Schott Design
  • Home
  • Sustainability
  • Services
  • Portfolio
  • Resources
  • Our Team
  • schottXchange
  • Contact Us
  • Menu Menu

Next-Gen Lobbies

Originally Posted by Interiors & Sources

To attract a new generation of knowledge workers and their tech company employers, commercial owners are investing in new lobby designs to reposition and rebrand. How can the buildings of yesterday become buildings for tomorrow?

By Haril Pandya, AIA, LEED AP  |  Photography by Anton Grassl + Andy Ryan

Downtown office buildings, once the domain of buttoned-down financiers, executives and attorneys, face a seismic demographic shift as tenants radically change. By 2020, generation Y employees born between 1979 and 1994 will be roughly 50 percent of the U.S. workforce. By 2030, their presence will grow to 75 percent of the global workforce.

Findings from a Knoll research initiative, “Generational Preferences: a Glimpse into the Future Office,” reveal two key characteristics of these next-gen knowledge workers:

  • Generation Y views work as an “experience” and seeks an engaging work environment supporting a wide choice of work styles, regardless of location.
  • This generation seeks connection to others, especially their peers. They value group work and learning, and have a deep desire for teamwork and collaboration.

They are also increasingly interested in working in the city, lured by the promise of diverse career experiences and the opportunity to connect with others. Consequently, a new wave of enterprising companies is moving into urban office buildings, in large part to recruit and retain these next-gen employees. Traditional tenant companies already downtown are competing to hire the same demographic: young, highly educated and digitally savvy.

In a race to attract the right tenants, building owners are investing precious capital into existing building stock, updating lobbies, plazas and tenant amenities. These repositioning and rebranding initiatives should be done strategically, securing the best “bang for the buck” with an understanding of what can and should be done. First-phase improvements should be based on evaluating market conditions and defining the results for future revenue, occupancy and tenant satisfaction.

ADDING VALUE
The central objective of any repositioning, large or small, is to add value for the tenants, and in doing so, add to the asset value and appeal of the building. We at CBT Architects begin repositioning projects by asking a series of questions to help our client identify clear goals and gain consensus on competing aspirations. Proper scenario planning, done with key decision makers at the table, provides the owner with a range of budget projections and options, allowing them to weigh the project’s scale versus the expected return on dollars spent.

A recent example of this process can be found in 53 State Street, a LEED Gold, Class A office building in the heart of Boston’s financial district where the owner had a strong anchor tenant desiring a building upgrade. The building includes a blend of old and new Boston. It integrates a modern, 40-story glass tower built in the mid-‘80s and the adjacent granite and marble Boston Stock Exchange built in 1896.

Facing upcoming lease renewals for major tenants and a need to attract new companies coming into the city, owners UBS Realty Investors began to explore options for repositioning.

Working with UBS and its real estate advisory group, the design team reviewed multiple scenarios. The selected design option involved a rebranding of 11,000 square feet of underused street-level space. Surveying tenants, an overwhelming consensus emerged to convert these passive spaces into a more active destination.

“Our tenants were definitely looking for a comfortable touchdown area for their guests, more spaces to meet and a more social environment in the lobby,” says James Zilora, director of asset management for UBS Realty Investment, advisors to the building’s ownership. “The composition of our tenant companies was changing dramatically, with more tech-oriented and socially-conscious firms and a younger demographic.”

The opportunity within 53 State was to create something new: an inviting workspace and meeting hub at the lobby level, with spaces designed to serve as an extension of the offices upstairs. “With so many companies going to an open office layout with higher densities, having access to functional and comfortable common space in the building is becoming more important,” Zilora notes.

The design team was able to transform the underused lobby into a new “great room” for tenants and visitors—a central hub for social interaction, dining and people watching. The design translation feels more like the lobby of a cool boutique hotel than an office building. The lobby now features meeting spaces, curved walls, Wi-Fi connections, a media bar and a café.

The tenant response to the new spaces and lobby amenities has made the project an unqualified success, according to Zilora. “The seating in the lobby is in use all day long, and there’s always an informal meeting taking place,” he says. “The design solution perfectly brought together the old and the new, preserving the high-quality finishes that were in place and adding exactly the right elements to warm up the space and soften it so it appeals to today’s tenants.”PageBreak

INTEGRATING NATURE
Integrating indoor and outdoor space is another repositioning strategy applied in both urban and suburban locations. At One Rogers Street, a Class A office building in tech-centric Cambridge, Mass., an ambitious rebranding program transformed a former corporate headquarters into a multi-tenant technology center.

“The building had a serious identity crisis in the broker community and with potential tenants,” recalls Kevin Stubbs, director of architecture and engineering for Principal Real Estate Investors, the building’s owners. “We had a property known only as a former headquarters. It was seen as two separate buildings and had two addresses. The lobby and courtyard were underutilized and dated, to say the least.”

Principal and CBT undertook a comprehensive strategic plan to evaluate the market opportunities and review options for a repositioning program that would help attract the target demographic: life science, R&D, technology and consulting firms. From this planning, a big idea emerged: By treating the large courtyard space as an integral extension of the lobby, the brand identity could be dramatically changed by creating a destination filled with life, color and light.

