The Corporate Headquarters Design Process.
New retail headquarters, conceptual floor plan
New headquarters, Render
New retail headquarters
We have recently designed two corporate headquarters located in Arlington, Texas. The first one was for a company which provides services for the retail convenience store markets. The second was for a very large plumbing contracting company which serves the north Texas region. Both projects had similarities and some differences. This article will summarize some of these elements and look at the process we took to arrive at a final design solution for the corporate headquarters projects.
Headquarters, Conceptual floor plan
Headquarters, Hand sketch of conceptual elevation
Headquarters, conceptual elevation with the use of Image Generation software ‘Midjourney’ based on the sketch.
Headquarters, Render on finalized design.
Both projects had similarities and some differences in client expectations, needs, and programs. The budget for both were about the same. So, lets look at these in brief.
Similarities
- The clients wanted the buildings to be visually stunning from an architectural perspective.
- The clients wanted the visitor experience to have an impressive entry and reception area.
- Each program called for sumptuous offices for the owners and partners of the corporations.
- Each program called for offices for the junior partners and managers of the corporations.
- Each program called for a nice environment for the accountants and technology staff.
Goals in Common
- The building was to provide awareness to the public of the company’s name and branding.
- The building was to provide an efficient environment and functional plan for workflow
- The building was to provide ample space for employee and visitor collaborations.
- The building was to provide ample amenities for employee breaks, dining and wellness.
- The building envelope and MEP systems were to be highly energy efficient.
- The building and site were to provide a secure environment for company personnel.
- The building and site were to provide a secure location for company technology and assets.
Differences
- One project required the entire building to be impressive to visitors and prospective clients.
- The other project emphasized just the entry and executive areas to be impressive to visitors.
- One building had a full print shop and warehouse in one end.
- The other building had just a small warehouse in one end.
- One project has mainly large offices even for the marketing and technology staff.
- The other project has minimal offices for accounting and service personnel.
- One project had no furniture cubical stations for personnel.
- The other project had a small amount for support personnel.
The design process of a corporate office can be achieved by following a series of important tasks.
Let’s take a look at each one with a brief explanation.
It is imperative to meet with the executives and partners numerous times with a goal of understanding completely the vision and expectations that they have for the building. The executives must prepare a written program of staffing requirements and critical functions. The architect must listen fully to the information that is transmitted as regards to the function and appearance the company desires for the project.
For both projects, we went through no less than 10 floor plans and elevation studies before a final design was reached. On one headquarters building we actually utilized AI ( artificial intelligence) to create 4-5 concept elevations for the design team to evaluate before deciding on an elevation design. Much discussion and debate were had between the design team members to arrive at a final impressive look for each project.
A complete study of the latest city planning guidelines is critical to comply with the city ordinances for size, shape, materials, glass percentage, parking, landscape and exterior lighting. The plans must conform to these guidelines to get a building permit.
A consultation meeting with the building official and the fire marshal is essential. The building plans must be in compliance with all the current building codes and fire codes in order to receive a building permit
An interior designer is needed for the selection of interior materials and colors. Some companies have personnel that like to do this sort of task. Both processes need to be coordinated with the building plans to indicate all these selections properly to a contractor.
Technology consultants need to be engaged to ensure that data lines, computers stations, Wi-Fi transmitters and server rooms are properly designed. This includes electrical requirements, wiring size and cable routes. The server rooms usually require a dedicated AC unit.
The requirements for security measures also needed to be researched and information from the executives received. The level and type of restricted access to the building is critical. Will the public be allowed to enter or is access only granted to invited visitors? Will the employee’s entry and exit be tracked? Will the access codes change weekly or monthly? Will there be security cameras installed and in which locations? All the answers to these questions will need to be addressed in a permit plan set.
Both companies hired a general contractor prior to our firm being engaged to do the design and construction plans. This was immensely helpful to both our firm and the company’s goals. The cost of the design and construction was analyzed at several key points in the design process. This provided us with valuable directions as to final design, materials and equipment for the building. This also provided vital budget and cost information for the company executives.
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