a workplace energetically embodying innovation and transformation in healthcare. So, we set off to provide engineering and interior design for Chemence, leading to another renovation project for their nearby manufacturing office and warehouse.

This new facility design includes open community spaces, centrally located offices, meeting rooms, and a relocated testing lab, all maximizing connection to daylight as well as lasting connections through collaboration.

SSOE provided interior design and engineering services for multiple floors, facilitating an interactive envisioning session for leadership, defined inspiration imagery, space standards, and FF&E selections. In a second renovation phase, Chemence desired to continue the renovation on the lower floor, which included the lobby, restrooms, and office suites focusing on collaboration, flexible areas, and cohesive branding throughout.

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Transforming Marathon Petroleum Corporation’s Marketing Building: For four decades SSOE has partnered with Marathon Petroleum Corporation. Together we have reimagined the work environment and provided forward thinking design and engineering solutions that will empower and impact the building and people alike. Our collaboration on the Market Building Workplace Renovation project exemplifies our ongoing partnership and shared commitment to design excellence.

Enhancing Workplace Strategies. The renovation project celebrates a dynamic and inspiring workspace, catering to both existing and potential team members. Designed as an ecosystem to foster connection, teamwork, and social engagement, the Marketing Building leverages the structure’s unique industrial characteristics. Feature elements of the overall design transformation include the integration of natural light, versatile communal spaces conducive to collaboration, visible engineering elements, carefully chosen furnishings, a selection of finishes and materials, and sleek linear lighting fixtures. The refreshed workspace offers its team members a refined, and forward-thinking work environment for both digital and in-person connections.

New Hub of Collaboration. A new connecting stair has been thoughtfully positioned just below the newly installed skylight, providing employees with access to natural light while fostering distinct neighborhoods within the workspaces. This stair serves as a main connection point between two work floors, offering opportunities for social engagement and gatherings. Adjacent to the staircase are communal zones that have been designed to serve as a vibrant nexus for employee interaction, technological engagement, and dynamic work styles. Throughout each level, versatile, multi-use areas cater to a diverse range of activities, from solitary work to large group gatherings. The project space embodies a modern, energetic, and authentically surprising aesthetic empowering team members.

Thoughtful and Energized Environment. SSOE and Marathon Petroleum Corporation together made a commitment to be environmentally conscious while leveraging the pre-existing building framework, systems, and furnishings, to install a state-of-the-art size-pipe HVAC system. To amplify natural lighting in the workspaces, we incorporated a substantial 15-foot square skylight that extends through the roof and third floor. This infusion of sunlight not only establishes a central hub for collaborative zones but also ensures equitable access to daylight for all employees throughout the workday.

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Gleeds is a leading global property and construction consultancy company, helping businesses and investors achieve the best value from their assets. With over 130 years of experience, their impartial intelligence is key to helping clients achieve their projects on budget, on time, and to an exceptional quality. SSOE was selected to help Gleeds create a new workplace that was welcoming and where their clients, employees, and co-consultants could be both productive and comfortable. The new space supports collaboration and is innovative with smart AV and remote technologies.

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SSOE worked with Delta Air Lines on the renovations to its administrative headquarters lobby and café.

Enhancing Delta’s Brand & Image

Creating an exciting and inspiring first impression for visitors, a space for employees to recharge, and a place to celebrate the heritage of a great company were several goals of the lobby and Woolman Café renovation project. The project supports Delta Air Lines in employee recruitment and retention while drastically enhancing its brand and image. By incorporating natural lighting, furniture selection, finishes and materials, artwork, lighting, and graphics, the newly renovated lobby / café spaces accommodate five services brands, doubled the seating capacity, and demonstrates Delta’s story in a sophisticated and progressive design.

New Hub of Collaboration

The lobby and café work together to create a new employee hub for collaboration, technology, and mobility as well as access to employee amenities including a clinic, fitness center, pharmacy, meeting rooms, and central elevator core for the building. While the lobby addressed Delta’s story, heritage, and visitor reception, the café’s vision is a positive influence on all who encounter the Delta community. The design is fresh, lively, honest, and unexpectedly fun.

Thoughtful & Energized Environment

Converting the existing spaces into this thoughtful, energized environment was no easy task requiring coordination with existing building infrastructure, systems, kitchens, elevators, life safety stairs, and exits. Opening existing exterior walls with large clear windows provides views to the organization’s bustling corporate campus.

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ProMedica Health System, a locally owned, non-profit healthcare organization serving Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan established in 1986, has completed the renovation and construction of their new corporate headquarters in downtown Toledo, Ohio. The move to downtown’s waterfront entailed the renovation of the vacant historical Edison Steam Plant, renovation of the adjacent former Key Bank building, and construction of a new multi-level parking structure.

In cooperation with HKS, SSOE was the firm of choice to provide full mechanical, electrical, plumbing, technology, and fire protection (MEPT / FP) design services for the two large commercial office structures. Our team of experts carefully evaluated the existing buildings and the historic aspect of each building that needed to be maintained, and provided detailed engineering design for the HVAC and plumbing systems, the Data / Fire / Security systems, the fire suppression systems, and the electrical system, including site lighting.

The existing Key Bank building will house a new YMCA space in the basement level, the Chop House restaurant on the lobby level, and office spaces on floors two, three, and four. The large variety of mixed building use is unique to this type of project but was successfully handled by the design team. SSOE is proud to be a part of this local project that promotes economic growth and urban revitalization. The project was completed in August 2017.

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SSOE’s client ProMedica, a prominent hospital and healthcare system serving communities in 28 states, was interested in providing services to an underserved area of Toledo, Ohio, where the client’s headquarters resides. The building selected had been vacant for years, sitting on a corner just outside the Central Business District in a re-emerging urban neighborhood. Our client wanted to address the social determinants of health, with a focus on hunger and nutrition, and increase access to healthy food, delivering nutritional education, and providing job training opportunities.

The renovation of all four floors was completed in three phases. Although it would have been ideal to work on all four floors concurrently, the budget constraints on this donation-funded project, in addition to the fact each floor had its own separate and unique systems, required our team to exercise their agility by renovating one floor at a time. First came the Market on the Green—a 6,700 SF nonprofit grocery store that offers nutritional options for people in the neighborhood, formerly deemed a “food desert.” Located on the ground floor, the full-service grocery store also offers nutrition education for customers in an area that previously lacked accessibility to whole food providers. The second floor now offers financial services, training rooms, as well as a space for healthy cooking classes—complete with a commercial kitchen. The third floor is currently leased out to a tenant who hired 60 individuals from the neighborhood and has committed to creating more Toledo-based jobs in the future. The fourth and final floor is currently being utilized by ProMedica’s Population Health program.