Today, the interiors at One Rogers are flooded with daylight. A reflective back-painted glass wall and a nature-inspired, LED-lit wood feature combine to increase the lobby’s depth and height while mirroring the external elevations of the building. A popular café and fitness center extend to the east connecting all key public spaces. Exterior courtyard seating expands the lobby experience outdoors.

“CBT tailored the program to meet the demographic future by providing an edgier look and feel with simple, clean lines and a green-oriented image. It’s a home run for us,” Stubbs says. The repositioning has elevated the building among its competition, generated positive broker feedback, improved energy efficiency and increased the occupancy of technology-based companies.

Equity Office, with a portfolio that includes 70 million square feet of Class A office space in the United States, recently invested in a repositioning of 60 State Street, one of Boston’s most prominent office towers. Built in the 1970s, the lobby suffered from its small size and lack of natural light.

“We invited input from tenants on what they wanted to see, and learned how important the lobby image is when they decide to lease or renew,” says John Conley, senior vice president of asset management for Equity. “Our goal was to attract more tech companies who can appreciate the building, plus keep the tried-and-true companies that have always been downtown. Today we have a broad range of tenants looking at the building, including everyone from digital advertising firms to traditional financial service companies.”

As collaboration and social experience become more important to tenants, office buildings can finally unbutton those starched collars and become beloved destinations for all generations. By taking a strategic approach to implementing high-impact renovations, designers can provide solutions that alter perceptions, advance brand identity, and improve a building’s revenue and market value.

 

Haril Pandya, AIA, LEED AP is a principal at CBT Architects in Boston with two decades of experience planning and designing corporate, hospitality, mixed-use and retail projects. He specializes in the strategic rebranding, repurposing and repositioning of urban and suburban commercial buildings.

Share this entry
  • Share on WhatsApp
https://schottdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/nextgenlobby.png 296 777 Derek Swanson https://schottdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/schott-design-logo.png Derek Swanson2014-10-21 03:44:342016-10-03 00:45:32Next-Gen Lobbies
0 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Recent Posts

  • United Consulting
  • Space Syntax Configures Workplace for Collaborative Interaction
  • Next-Gen Lobbies
  • What Comes After Y?
  • Why you should redesign your office for introverts
schott claims

As your partner, Schott Design is focused on your success. We ensure your goals are met and expectations exceeded. We place your project parameters at the forefront and help prevent any hurdles along the way. As your advocate, we guarantee you peace of mind. We believe it is our responsibility to deliver safe, sustainable and healthy environments that optimize your workspace every time.

Instagram

schottXchange Instagram

🦺 IN PROGRESS 🦺 We’ve been having some fu 🦺 IN PROGRESS 🦺

We’ve been having some fun #Designing a new life & purpose to the former Sparkles Cleaners building in #Broadripple! #Exterior updates have begun and next up is the #Interior! Swipe to check out the progress so far! ➡️ 

#CommercialDesign
#ExteriorDesign
#BuildingReuse
#TheVision
#InProgress
#ComingSoon
Raise your hand if you love a statement piece in a Raise your hand if you love a statement piece in a space 🖐🏼

We certainly do! @lookwalls has made all our #Wallcovering  dreams come true!  Whether we select a standard pattern, create our own or customize an existing pattern, the end result is always #Fabulous! ✨

Let us know which wallcovering is your fave in the comments! 

1️⃣ Floral for Northwestern Mutual 
2️⃣ Clouds for Schott Design 
3️⃣ Scientific Elements for Telix 
4️⃣ Ink Blot Tests for Axon Health
Kicking off the #NewYear with a project wrap up! Kicking off the #NewYear with a project wrap up! 

Check out what our client had to say about working with #SchottDesign ⬇️

“Everyone at Schott Design was amazing! The project of designing the new office was professional & collaborative, and above all they listened to suggestions. The final results were everything we hoped for and delivered the ‘wow’ factor to all of our employees.” 
Cindy Zimmerman, CAP, OM Executive Assistant, Belden 

#CommercialDesign
#OfficeSpace 
#InteriorDesign
#ClientTestimonial 
#BeldenInc
As we return to work this week, we are looking for As we return to work this week, we are looking forward to what 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣3️⃣ has in store; for #Design, #Life & #Sustainability ✨

#HappyNewYear
#2023
#Celebrate 
#Resolution
We loved having @juleskort with us to shadow & see We loved having @juleskort with us to shadow & see a day in the life of a designer! While she was here, she put together this cute finish scheme! We just had to share! 💕✨
We wish you a #MerryChristmas & look forward to th We wish you a #MerryChristmas & look forward to the #NewYear! 🎶🎄

May your #HolidaySeason be spent with those you #Love! 

