This article originally appeared in Building, Design + Construction magazine.
When we set out to plan our new downtown Rochester headquarters in Sibley Square, we knew it was about more than moving into a larger space. It was an opportunity to reimagine what a workplace could be—a living, breathing studio that’s people-centered, healthy, collaborative, and future-ready. We wanted to create an inclusive environment that embraces diverse ways of working, sparks creativity, and becomes a place where everyone genuinely wants to be.
Designing for a studio full of our own designers meant expectations were high. Here’s how we rose to the challenge.
Listening to Our Team to Shape a People-Centered Workplace
From the start, we treated every team member as a collaborator. Through surveys and discovery sessions, we learned what our previous space lacked, what people needed, and how they worked best. We combined this feedback with industry benchmarks to guide a shift toward flexible “We” spaces rather than rows of cubicles.
Using online whiteboards, employees could see, comment on, sketch alternatives, and reshape plans in real time. This open and visual process kept everyone engaged and tapped into the creative energy that defines us.
Input went beyond layouts—our team helped select finishes, furnishings, and details that make the space feel like home, from the regionally inspired Finger Lakes moss wall to collaboration rooms named after the lakes themselves.
The result is a living, breathing studio designed by designers, for designers—a true reflection of our culture, values, and mission.
Collaboration Over Cubicles: Rethinking Our Workplace Model
One of the most significant outcomes of this inclusive approach was rethinking how space is allocated. Our old headquarters was traditional, with most square footage devoted to individual desks and offices. In the new space, we flipped that model, prioritizing flexible, shared spaces.
While everyone still has a “home base,” much of the floorplate is dedicated to collaboration zones, informal lounges, focus rooms, and specialty areas like the Quiet Lab and the game room. Our central café has become a natural gathering place, encouraging spontaneous conversations and connections.
This shift supports our collaborative culture and reflects a national trend in workplace design: spaces that encourage movement, interaction, and idea sharing. And because teams and workstyles evolve, the office is adaptable enough to evolve with them.
Rooted in Rochester: Sibley Square and the Finger Lakes
A consistent theme in our staff feedback was the desire to feel more connected to place. That insight guided us to Sibley Square, a historic building at the heart of downtown Rochester. Once a bustling department store, today it stands as a symbol of reuse and revitalization.
By repurposing vacant space rather than building new, we extended the life of existing materials and preserved embodied energy—an intentional choice that reflects our commitment to adaptive reuse and sustainability.
Inside, we rooted the design in our region. Collaboration rooms take their names from the Finger Lakes, helping with wayfinding while celebrating our natural surroundings. Visitors are welcomed by a living moss wall inspired by local geography. Rooms named for Rochester neighborhoods and our founders honor both our history and our community. Local photography reinforces a regional narrative, grounding the bright, clean aesthetic and creating a truly inspirational environment.
Designing for Sustainability and Wellness
It was essential that our new office embody our commitment to sustainability. Every aspect of the design contributed to earning LEED Silver Interior Design and Construction certification—from energy-efficient systems and healthy materials to diverting construction waste from landfills. Reused furniture and efficient HVAC systems reduced our footprint further.
We also worked with the building owner to add secure bike storage and showers, making biking to work easier for our staff and for other building tenants.
Wellness was equally important. Healthy materials, biophilic design elements, and air quality systems were prioritized. Daylight reaches deep into the floor plan, with careful placement to reduce glare and overheating. Acoustic controls, a calming palette, and natural elements create a soothing backdrop for busy days. Living plants, outdoor views, and toxin-free materials promote daily comfort and wellbeing.
Technology-Enabled Flexibility
Technology has transformed how we work, and we designed our new headquarters with that in mind. The Computer Lab allows our team to explore advanced design software, 3D printing, and digital modeling. Conference rooms and breakout spaces are equipped with integrated remote meeting technology, making it easy to collaborate with clients and consultants wherever they are.
These tools improve our workflow, connect us across locations, and allow us to create innovative design solutions more effectively.
A Living Showcase of Our Design Expertise
For us, this new headquarters is more than just an office—it’s a showcase of our design expertise and a daily reminder of the standards we bring to every project.
Every detail reflects our belief that design should enhance the way people live and work. The studio is flexible, healthy, collaborative, and sustainable. It’s a place where ideas flow, connections grow stronger, and our mission to positively impact lives is nurtured.
Designing for ourselves meant holding the project to the highest bar. The result is a studio we’re proud to call home and one that embodies the creativity and values we bring to every client relationship.