The fourth floor is the capstone of the building and the Ebeid Institute initiative. The open workspace immediately welcomes visitors upon entering, offering a view from the top and a different perspective of their neighborhood. The three enclosing walls are perforated with multiple window openings, with an unadorned solid brick wall as the backdrop for mechanical room and multiple gathering spaces of varying size for clients to privately meet with their service providers. Along this row of meeting spaces is a dedicated nerve center intended to evolve into a data-gathering / data-sharing hub within a technology-rich environment. Here researchers and guests can obtain the latest information on Population Health and the social determinants. The glass-fronted room serves as a symbol of ProMedica’s vision to provide a gateway to a healthy community.

SSOE was involved in the renovation of all four floors, providing full architectural and engineering design services, including interior design, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection design, and data / fire / security services. Redeveloping a space that would bring multiple agencies together is not an easy feat. An adaptable, flexible design was needed to meet the conditions, the building reflected an open plan arrangement with larger spaces, which was also key for keeping visitors emotionally and physically engaged. Existing architecture was maintained on the 1925’s stone and brick building, with existing joists and beams exposed and many of the walls left uncovered to preserve the original aesthetic. Our knowledge of complex security design allowed us to make the building welcoming for visitors, yet secure for tenants.

Today, the ProMedica Ebeid Institute is a safe place for people to connect with neighbors and service providers—a place just for them. It also provides a much needed grocery store for the area. It brought social services to uptown and set the stage for other organizations to follow suit. This area now provides more social services than any other district in the area.

 

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DS Services is about complete beverage refreshment and convenience. They are more than a manufacturer and distributor of bottled water: A leading direct-to-consumer service provider to about 1.5 million home and office locations across the country, they offer America’s preferred coffee, tea, breakroom supply, and water filtration products.

Having grown both organically and through acquisitions, their physical environment took on a fragmented quality that challenged the way DS Services wanted to connect with their people and work processes. With the opportunity to build a new workplace and headquarters, they had a vision to transform their culture, streamline their work, feature their products and services, and position their company for the future.

On entry to the Division Headquarters, the product showroom, customer solutions, and training center are in full view and enticing.   Trainees begin the day at the large ”campfire” table for bagels, coffee, and team bonding. The adjacent large matrix AV screen serves to introduce the day’s agenda, the company, products, and services.

SSOE devised a new workplace that was open, transparent, and connected. A memorable expression of the organization’s dynamic brand begins on arrival at the elevator lobby with a refreshing wash of blue light and continues to be reflected in architectural elements and brand identity references throughout. Experienced upon arrival, their two floors are visually joined with a two-story reception space and open stairway. This space serves as access to adjacent collaborative areas as well as the open work / life lounge above. Central to the arrival experience, the reception space of this customer-centric workplace features hospitality –  showcasing the services, products, and brands of the business. This theme of refreshment and hospitality continues at strategic locations throughout the workplace.

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WestRock provides their business partners a competitive advantage with game-changing developments in paper making, packaging design, and retail solutions. Their focus is insight-driven innovation, providing value and solving their partners’ biggest challenges. Having recently become a global company through acquisition, WestRock made strategic decisions to position themselves for future growth and success.

SSOE crafted a transformational workplace to support WestRock’s passionate customer focus. Believing talent, shared expertise, and out-of-the box thinking drive value for their partners, the new workplace brings together over 1,000 people from three sites. This coming-together set the stage for new synergies, lots of energy, and enhanced idea sharing. Presence and welcome happen at the building lobby, with hospitality, product display, and an Innovation Center for customized client collaboration. The experience reflects the culture of the business, its people, and their focus on innovation.

SSOE ’s design concept evolved with an enhanced user experience at its heart. Nine floors of workplace are open, connected, and inclusive, featuring agile workspaces. A mix of settings recognize the diverse range of preferences and work styles, allowing individuals to “customize” their work experience. It makes for – “a place where we can optimize our ability to deliver for our customers.” Lots of glass, open and semi-open collaborative zones and an interconnecting stair energize the atmosphere, a visual buzz and hum. The comfortable central café is a gathering spot used throughout the day, offering refreshment, social interaction, gaming, and building community.

The workplace is an authentic representation of who and what WestRock stands for as an organization and reflects their shared purpose. The space is straight-forward, practical, not fussy nor pretentious. A natural palette of concrete, wood, and metal finishes celebrate the materiality of their products. The simple beauty and geometry of folded planes, layered, and textured surfaces are found in their products and inspire the design of the workplace plan and architecture. Display of their product is integrated into the design giving teams an opportunity to share current work and prompt dialogue throughout and serves as a connecting device within the multiple floors of the workplace.

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In the business of simplifying how people work and enhancing how people live, Alight partners globally with 3,000 clients, impacting the lives of 23 million people and their families. A leading provider of benefits administration and cloud-based human capital solutions, Alight combines data-driven, consumer-centered technology with a people-centric customer experience. Alight sought a new workplace to reflect their values: Enable people to do their best work – in a simpler way – a more connected way – a more insightful way.

SSOE facilitated a discovery process that was key to understanding the varied work styles needed to meet the common goal of a team-work environment that would enable people to do their best work and strive for excellence every day. SSOE’s strategic design solution led Alight to reimagine their workplace, embrace a dramatic shift in culture, and design for the future.

The transformational new space breaks down hierarchical barriers by eliminating private offices and providing neighborhoods of open team-based space. A variety of communal spaces with touch down tables, soft seating, and integrated technology support team work and provide social connection for employees. The open work place is more efficient and reflective of the culture – sparking new possibilities, interaction, and collaboration between teams. Multiple heads-down spaces ranging in privacy levels and size provide for focused work, when needed.

The finish palette is energizing – mirroring Alight’s brand and corporate identity. The architecture reiterates this approach, including playful ceiling soffits and branded recessed lighting. The result is an emotional connection of people to brand, culture, and clients.

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With an operational “go-live” in spring 2016, this is a young company. Born out of a program focusing on bottler process and data standards for a global beverage industry giant, CONA was created to pair powerful information technology skills with an equally strong understanding of their bottlers’ businesses.

“By the bottlers for the bottlers”. This team is transforming their industry, using technology and engaged customer collaboration, to drive change from “standardization” to “an innovation factory.” Growing and evolving, the group wanted a workplace that would “express a company identity that we own,” as well as engage and celebrate their bottlers and showcase their own deep IT expertise.

