Story

Coakley & Williams Construction’s (CWC) headquarters is a fresh, sophisticated, and vibrant workspace designed to foster collaboration and energy. The design balances modern materials with organic elements—warm wood acoustic baffles and sleek, demountable glass partitions enhance openness and transparency. A signature feature, the Skywalk, follows the 9’ floor-to-ceiling glass windows, its curvilinear ceiling lighting mirroring the natural flow of movement. This pathway immerses occupants in daylight on one side and nature-inspired wall coverings on the other, reinforcing a connection to the outdoors. Anchoring the bright southeast corner, the “Ground Up Café” serves as the heart of the office. A dynamic mix of polished concrete, carpet, and wood-look luxury vinyl tile defines distinct zones within the office, while nature-inspired wall coverings and moss-green accent tiles reinforce a biophilic theme. The reception area features Calacatta Gold porcelain surfaces, creating a refined first impression. Thoughtfully integrated lighting plays a pivotal role—curvilinear recessed fixtures follow architectural forms, wood-look LED lights add warmth, and custom pendants establish focal points. High-transparency Nello glass partitions preserve openness while providing necessary privacy, ensuring a bright, inviting, and highly functional workspace. Meeting CWC’s January 1, 2025, deadline required a fast-track, seamless design-build approach. The team navigated budget alignment, permit approvals, and an aggressive 11-month construction schedule through early collaboration and continuous cost evaluation. By engaging in real-time decision-making from day one, the design and construction teams ensured that every element—from spatial planning to material selection—aligned with the project vision while staying on budget. The design-build approach was instrumental in the project's success, fostering fluid coordination between the design team and contractors. Real-time cost evaluations ensured the project remained within budget without sacrificing quality. Strategic material selections—including wood-look finishes, high-transparency glass, and organic textures—reinforced CWC’s brand and values while meeting functional and financial objectives. Key design recommendations, such as positioning the “Ground Up Café” and “Skywalk” along the sunlit southeast corner, integrating a statement reception desk, and incorporating curvilinear forms to enhance movement and softness, were embraced by CWC, resulting in a workplace that is both dynamic and inspiring. The new CWC headquarters exemplifies the power of collaboration. Thoughtfully crafted to support CWC’s culture and mission, the space features strategic planning, high-end finishes, innovative lighting, and sustainable materials—delivering a dynamic, inspiring workplace that reflects the company’s values.