During the months-long quarantine during the spring and summer of 2020, GSR Andrade took the opportunity to renovate the north wing of the vacant office.
The entrance of the renovated office is fully lit by three large windows bordered with original brick. Visitors have a view of Commerce Street and the adjacent courtyard. We converted the front conference room to a flexible lobby space with mobile tables and chairs. This area is used for company events, training sessions, lunch-and-learns, a client waiting area, and casual meetings.
We accommodated a new reception desk in front of a new semi-closed office for accounting. Dark veneer paneling contrasts against the all-glass sliding doors and walls enclosing the new offices, which wrap around the corner. The human resources department, principal and partner’s offices were also renovated similarly.
The new, sleek kitchen has all stainless-steel Kitchen Aid appliances, increased storage, and a break room area with white tables and bar stools. This promotes social interaction and community within the office.
All fixtures including door and cabinet handles, faucets, and other finishes are matte black to create a more modern atmosphere. Ring and linear lighting were added throughout the office to brighten areas that were previously dim.
Natural light and greenery are emphasized throughout the re-design of the office. Sky lights were installed to filter more sunlight into windowless areas of the office. New grey sunshades replaced the outdated blinds to create unbroken columns of light and increase adjustability. Plants and views of nature also heavily influenced the renovation, which can be seen by the addition of a large planter with luscious green plants in the center of west end. This creates a calming focal point among the desks and offices.
The office loft space was renovated as an area for company growth, flex space for future workstations, and office events. An architectural display case was also added near the front entrance area, and it currently contains a wooden model of Able Pump Station No. 3.
Overview of 2020 GSR Andrade Office Renovation