Expressing, “our defined culture is a work in progress” the client wanted a flexible, fun environment, emphasizing their connection with their clients. A place that would “help us get our work done” and “thrive for years to come.” They needed places for deep, meaningful, client collaboration as well as “labs” on site, to develop customized and innovative technology solutions. A “technology company,” at the leading edge of agile work processes, this nimble group frequently flexes in size, by potentially up to 50% with the addition of project specific contractors.

SSOE took an industrial, “bottling plant aesthetic” as inspiration to continuously reinforce this connection with their partners. Understanding the end game in everyone’s success is the people enjoying those beverages, we tapped into a theme of “where do you enjoy your drink?” We developed a design concept based on “neighborhoods” of work flow, creating diverse settings that enrich their people’s daily experience. Each neighborhood fosters their blossoming company identity and helps shape the emerging culture by integrating places that express their spirit and build community.

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This is a reboot for BrightWave : A combination of award winning work, innovative approaches to problem solving, and flat out crushing client success metrics are leading them to a higher caliber of client, spend, and employee. This leading e-mail and eCRM agency is “full steam ahead” in scaling the agency. BrightWave saw the need for a new workplace that would be an upgrade: A genuine, unique, elevated workplace that talks to employees and activates pride and cultural drive.

SSOE created a new workplace to work hard, establish new traditions, and have fun. These are spaces that encourage working together in a genuine, informal, and relaxed atmosphere that is “very chill”. Welcome and hospitality start at the front door with a space for: all-hands agency meetings supported with Apple TVs; catered lunch for all; entertainment events with hospitality for 50 to 60; wine and keg bar, self-help food and beverage service; and a variety of individual and booth seating which doubles as informal collaborative and individual work all day long.

BrightWave employees are typically millennials, 65% female, agile, ambitious, flexible, quick learners, and sophisticated experts. SSOE devised a variety of workspaces that engage this work culture: space for quiet thinking and spontaneous collaboration, individual heads down sit/stand workstations for flexible teams, stand up tables with big writable wall surfaces, and large Apple TVs to talk about their in-progress and showcase work.

A sense of fun infuses the space by referencing the nautical influence of the BrightWave brand: finishes and furniture selections subtly participate as well as a signal flag motif – conference and pitch rooms are named for mythical sea monsters. The brand in the space is the ambiance. The story telling and product is in screen content throughout the space.

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A global consulting firm, Russell Reynolds uses data and analytics, across industries and geographies, combined with expertise, to create the insights that prepare their clients for what’s next. An established entity, Russell Reynolds grew from conservative banking roots, but recent rebranding recognized “we’ve come so far from that.”

Russell Reynolds has evolved into an innovative, trusted advisory that delivers better results for clients, with a personal touch. The Atlanta team wanted a forward-looking workplace, reflecting the organization differentiators, while embracing this locality, it’s people and their preferences.

“We grow up our talent.” The Atlanta offices’ expertise includes technology, financial services, and executive recruitment. The nature of their work is primarily individual, focused, and confidential. Remote collaboration globally among colleagues – “more than the person next door,” connects resources and drives solutions. Working independently all day, they wanted an environment that intuitively fosters informal connectivity with their Atlanta colleagues, in relaxed and social settings. A dynamic group, the team wanted a visible energy and hum that expressed their attitude, even more important since their work is private and heads down.

SSOE’s design concept evokes a “Southern Modern” aesthetic that is both warm and sleek.  A centralized arrival, visually connected to adjacent collaborative settings and intersecting primary circulation, is welcoming, bright, and active. Introducing familiar “southern” details and materials, like shiplap and slate, reinterpreted with a modern take, we created a comfortable, but polished feel. Informal and familiar venues like the “front porch” and the “library”, occur throughout, creating “destination experiences,” encouraging people to work outside of their office at times. To build community and energy, we placed the “kitchen” at a prominent corner, overlooking the vibrant Midtown neighborhood, that people gather and circulate through all day. With 80% of their team in private offices, use of glass provides an environment that’s acoustically private but visual transparent. Focus + Connectivity + Community, Russell Reynolds’ new workplace captures the distinct elements of their success: high performance and high touch.

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The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the regional planning and intergovernmental coordination agency for the ten county Atlanta region. With an opportunity to relocate their headquarters, The ARC sought a new, creative, and dynamic workplace that would invest in the organization, attract new talent, encourage an evolving culture, and reflect the forward thinking and innovative aspects of what they do.

SSOE responded to the challenge and devised a hip, creative, and forward-thinking, urban lab. A workplace that enables high performance and innovative problem solving, inspires forward-thinking collaboration, as well as creates a memorable encounter and experience. A space that allows people to visualize the ARC’s success and understand that” we are thought leaders…smart people with great data and ideas –  we make a difference.

Newly located in a downtown high-rise building, the workplace required multiple floors in the building’s tower, a street-level conference center- available to public and regional entities, and a street level reception lobby, giving brand presence and street-cred.

SSOE designed tower workplace floors featuring arrival zones or “main streets” which provides bicycle and locker storage, incidental meeting, and touch-down areas. Collaborative areas and work-life lounges are focal points at each end of the “main street”. Open work stations and collaborative areas are accessed from the arrival zone. Glass enclosed meeting and collaborative rooms flank the work stations. The workplace is collegial…like a university…agile…new and emerging …a regional resource. The new space has a minimal number of offices and provides an open work environment. Writable walls and integrated technology is present throughout – enabling brainstorm sessions, knowledge exchange, and collaborative solutions.

SSOE reinforces the concept of urban lab, with a visual image that is dynamic in it’s juxtaposition of refined and unfinished elements – reflecting the on-going work of the organization. The concept is further revealed with exposed steel columns, exposed-deck ceilings, suspended acoustical ceiling elements, and a sealed concrete floor. The workplace boasts an eclectic artful dimension in a variety of multiple area rugs in playful graphic patterns and the work of urban street artists featured on walls and sliding panels throughout the space.

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The Shopping Center Group (TSCG), headquartered in Atlanta, is a large, retail-only real estate company, with national reach, providing a full assortment of advisory services to tenants, landlords, developers, investors, and financial institutions. Real estate experts in an exciting and competitive industry, they love what they do and have fun doing it together. Growing and evolving, and in a market sector that “gets” experience, they wanted their workplace to be one, for their people.

TSCG recognizes their people and culture drive the company’s success. Renewing their lease, in a tower overlooking Atlanta’s new SunTrust stadium, where the Braves play, TSCG decided to renovate in place. A focused, informal, and fun team, their goal was an environment their people want to work and “play” together in, not only as colleagues but also as friends. SSOE’s design concept is inspired by the nature of their work: Retail is fun, social, therapeutic, interactive, entertaining, relaxing, cool, welcoming, attractive, business!

