FOX Populi

by Nicole Antil, IIDA, LEED AP, NCIDQ
Project Designer

When you think of workplace design what words come to mind? Collaboration, interaction and branding are words that are often used and sometimes overused in describing the future of the workplace. However, FOX Architects recently completed two regional offices for CBRE and the design team put those words to great use!

Collaboration and Interaction

CBRE, a global leader in real estate services, selected FOX to design both their Bethesda, MD and McLean, VA offices. FOX was challenged to meet the global standards of the corporate guidelines, and maintain the connection to the local community that supports the needs of both their clients and employees. The FOX design team became the bridge between CBRE’s international worldview and their local client driven-mission. As the Senior Project Designer, this was such a great project to work on because CBRE truly put their trust and confidence into our design and recommendation. Our design team worked with CBRE to determine the natural flow and interaction among the business units and their clients. Our findings inspired a design that provides increased employee interaction opportunities, with casual spaces such as the “Starbucks” pantry area and the larger pantry area for both internal and client gatherings featuring a large mounted television screen.

Branding

Entering CBRE’s Virginia office, it is apparent that the firm is a global entity.  The glass wall of the main conference room, located in the reception area, incorporates the CBRE globe and its core values (Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence) in various languages. In order to retain their hometown awareness, the smaller conference rooms throughout the 30,000 sf space are identified by using local references such as Loudoun and Fairfax County with area specific landmarks applied in film on the glass front of each room.

Successful Design

CBRE’s Senior Managing Director, Brad Flickinger sums up the success of the project by saying, “We have a beautiful and welcoming environment that reflects our commitment to excellence, client service and collaboration.”  So we are right back where we started, collaboration, interaction and branding the keys to success for CBRE and FOX.

You can find additional images of CBRE on our portfolio page. Let us know what you think on Facebook and Twitter!