This international law firm consolidated their Austin offices to a high-rise office tower in the central business district. The design solution is based on a system of building blocks/shifting layers. Wall planes slide/step to create entry into offices and provide backdrops for art, and the varying scales/patterns of finishes work together to delineate areas by function: offices, circulation and public space.

The design of the space fully reflects on the stability and aptitude of the firm, giving visitors an instantaneous accurate impression of the company. Attention to the everyday function of work areas – from surfaces designed for minimal clutter to natural light at work stations – continues to improve the efficiency of the occupants.

With the firm’s main office located in Washington, D.C., the Austin branch had a strong desire to cement its ties to the city through the design. A contemporary regional design vocabulary is utilized, with local materials used wherever possible and decorative lighting by local artists in the lobbies. The inclusion of natural light into all spaces was a high priority of the law firm. The neutral color palette of the finishes diffuses natural light brought into interior spaces through large sidelights at perimeter offices. Panoramic views of the state capitol are given to public spaces and highly trafficked areas.