SSOE’s response to the client’s goals was to rethink how their space was allocated. Mobility, work processes and people’s current preferences being different seven years later, we identified ways to reinvent environment and attitude. Looking for optimal connection points at arrival and throughout the day, we focused on “high impact” opportunities to create a fresh, informal, and current vibe. A “branded” arrival brings together

Relaxed and varied get-together venues, refreshment, and a decidedly cool style, speak to TSCG’s culture. A new, spacious work-life lounge, with ping-pong, foosball and a swing, is their “’hang out” space where the team comes together to work, relax, and refresh. The workplace is a visual expression of who they are and what they do. Without a doubt they have fun doing it.

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When Rheem Manufacturing decided to co-locate several business units for the first time, the vision was a space that would celebrate and facilitate a new transformative culture. The new Rheem Water Division Headquarters enables more meaningful collaboration between employees and customers with real-time, hands-on demonstrations and problem solving, and an interactive showcase of the company’s forward-thinking and innovative new products.

SSOE’s design provided a dynamic workplace, training, and customer solution. It facilitates success in support of evolving product technology, user interface, customer demographic, brand, and company culture, which encourages down-stream acceptance of more sophisticated products and technologies. This interactive facility is a key tool in enabling Rheem’s evolution from an engineering-based product company to an end-user focused company — a company evolving from a wholesale to a retail strategy.

Products are physically displayed nearby on multiple “display platforms” for a unique hands-on introduction and instructional space. Hospitality bars flank the space for breakfast, snacks, and lunch service throughout the training day. Trainees experience a hands-on “live-fire” lab where products are taken apart and reassembled, and where trouble-shooting exercises can occur. A glass-enclosed training room completes the experience.

The new workplace provides more efficient and collaborative work processes that promote a transition from departmental to cross-functional teams. A sense of community is further supported with integrated come-together spaces.

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SSOE came on board to help Norfolk Southern reimagine their 12-story tower, located at the crossroads of Atlanta’s vibrant Midtown neighborhood. Their goal was a dynamic, employee-focused, workplace to engage their people and reflect their innovative, expressive, high-tech future. Norfolk Southern wanted to connect the office with field operations and it’s frontline
sense of urgency.

Norfolk Southern’s brand statement “One Line – Infinite Possibilities,” inspired our design of a unified workplace aligned with the company’s cultural and operational aspirations. Arrival at each floor opens to a high energy, colorful, and connected vibe, as “the line” tracks to communal, collaborative, and individual work zones.

A comfortable, collegial work-life lounge, conceived as “The Roundhouse,” anchors refreshment, informal gathering, and meeting rooms. An open ceiling, sleek pendant lighting and acoustical “box cars,” that hover at standup tables, form an active ceiling. A new take on a railway trellis, strong finish palette, and just a touch of safety yellow, combine in a lively way that brings the field into the office.

As a nod to their storied past, SSOE reinterpreted vintage photos from Norfolk Southern’s archives to create high-impact, artistic wall graphics. A holistic approach to wellness includes a fitness center, healthy food choices, ergonomic furniture, updated building mechanical systems and more. Diverse activity settings, increased collaborative seats, access to privacy, and leading-edge technology foster teamwork, workplace satisfaction, and productivity.

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Novelis’ goal for their project was clear: “We want a workplace that makes people feel, “I want to be a part of this.” SSOE delivered on this with an emphasis on connecting global resources, unifying culture, and leveraging expertise to bring together Novellis’ Global headquarters and North American headquarters in a new 125,000 SF workplace, at a premier Atlanta
address.

SSOE’s enduring partnership with Novelis began with this project, interpreting their vision into an evocative environment. We developed a holistic expression of their brand, positioning the company to attract the dynamic team they sought, locally and globally, to build an innovative, result-oriented culture. The “wow” factor begins at arrival, with a soaring volume, open, interconnecting stair, a hub of glass collaborative settings and sightlines into a glowing Customer Solution Center. The use of aluminum, a sleek, machined aesthetic, and abundant daylight are tangible expressions of the Novelis tagline: “Lighter, Brighter, Better”.

SSOE’s design concept encourages flow within the facility, offering unique “draw points” such as a centrally located community lounge with stocked snacks and game room. To promote a strong team culture, we focused on visual openness using lots of glass and flexible space allocations, allowing teams to reconfigure themselves. A mix of collaborative settings, all with integrated technology, link global colleagues seamlessly, reinforcing “a sense of being part of the whole, of something bigger.” The Novelis’ Global Leadership Center, that welcomes high-potential team members from around the world, is strategically located adjacent to the executive team, sending a clear message: there’s no “ivory tower.”

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The Coca-Cola Company’s commitment to innovation sparked the development of Coca-Cola Technology Plaza. Enabling their people to collaborate, create, and accelerate productivity through technology inspired this workplace. The client’s goal was to integrate the IT organizations of the Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Refreshments, bringing together over 2,000 people in 275,000 SF to enhance collaboration, share knowledge, and invent. The design team partnered with the client to explore and optimize IT-centric work styles, culture, and work processes. We worked with a broad group of internal stakeholders at both companies, including business unit leaders, HR, Marketing, Change Management and not least of all, IT.

SSOE managed the design and consultant team resources to deliver well-integrated solutions in an accelerated format, completing design and construction of the project in 12 months. A close to 50/50 split between FTE’s and contractors, combined with highly mobile and agile teams, resulted in the development of a free-address alternate workplace strategy. This design fosters their informal culture, full of spontaneous collaboration, intense periods of individual work, spirited engagement, comraderie, and refreshment. A variety of live-work lounges at arrival and prime circulation points connect people. Interaction happens in open benching zones, as well as semi-private “pagodas” that bridge to fully enclosed work settings. This diversity of spaces was essential to optimizing how their people work, giving individuals and teams a choice of tools and environment. The design team interpreted the iconic Coca- Cola brand in ways that infuse energy, tap into the magic of Coca-Cola, and make you smile.

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SSOE was selected to provide architectural and engineering design for the Sandusky County Courthouse’s interior renovation project. With the main part of the building dating back to 1844 and an expansion in the 1930’s, the courthouse’s interior was in need of significant modernization. Mindful of the building’s original Grecian design, SSOE was able to complement its 19th century style, while giving it 21st century functionality.

The age of the facility provided many obstacles that had to be overcome to ensure the design was feasible with the building’s current architecture and the schedule could be realized. The courthouse’s architectural improvements included ADA upgrades, enhancements to both public and staff areas, and department layout improvements to provide increased efficiency—marrying contemporary and traditional finishes throughout for a uniform appearance. Project savings were realized by preserving existing corridor marble walls with the removal of 100+ years of build-up.

