Project: Cushing Terrell Denver Office
Architect of Record: Kestrel
Architectural Design, Interior Design, Lighting: Cushing Terrell
Cushing Terrell design team: Laura Dougherty, Charlie Deese, Kyle Johnson (Architectural), Jill Lee (Interior Designer), Alexa Tymecki, Graphic Designer
Furniture Dealer: Slate, an elements studio
Mural fabrication and install: 3D Identity, an elements studio
Location: Denver, Colorado
Photo Credits: James Ray Spahn
The 6,900-square-foot Cushing Terrell Denver office, located in the Upper Downtown Atrium Campus building, features mountain views and colorful, Denver-inspired design touches. The newly remodeled space balances professionalism and whimsy, celebrating the work environment the Denver-based multidisciplinary design team is known for.
A Hybrid Work Environment
The office focuses on creating a productive, comfortable, and accommodating hybrid work environment. Central to the metro area, it offers ease of access. Solutions for the space arose from timely questions common across knowledge-based industries. For example, how do we effectively accommodate hybrid work? Are we using the space optimally? Why do we gather in person? Does our office support those gatherings? Cushing Terrell Denver’s unique answers guided the remodel.
Emphasizing Design and Function
A signature mural at the entry sets the tone. It incorporates Cushing Terrell brand colors and iconography while paying homage to Denver landmarks and including personal “Easter eggs” for the staff. Once inside, the space organizes design features within a clean, simple base material palette. This approach complements the building’s raw materials and construction. Daylight and views receive emphasis, enhanced by pops of color and soft materials. Moreover, functional elements such as lighting, acoustic baffles, wall tiles, and plants are expertly integrated.
Promoting Collaboration and Transparency
The design emphasizes transparency and visibility, reflecting the team’s collaborative and non-hierarchical nature. There are no private offices. “Water cooler” conversations are encouraged by various distinct gathering spaces. The two primary social hubs are at either corner of the space, where the best light and views are reserved for all. One end features a break area for lively activities and communal dining. Conversely, the opposite corner offers a soft-seated library for quiet, technology-free gatherings and serves as a reference material hub.
Balancing Social and Work Spaces
Pairing social gathering spaces with open workstations fosters a creative culture. At the core of the open workspace is a collaboration zone. This zone includes a table for drawing layout, a screen for sharing, a whiteboard, and storage for material samples, putting the design process on display. To balance the open-concept space, individual call rooms double as hoteling stations. These rooms are inspired by the peace and quiet of a typical work-from-home setup. Furthermore, the office includes a wellness room for new mothers or those needing solitude.
Meeting Varied Needs
The design addresses needs not met in a home office. Therefore, conference rooms and collaboration spaces cater to typical team utilization and group meetings. These spaces ensure effective in-person collaboration and team gatherings.
