Perkins&Will recently completed the new headquarters for multifamily real estate operating company Westdale Real Estate Investment & Management. Located in the historic Deep Ellum neighborhood - where the global firm currently has a number of ongoing or recently-completed projects, including the new Kimpton Pittman Hotel - Westdale's HQ is situated within a LEED-Gold-certified, Class A office building, also designed by the firm.
Accustomed to an enclosed office model, Westdale asked Perkins&Will's design team to create an office that encouraged collaboration and transparency, but remained 90 percent enclosed. At just under 35,000 square feet, the new office currently accommodates 80-plus employees and is spread across two levels on the 16th and 15th floors. These upper two levels serve as an observation point to connect and view the company's presence within the communities they serve.
The lobby space is defined by an expansive marble reception desk and accent wall, and polished concrete floors disperse daylight coming in through the large windows. A combination of open structure and drywall ceilings incorporate cove and wall accent lighting design strategies. A telescoping glass sliding door dividing the conference room and lobby when open can accommodate a variety of after-hours functions or events.
A monumental stair serves to connect the departments on each level and spill out to a communal casual retreat situated on the north-facing corner of the building. This breakout space takes advantage of sweeping landscape views looking upon the neighborhood. The office has multiple additional community and hub areas throughout that encourage collaboration and agile work life. Additional features include a large mailroom with a high-density filing system that helps Westdale keep track of invoices and billings with more efficiency, as well as an open-plan Human Resources area that is sectioned off into its own suite.
Photography: Courtesy of Perkins&Will