♥️ Schott Design
Secret Santa is a tradition at #SchottDesign! Last Secret Santa is a tradition at #SchottDesign! Last week we wrapped up our week of gift giving with a brunch & revealing who everyones #SecretSanta was with one final gift! 🎅🏼🎁

What holiday traditions does your company have? We’d love to hear!
#SnapSchott | Telix Pharmaceuticals Project Part #SnapSchott | Telix Pharmaceuticals 

Project Partners: 
@lookwalls 
@shawcontract 
@daltile 
@cambriasurfaces 
@esl_spectrum 

📸: @caosulli 

#CommercialDesign
#Sustainable 
#InteriorDesign
#RaisingTheBar
When the light fixture sets the vibe 👌🏼 Dro When the light fixture sets the vibe 👌🏼

Drop a comment if you dig the vibe of our clients moody, loft space! 

📍 Zoe Facility Solutions 

#InteriorDesign
#CommercialInteriors 
#SchottDesign
#RaisingTheBar
#LightingDesign
Follow on Instagram
🤚 Raise your hand if you love a statement piece 🤚 Raise your hand if you love a statement piece and Fridays!! 👋

We certainly do. @Lookwalls has made all our #wallcovering dreams come true! Whether we select a standard pattern or create our own customizations, the end result is always 🙌 

One great thing about choosing a PVC free options is that they do not off-gas when installed. Something we like to think about! 💡

Let us know which wall covering is your favorite in the comments! 💖 

1. #Clouds for Schott Design
2. #Floral for Northwestern Mutual 
3. #Scientific Element for Telix
4. #Ink Blot Tests for Axon Health

#PVCfree #design #statement #vision #creative
👷‍♀️ WORK IN PROGRESS 👷‍♀️

We’ve been #designing a new life & purpose to the old Sparkles Cleaners building in Broadripple! Exterior updates have begun and next up is the interior! ✅

Check out the progress so far! ▶️

#development #design #vision #progress #community #activation #stringlights
@BRVA
Check out what our team has been up to designing r Check out what our team has been up to designing recently! We created visual presence with a mural while avoiding the creation of additional vinyl waste. 

🌈 Check out more photos from this project here 🌈 https://conta.cc/3VIKnNa

#interiordesign #mural #wall #interiorinspiration #lobby #commericalinterior #commercialdesign #commerciallobby #wastediversion #sustainability #impact
🌟 Wishing you all a very exciting start to your 🌟 Wishing you all a very exciting start to your new year! We are looking forward to what 2023 has is store; for design, life, and sustainability! 💚

#newyear #2023 #resolution #nye #celebrate
🌟 The countdown to the New Year begins! 🌟 🌟 The countdown to the New Year begins! 🌟 

Let us know how you are celebrating this year!

#newyear #countdown #2022 #2023
☃️ Last week our team wrapped up a full week o ☃️ Last week our team wrapped up a full week of giving and celebration. 🌲

🎅 Secret Santa 🤶 is a tradition at @Schott Design. Each year we celebrate our team with brunch and personalized gifts after a week of guessing who each person has!

#teambuilding #holidayspirit #december #secretsanta
☃️ It's the most wonderful time of the year! ❄️ Reflecting on a great year with our industry partners, we want to say, "Thank you". 

@shawcontract and @jasonehayes have been advocates and partners with our carpet recycling program from the very beginning. 💚

@schott_design is grateful our team was able to gather with our local and regional reps for dinner yesterday evening. 🍽

#holidayseason #grateful #thankyou #recycling #partnership
A few things we saw in San Francisco during #Green A few things we saw in San Francisco during #Greenbuild that were different from Indianapolis:
 ♻️ #recycling cans next to every trash can
 🔆 #compost bins next to every trash can (even inside the convention center)
 🚴‍♀️ protected bike lanes on most of the streets (Indy is working on this - hooray!)
 🏨 the use of small narrow spaces in between buildings for restaurants and walkways (@flytrap for a great dining experience)

#compost #recycling #SanFrancisco #Indianapolis #biking #traveling
While in San Francisco ✈️ we stopped in to see While in San Francisco ✈️ we stopped in to see @ShawContract's new showroom. Quite the expansive library 📚 of all their collections, check out @pamelafrancis! 

We are very grateful for @TimConway and the entire Shaw team for partnering with us on our carpet recycling program. Their continued support has contributed to recycling the most carpet in Indiana. ♻️ 

Learn how to you can recycle carpet on your next project! https://conta.cc/3A1IPpP 

By recycling carpet on your next project with @SchottDesign, you could be reducing your carbon emission load by 16%. 🤯

💚 @ShawContract @TimConway @PamelaFrancis

#circular #sustainable #design #charcuterie
Follow on Instagram

schott design logo

Let’s Talk

Schott Design, Inc.
8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 100
Indianapolis, Indiana 46240

p: 317.387.1700
info@schottdesign.com

Women’s Business Enterprise
Founded in 1997

©2022 Schott Design, Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • Privacy
Space Syntax Configures Workplace for Collaborative InteractionWhat Comes After Y?
Scroll to top

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

×

Cookie and Privacy Settings



How we use cookies

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

Essential Website Cookies

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

Other external services

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

Accept settingsHide notification only