BBGM was retained to create the new headquarters for the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD). SRCD planned to relocate its HQ from Ann Arbor, Michigan to Washington, DC in order to recognize efficiencies and achieve closer proximity to the National Institute of Health (NIH).
Through the meticulous process of discovery meetings with the executive team and design charrette sessions, the design team came to the conclusion that SRCD’s Workplace Strategy needed to address a wide variety of meeting types and work styles. Inherent in the nature of SRCD’s operations, meetings range from small, casual gatherings to larger scale board meetings which occur throughout the course of the year, in addition to flexible day-to-day workspace requirements.
The traditional reception area was eliminated to create a “living room” space situated adjacent to a large communal kitchen, complete with high-top table. This family-style living room environment became the focus of the space, taking on its own personality as the “village center”. The private offices are also designed to support the public areas, reinforcing the overall living room concept. The space is designed to allow board gatherings and open meetings, as well as small or private get-togethers in a relaxed, hospitality-inspired atmosphere.
Comforting and transparent, the living room and “village center” concept is balanced by modern furnishings to complete the design. Decorative panels and draperies complement the writable walls strategically placed throughout the interiors. Natural light permeates the space, from the private offices to the central lounge and pantry, complementing, reflecting and expanding off of the healthy use of glass in the new SRCD headquarters.
BBGM Workplace teams have worked with numerous companies, associations and government organizations throughout Washington, DC and the surrounding area in creating unique work environments that improve productivity, morale and the bottom line. Their designs are known for incorporating out-of-the-box solutions, drawing on BBGM expertise in the hospitality, residential and mixed-use markets in creating unique environments for clients and end users.
Stay tuned for additional SRCD photography and project insights.