The courthouse’s technology and security systems received a complete overhaul as well, which included installing a single point of entry with metal detectors, securing all remaining access doors with card reader access control. A complete lock down security system was installed with alert buttons placed in each department for use as needed. By better defining public and staff areas, we were able to improve workflow from one department to the next. Most importantly, employee safety was significantly enhanced through the security and mass notification measures put in place by SSOE’s data / fire / security experts.

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A New Headquarters

The Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) constructed a new Headquarters Building on their existing property at 201 Pryor Street. The facility includes a new office building, the renovation of the existing headquarters building (originally built in the early 1900s and expanded in 1987), a new 150-space parking deck, and the creation of outdoor courtyard / collaboration spaces. The new facility faces both Trinity Avenue and Pryor Street and includes a new front door located off of Pryor Street.

Four Stories High With A New Parking Deck

The building is four stories tall with a connector to the existing building with connections at two levels. The building also shares an elevator and stair with a new parking deck which replaces their existing surface parking lot and consolidates all parking needs into their facility. The building also includes an exterior fourth-floor terrace with views of the Capitol building.

Building Accents

The parking deck is five levels with connections to the building at one, four, and five that corresponds to building levels one, two, and four. The building’s façade is red modular brick with large storefront windows on the ground level with precast arched headers. On the upper levels, punched windows have architectural precast headers, sills, and bands. The two-level connector is primarily a glazed wall system with a precast base and sill. The parking deck also has a red modular brick façade facing the street with active use office storefront openings on Level 1 and aluminum framed openings on the upper parking levels.

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Working Together

Working in concert with the City of Sumter’s Economic Development Board, the design team provided complete architectural, engineering, and interior design services on the renovation and additions to the new, contemporary, two-story facility.

Growing Central Business District

Located in the downtown proper of Sumter’s growing Central Business District, the facility includes work and office space for the Board’s staff and Director, as well as reception and event spaces, two state-of-the-art boardrooms, and a large conference room. The new building is bounded by E. Liberty, S. Main, Caldwell, and S. Harvin Streets, with the existing building located on a neighboring site, adjacent to the proposed new space.

Sustainable Design

Renovations to the facilities existing structure houses additional event space, a complete catering kitchen, and temporary office suites for newly relocated businesses. In addition to the proposed additions and renovations, the new building features a number of sustainable design elements that include geothermal mechanical systems, creative placemaking, and pending LEED certification.

Furthering The Mission

Originally founded in 1957 by an act of the South Carolina General Assembly, the Sumter Economic Development Board began operating independently in the mid-1990s as the leading economic development organization for those residing within Sumter County. Funded through a Public-Private-Partnership that includes Sumter County Government, the City of Sumter, and the Sumter Smarter Growth Initiative, the Board’s new building will help further the organization’s mission to increase jobs and capital investment coming into the area.

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Designing A New Home

SSOE provided architecture, engineering, and interior design services for the relocation of Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. Moving to a new site on Memorial Drive, the scope included the complete renovation of the 1950-era Pittsburgh Plate Glass Distribution Warehouse. New facilities included the 25,000 SF Family Support Center, the 45,000 SF House Crew Operations Warehouse, and a new 24,000 SF ReStore retail outlet.

Renovations For A Better Tomorrow

The 5.5-acre master plan included employee, customer, and volunteer parking, house crew trailer parking, and loading service areas. In addition to the incorporation of the new parking areas, the design complies with the Beltline Overlay District’s requirements for new sidewalks, street trees, and landscaping.

Sustainable Features

The new facilities also include several sustainable design features such as improved daylighting by way of a renovated clerestory system in the warehouse; the use of reclaimed building materials; and a Rainwater Harvesting System which stores up to 70,000 gallons of water for re-use by neighboring organization Trees Atlanta.

A Note From Don Maddox, Jr., Executive Vice President And COO Of Atlanta Habitat For Humanity

“These new facilities support our mission of making adequate and affordable housing a matter of conscience and action. During all phases of the project, SSOE demonstrated considerable skill in managing the design within the budget and meeting our timetable for moving into the new facilities. The team remained resilient and creative dealing with the [numerous] discoveries found during a very challenging renovation. [In the end] the results have been a great benefit to our staff, customers and volunteers.”

 

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Integrating New Technology

Electric Guard Dog is a company that provides theft deterrent services to a variety of businesses throughout the country. By integrating new technologies into their electric security fence system, Electric Guard Dog has become a leading voice in the security market.

Tech Focused Facility

The new headquarters for Electric Guard Dog is located on the fifth floor of the Center for Innovation, a tech-focused facility that was designed by SSOE in 2016. Centered on the edge of Columbia’s Innovista District, the new 20,000 SF upfit includes a new reception space, conference and training rooms, a live/workspace, and additional programmatic areas all integrated with the latest technology.

Beneficial Work Experience

At the core of Electric Guard Dog is a concern for the health and wellness of their employees. Their new upfit subsequently merges the company’s aesthetic brand with adequate natural light, quality indoor air control, and new design strategies that seek to provide a beneficial work experience for each employee.

The new headquarters for Electric Guard Dog is located on the fifth floor of the Center for Innovation, a tech-focused facility completed in 2016.

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Crucial Operational Space

The Georgia Regional Transportation Authority’s new Express Operations and Maintenance Facility was constructed to provide crucial operational space for its growing bus fleet, integrate more sustainability and energy-efficient technologies, and provide state-of-the-art offices and meeting spaces.

Upgraded Functionality

SSOE worked with the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority to design 12 maintenance bays, six drive-thru bays, and six pull-in bays. The upgraded bays function with engine dyno and brake tester, quick lube and preventative maintenance, in-ground lifts, and underground maintenance pits.

Efficient Technology

New energy-efficient technologies include LED lighting, advanced ventilation systems, infrared gas heaters, and touchless bus washing systems that recycle 70 percent of the water used. Additionally, the SSOE team incorporated recycled materials such as concrete and asphalt into the design of the new space.

State-of-the-art offices and meeting spaces now include Wi-Fi, high-definition security cameras, a video wall, and additional technologies that further advance the facility’s overall operation. The building program also includes a high-tech command center, driver lounges, conference and counseling rooms, secure locker areas, and a large training center that can accommodate more than 50 attendees for training and group sessions.

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Seventh Floor Renovation

SSOE worked hand-in-hand with the Owner, Great Southern Management, to renovate the seventh floor of the TD Bank Building (former Carolina First Building). Located on Main Street, in the heart of downtown Columbia’s Business District, the design team utilized a more open office concept – one that would foster interactivity and encourage teamwork.

