By Cale Miller & Cameron Love

Leadership at innovative design firm HGA realized that their existing office space was not providing the collaborative, inclusive and creative environment that team members required to produce their best work.

HGA needed a large floor plan to accommodate their 60 existing team members and furnish additional space to accommodate growth. While no easy feat, the Hughes Marino team discovered the perfect locale in the heart of downtown.

Initially, HGA set their sights on the third floor however, due to zoning issues and timelines, the firm took residence on the fifth floor of the nine-story building.

This action proved favorable, as HGA discovered architectural and structural elements in the 15,000 square foot space that inspired the look and feel their team members desired. The office features unique cross-bracings, one of the most prominent features of their space, which added a distinctive infrastructure aesthetic.

With the new space came new opportunities and challenges, most importantly—how would they incorporate the firm’s best-in-class design approach for clients into a design for their own workspace?

The team started their project as they do with each client—by creating a fluid, dynamic and innovative workspace based on five drivers: Attract and Motivate; Collaborative and Innovative; Real Estate Optimization; Brand and Human Well-Being.

A successful space serves as a platform for retaining and attracting new talent. Their prior location was not conducive for sourcing the right team members, and team members found it difficult to engage and maintain a productive motivation and foster creativity.

In their new surroundings, there is an immediate feel of collaboration and innovation, showcased by a full-length working wall lined with whiteboards, tackable panels and rolling glass.

Team members can engage, interact and discuss client designs, and the movable glass walls offer space flexibility for larger team meetings and client presentations.

The space also provides ample open areas for collaboration, featuring stationary and mobile workstations, as well as creativity areas and conference rooms.

When considering Real Estate Optimization, HGA incorporated work and fun into the floor plan. The entire studio connects team members and creates a purposeful and energetic flow.

Design at HGA also integrates technology, where team members can craft designs utilizing virtual reality devices.

A premier space is defined by many architectural and design synergies, however, one of the most important characteristics is the kitchen and lounge space where team members can unplug for some quiet time, or come together to share a meal and enjoy conversation.

The HGA Brand is on full display at Sutter Street. The space exudes the firm’s culture of collaboration, flexibility and promotion of well-being. From food options to light and air quality considerations, HGA encourages team members to embrace health and wellness. The firm is even pursuing WELL Certification.

HGA certainly got this design right and did so by following their own mantra: We listen first. Leadership encouraged team members to provide input on the design. That meant not just the interior designers, but the architects, marketing and IT professionals.

The new HGA space delivers a quality and spirited design, which demonstrates the firm’s reputation as an industry leader. Congratulations HGA, on your modern and creative space!