[IMGCAP(1)]

IRVINE, CA—Interior architecture and planning firm H. Hendy Associates has completed new headquarters for engineering firm tk1sc here that has transformed the way the firm conducts business. The workspace is unique in that it will also serve as an important client-acquisition tool for its team as well as a learning space for the local real estate community. GlobeSt.com spoke exclusively with H. Hendy'sfounding principal Heidi Hendy about the project, the firm's approach to the design and how it will influence other similar projects.

GlobeSt.com: How did your firm approach the tk1sc project in terms of the look and function of the space?

Hendy: Aesthetically, tk1sc was looking for a design that would energize the team and break down barriers to promote transparency and approachability between all members of the organization. Locating meeting rooms and private offices to the interior of the space and employing glass paneling to share the natural light were key to designing to increase productivity and interaction.

The layout and furniture choices offer opportunities for impromptu collaboration, with high-top counter space located between teams for brief meetings, and a group of unassigned high-top desks offers employees the option to stretch their legs and change their scenery in the middle of a busy workday. The tk1sc team is really excited about the balance that has been struck between collaboration and privacy at their new headquarters.

To address the comfort of individual workspaces and serve as a test case for clients, tk1sc also chose to install an extensive system of staff occupational controls, a unique hot/cold system server that provides dimmable LED lighting and daylight photo sensors and offers data for future studies that the team can apply to their client work.

[IMGCAP(2)]

GlobeSt.com: How does this project differ from the space typically used by engineering firms in this market?

Hendy: tk1sc's workspace is unique in that it serves as a workspace and new business tool for its internal team, as well as a venue for continuous learning for the local real estate community. For a company whose function is to provide energy-efficient environments, tk1sc's new space is both improving the way that its team works and empowering the company to showcase the latest technologies in increasing productivity and connectivity for its current and future clients. tk1sc's achievement of LEED Platinum for Commercial Interiors marks the highest level of distinction awarded by the US Green Building Council, making the space an excellent model of sustainability for tk1sc's customers.

The design of tk1sc's new headquarters also acts as a learning environment where individuals from throughout Orange County's commercial real estate community are being invited to learn and share through tk1sc's continuous learning program. The design includes a mix of large conference rooms, intimate huddle rooms and open meeting areas that have each been designed for specific uses and interactions. The largest conference area accommodates 125 people for large seminars and all-hands meetings and open meetings areas work well for “on-the-fly” collaboration.

[IMGCAP(3)]

GlobeSt.com: How do you feel the project will influence the design of other projects?

Hendy: The way that tk1sc's headquarters functions as a test lab to inform client work is eye opening. We encourage clients to utilize their workspace as a marketing tool and have extensive experience designing showrooms, but this project encouraged our team to look at the space in a different way. Any time we get a chance to expand our design knowledge and capabilities, it helps us to bring value to future projects.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about this project?

Hendy: The Platinum LEED standard energy efficiency for this project is expected to reduce tk1sc's energy consumption by 40% to 50%. The project was also unique in that the client was part of the project team. tk1sc provided full MEP, security, structure cabling, audiovisual design, LEED project management and facilitation and enhanced commissioning for their own headquarters project. Leading by example, tk1sc reinforced the spirit of team integration, respect and cross-disciplinary problem solving.