Varying Work Environments

Challenged to reduce the overall square footage per employee by more than 20 percent, a departure from the more traditional design style commonly associated with architecture, engineering, and interior design firms, the team was able to creatively incorporate work areas of varying styles; allowing staff to interact in an environment better suited for collaboration.

Space Efficient Floor Plan

Originally renovated by our firm in the late 1990s, the TD Bank Building, a former Belk’s Department Store, is a seven-story “Class A” speculative office building with a garden-level terrace, hardscaped plaza, and spacious main lobby area. Designed using a space-efficient floor plan which utilized the building’s existing column locations, this recently completed tenant upfit features open office areas, private meeting rooms, conference rooms, and a flexible, work / life collaboration lounge.

Located in the heart of downtown Columbia, SC’s Business District, the design team utilized a more open office concept, one known to foster collaboration and encourage teamwork.

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Creating A Contemporary New Building

SSOE was selected to provide a campus evaluation, and building and interior design for McKenney’s Mechanical Contractors’ existing site.

The existing building was a 1960s office warehouse building that had been added onto over the years as the size of the company grew. During that time, a more contemporary three-story building was built to the east, while both buildings were connected to the existing large shop building to the north.

Creating A Better Work Environment

The goal was to renovate the existing building to create a campus feel alongside the pre-existing three-story building and adjacent shop building. In addition, the design team was tasked with bringing the building up to code, as the work previously completed spanned a number of years. Lastly, and most importantly, the company knew they needed to change their work environment to hire and retain great people in order to better address the needs of a changing workforce.

The desire was for the building to be more open, with views to the exterior from all work areas, while storage and support areas moved to the center of the building. The team successfully addressed this by removing several of the exterior tilt-up concrete panels in order to open the building to the exterior while taking advantage of several existing skylights that opened the building between floors.

Encouraging Collaboration

Working closely with the Owner to select sit / stand units for all employees, each of the new collaboration areas, as well as the open break spaces, are only a few of the examples of space planning, and furniture selections that the team provided. The challenge in many of these areas was the low floor-to-floor heights available. In order to address these specific challenges, the SSOE team created an open environment by eliminating ceilings and using light to create a feeling of height.

The lobby was resized to provide a comfortable space for groups that travel to the building for training. The number and location of meeting rooms was an important consideration, as was the number of enclosed offices, which were reduced and located so as not to block any daylight access. An executive suite with a new board room was established in an area that would provide a high ceiling for a spacious feel.

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Reimagined Space For A New Headquarters Facility

Batson-Cook Construction’s new headquarters was previously occupied by the Vinings Club, a former Atlanta Social Club. The old mechanical yard containing a two-cell cooling tower was transformed into an outdoor gathering space. A steel mezzanine that divided the racquetball court now overlooks the break room.

New High-Efficiency Building Systems

The base building renovation included new and reused fan-powered induction and single duct variable air volume air (VAV) terminal units, and new HVAC controls tied into the existing base building direct digital controls (DDC) system. New air terminal units were installed throughout the space. The outdoor design included the racquetball court renovation, which modified an existing constant volume air handling unit to be variable flow, while a new outdoor air supply fan with intake louver was integrated into the existing curtainwall system. Electrical renovations updated the existing base building electrical distribution systems to support the new office space layout and the use of high efficiency LED lighting was included throughout the space.

Specialty Systems Designed To Accommodate New Space

New domestic and sanitary plumbing systems support a new expansive breakroom, two new ADA restrooms, and a wellness room. The structural design and specification included a new 3,000 SF mezzanine. Reviews of the floor plan, base building, and generation of performance specification documents were also done to create an updated sprinkler system.

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Meetings with GJM and the design team defined the requirements for the new plan for the office layout. This plan became a refection of the GJM brand and mission, one that is focused on clients and employees. There was a strong desire to modernize the existing Eaton (LaValley) Building façade and entries, and tie it to an architectural design in line with GJM values. The entry and lobby design was transformed into a welcoming and modern space with a two-story skylight. Spaces included a new reception desk, visitor conference rooms, and board room. A new angled glass façade on the east side allowed for daylight throughout the space, creating an open and inviting environment.

Corridors were placed on an axis with one connecting corridor parallel to the east glass façade to link the work spaces. Shared spaces along this corridor included collaboration spaces, wellness room, the Learning Center, break area, assembly room, and access to lobby spaces. Large open glass garage doors connected the Learning Center to the Collaboration Café, offering space for employees to meet with a connection to the outside patio area. Spaces were fully integrated with technology, connecting GJM virtually to other office locations and clients. The flexible wellness room provided a space for employees to escape, relax, and recharge before returning to their tasks.

The design included offices placed internally within the floor plan allowing workstations and collaboration spaces placed along the exterior to take advantage of windows and daylight. The continued connection to nature and natural daylight promoted employee well-being and added physical comforts to the space. The interior finishes and contemporary color scheme thoughtfully reinforced the architecture of the space and provided a backdrop for client branding.

“We are thrilled with the design of our new office space. It is modern, practical, creative and flexible. It will suit our needs for years to come. SSOE’s collaboration with our building committee was a true partnership. Heather was responsive and innovative in working with us and transformed a tired building that had been vacant for years into a world class show piece we are truly proud of.”

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SSOE’s complete steel prefab structural building drawing ultimately saved La-Z-Boy over $500,000.

La-Z-Boy desired a research and development center that reflected the importance of innovation and technology to their company. Their vision was to create a new state-of-the-art R&D facility with larger, modern work spaces that would aid in improving staff recruiting and retention.

The SSOE team, with construction manager Rudolph Libbe, worked closely with La-Z-Boy on this design / build project, utilizing 3D modeling reviews to communicate clearly with the client’s project team to assure they fully visualized the design concepts. This allowed the client to understand the design at each phase and see how their design requirements were being incorporated. The final design included a combination of a 50,000 SF pre-engineered research building and a 20,000 SF conventional building designed with flexibility for the office spaces.

The research / testing area includes shops, wood working, and engineering spaces. The office space has an open floor plan incorporating the flexible workplace strategy, with only one walled office for the vice president. This floor plan, along with the café and outdoor seating areas, follow La-Z-Boy’s overall strategy to have office neighborhoods where people aren’t tied to the same work space on a daily basis, providing employees with a choice of where to work. There are also movable furnishings with electrical outlets located throughout for device charging.

The Innovation Center’s corridor is lined with windows that provide a view into the research and engineering brainstorming “garages” where they refine pieces of furniture and collaborate on design innovations. SSOE’s engineering team designed a special dust collection system used in the facility.

SSOE was pleased to offer architecture, MEP and structural engineering, dust collection, data / fire / security design, steel detailing, and interior design services for this facility that met the client’s goal and vision for a modern and flexible workplace for their employees.

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Direction Credit Union selected SSOE as their A/E firm to assist with the design of a new headquarters location in downtown Toledo. Working closely with JLL and SSOE for site selection, Directions chose to move their headquarters in to the Tower on the Maumee, a building on the Ohio Historical Registry. This move involved merging two existing suburban office locations into the headquarters on the 15th, 16th, and 17th floors in the newly redeveloped Tower.

The Direction leadership team’s vision was for a cultural change and creation of a more open and collaborative workplace. The space was planned to create multiple teaming, conference, and collaboration zones, with the elimination of most private offices. They desired spaces that would respond to changing workforce demographics, and one that would allow them to continue to be innovators within their industry. We worked closely with the furniture / change manager, providing employees options and personal choices in their areas, such as varied work spaces, adjustable height work surfaces, adjustable computer monitor arms, personalized user tools, and various types of furnishings to support different employee work and conferencing styles.

The headquarters design includes the renovation of three floor plates. Design features include 360 degree views of downtown, multiple team and collaboration spaces, two work cafés, and a large multi-use boardroom. The interior color scheme reinforces Direction’s branding and interior vision for their new space. This new, cutting edge workplace has the latest technology, wi-fi, and plug and play flexibility for employees and visitors to access. The new Direction’s Credit Union Headquarters will become a workplace destination with an atmosphere of high energy, excitement, and amenities that attracts and retains employees.

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Increased profit potential while creating $1 million in operational savings from catalyst system improvements.

SSOE and The Hershey Company have a long history of working together. As a result, SSOE was selected to perform A/E services for their Global Shared Services renovation, which will turn approximately 50,000 SF of the former manufacturing space into open office space.

The project program required a plan for 250 employees, with two workstation sizes (42 SF and 49 SF) and no private offices. Conference rooms of various sizes were provided in the plan, as well as smaller private meeting spaces for confidential conversation. Serveries—full kitchens with water, refrigeration, and dishwashers—were provided as part of large collaboration areas. An exterior deck was also part of the design with full access to wireless technology, supporting the program requirement that work takes place in both traditional and non-traditional environments.

The former industrial aesthetic of the manufacturing space was preserved, including exposed structure, ductwork, and pendant lighting. Original stone walls and maple flooring were also preserved in select areas. Raised access flooring was provided to level the original manufacturing floors and provide power / data wiring to the workstations. The project received LEED Gold certification.

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SSOE provided architectural, interior design, and engineering services to support construction of a new 15,000 SF Welcome and Training Center for Transportation Research Center (TRC), the largest independent vehicle test facility and proving grounds in the U.S.

As the gateway to the TRC campus, the facility is the main welcome and access control point to the campus. The center includes informal and formal collaboration areas, conference rooms, project lab space, and office space for three user groups: TRC security, the Regional Plan Commission, and the Ohio State University (OSU) distance learning program, which supports academic liaison efforts via teaching and research.

Designed to accommodate meetings of all sizes, the welcome center includes small gathering spaces, distance learning facilities, and, for seminars and presentations, a large meeting room featuring state-of-the-art AV technology and space for presentation vehicles. Within the OSU distance learning area, the space is flexible and reconfigurable for project and team needs. The design of the space allows for both team based work and lecture based presentations. Height adjustable tables with plug and play power allows for the space to be one level, verses a tiered layout. Interior design highlights include some areas with exposed ceilings with acoustical clouds, the lobby ceiling is designed with metal longboard, patterned with wood, to add warmth to the area, custom casework design, and sealed concrete flooring.

Budget, visual appeal, and functionality were top design concerns for this client. SSOE incorporated a strong graphical approach, both inside and out, for an attractive, modern, cost-conscious design. Exterior design resulted in a brick and metal façade with a welcoming entry and a strong daylight component.

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Therma-Tru Doors, a Fortune Brands Company, is the nation’s leading manufacturer of fiberglass and steel exterior door systems. Fypon, who became a part of the Therma-Tru family in 2009, makes polyurethane millwork. Both companies are now headquartered in Maumee, Ohio. The Fypon and the Therma-Tru IT departments occupy the renovated first floor space.

SSOE led the original master plan design effort to create a collaborative work environment which started in 2005 with the renovation of the second floor of the facility. We continued with the master plan, bringing it to completion in March 2016, with the renovation of the first floor of the facility.

The design scheme incorporates a diagonal “avenue” of drywall soffits and luminous ceiling, which leads to an amenity area. This area provides a flexible space for social and informal meetings, with a small kitchenette located in this area that also supports the flexible function of the space. The workspaces are predominantly open office workstations with only three enclosed office spaces.

The open office concept is augmented with several informal meeting / work areas, and two larger enclosed conference rooms. The renovation design incorporates Therma-Tru doors and Fypon moldings throughout, as well as other Fortune Brands products (Master Brand Cabinets and Moen plumbing fixtures) which lends to a very comfortable, home-like working atmosphere that is enjoyed by the companies’ employees.

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SSOE is providing architectural and engineering services to the Veterans Administration (VA) Ann Arbor Health Care System for design of a new Clinical and Administrative Building replacing the existing 1949 Building 4. The new 3-story building was designed to blend with the existing campus architecture and meet all federal VA standards. The structure will house the employee health, human resources, business office, prosthetics, and finance departments.

Services provided by SSOE include: civil, structural, architectural, interior design, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, information technology, and fire protection. Programming was completed with VA engineering and end users to determine how the new facility will meet all department requirements. Shared spaces include conference rooms, a large employee break room, and lobby spaces. The new structure provides for natural light penetrating the open floor plan, a visual interior with large expanses of exterior glazing, and a banded brick exterior to accentuate the horizontal lines of the structure. SSOE’s project scope included an asbestos survey, lead assessment, and examination of the existing site prior to demolition.

SSOE provided all site work, utility connections, communication wiring and connections, as well as handled any disruptions to the existing systems for the new structure. Existing utilities and connections on campus were field investigated for re-use and connection with the new building. Other items considered in the building design were personnel approaches, sidewalks, green areas, visual impacts, parking impacts, and landscaping.

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SSOE was enlisted to provide architectural and engineering services to ProMedica Health System to fit-out the 6,000 SF second floor shell space with a new Innovations Incubator Suite at the Wildwood Medical Center campus.

The concept for the Innovation Incubator was to provide a completely flexible space that can be reconfigured by users and entrepreneurs to support innovation as it relates to healthcare. The space was designed around modular magnetic and glass walls, exposed ceiling, and modular mobile furnishings. The interior design for the space incorporated a white linear stone, stained concrete, and a mixture of carpets and brighter colors to inspire creativity. The suite included four business offices, three conference rooms, administrative offices, prototype area, and associated support spaces.

SSOE teamed with subconsultant, JDRM, who provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection design services.

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Native plantings and selection of low-flow plumbing create $5,000 in water savings annually. Use of highly efficient, sustainable systems and materials saves $5,000 in energy savings annually.

Owens Corning, a leader in the glass fiber industry, selected SSOE to design and engineer a new 27,000 SF Business and Technology Center in Gastonia, North Carolina. Connected to the company’s adjacent state-of-the-art non-woven glass fiber fabric plant, the technology center houses operations offices as well as research and development facilities for advances in Owens Corning bio-based products.

A Focus on Sustainability

Achieving LEED certification for this project was a key client objective. Early in the design process, SSOE led an “eco-charrette” that brought together all stakeholders, designers, and contractors to engage in an integrative process to analyze opportunities for sustainable design. Ideas generated in the charrette led to notable environmental and energy savings accomplishments:

  • The facility consumes 25% less energy than similar structures equipped with conventional systems and materials
  • Achieved 36% water use reduction by installing low-flow metered plumbing fixtures and faucets
  • Used energy efficient glazing along three façades of the building to optimize natural daylight and views of the natural environment

Distinctive Design, Welcoming Entry

Extensive site design resulted in an appealing façade with a welcoming entry and a strong daylight component. Careful evaluation of exterior materials led SSOE to design a unique longboard curtain wall that enhances and unifies the appearance of the building and adjacent manufacturing facility.

Landscape Design Creates Win‐Win Scenario

Restoring natural habitat and removing irrigation from the site was an additional design challenge that resulted in a win‐win scenario for stakeholders and environment alike. Because the industrial park had very strict requirements for site irrigation, SSOE – with the client and the local civil team – created a landscape design featuring native plants
and vegetation.

 

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SSOE joined the Matheny Goldmon Architects’ team to provide mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering for the design of the Huntsville Botanical Garden’s new Guest Welcome Center. Already a world-class botanical garden, they sought a way to increase attendance and revenue opportunities in order to continue to provide the Huntsville area with beautiful gardens to visit and utilize for event rental.

The resulting new Guest Welcome Center adds a distinctive sense of grandeur and southern charm to the gardens. The stately four-column southern colonial style facility is now the focal point for the Garden’s guests upon arrival, and houses a modern facility for their executive offices, retail space, and areas for the public to enjoy. The Grand Hall was designed as a wedding venue, with a large adjoining bride / groom suite containing elegant spaces that blend into the gardens. The new facility also boasts fine dining at Table in the Garden, three new event areas of various sizes for seating from 56 -350 guests for weddings or conferences, a gift shop, café, and meeting rooms.

The new 360-degree facility presented a challenge for SSOE’s MEP engineers as they were tasked to find placement for various equipment that would be out of the guests’ sight and hearing. SSOE’s site friendly design included walls used to screen the outdoor components both visually and acoustically. Exhaust and HVAC equipment were placed on the roof without hindering the building’s beautiful architectural lines and details. The MEP design also maintained advantageous site lines from balconies and windows into the gardens without having equipment heard or in view.

Site lighting was also a focus by the SSOE design team, as the overall aesthetic of the lighting needed to reflect the location and style of the Center during both day and night time. In The Grand Hall, primarily LED lighting was used along with a user friendly, “keep it simple” touchscreen lighting control system. A lighting control relay panel was also installed for programming event on / off time of day operations for energy savings and ease of use. For the water feature and backside of the facility, reduced glare lighting methods were used to most favorably render the exterior botanical environment. The grand lobby cupola and the glass-roofed conservatory utilize direct / indirect lighting techniques to help accentuate the architectural volume of the spaces.

The new Guest Welcome Center allows Huntsville patrons to have their special events in a gorgeous facility, surrounded by the beautifully designed and proudly tended botanical gardens that lay beyond its doors.

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SSOE completed a complex programming and schematic design effort for an approximately 1,100,000 SF, seven-story multipurpose building that serves as a model for workplaces of the future.

The building contains a 2.6 MW data center, two floors of class 10,000 high-tech cleanroom manufacturing and chip testing space, with five floors of office, cafe, and fitness center spaces to accommodate approximately 3,800 employees. Linked connections to neighboring buildings were created to provide passage for employees, utilities, and automated material handling systems. A pedestrian sky bridge to the parking garage was designed to accommodate a direct, convenient connection without impacting the existing wetlands. The project, utilizing a high-performance envelope, daylighting strategies, and high-efficiency mechanical systems, met the criteria for LEED Silver certification.

The office levels were organized into neighborhoods consisting of workstation groups, collaboration rooms, and community zones. These were combined with support spaces based on a formula for connectivity and an interactive office environment. Small and large community zones are located throughout the floor at strategic points where employees can work, meet informally, or relax as a community.

The objective was to create a design aesthetic to complement the existing campus architecture. Throughout the design process, this goal was elevated to create a distinctive architectural look that reflects the values of our client and today’s workers.

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SSOE has a long and successful project history with BMW, including initial architectural / engineering services for previous expansions at BMW’s Spartanburg assembly plant. Because we also have extensive experience designing training and technical centers for automotive clients, BMW selected SSOE to provide design services for their new Southern Regional Technical Training Center. Our expertise in this area has proven invaluable throughout the design and construction phases of this project.

The new technical training center includes five training units, each consisting of a practical workshop and a theory classroom. SSOE worked closely with BMW to design the new facility to their unique specifications, which includes automotive equipment, furniture, ICS equipment, data network, and IT cabling routing and requirements. Additionally, design for all necessary special structural supports required for mounting of automotive equipment was included.

SSOE’s electrical engineers completed the lighting, power, emergency generation systems, fire alarm, security systems, network racks, patch panels, and cable for telephone / data networks. Parking layout, civil engineering, and landscape design also included the design of carports to utilize BMW-provided solar panels. SSOE’s structural engineers completed the design of the foundations (including soils and sub-slab specifications) and our Data / Fire / Security design team performed audio visual system design for the classrooms and public address systems.

SSOE also provided architectural, interior design, mechanical, and cost estimating services. Our partner, Alliance Consulting Engineers, provided civil engineering and landscape architecture services.

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