Law Firm Adopts Layout That Maximizes Space and Light

Kushner says the new space is modern, bright and efficient.

HOUSTON—In an effort to link arms with modern design trends that reduce operating costs and increase collaboration, a law firm has relocated to an upgraded space at Total Plaza . Hughes Watters Askanase L.L.P. (HWA) moved from Three Allen Center at 333 Clay St. to Total Plaza located at 1201 Louisiana St. in a 25,000 square-foot office lease. Although the new space is smaller than its previous space, HWA will be able to accommodate more lawyers and staff than it did in its old space by taking advantage of a modern layout designed by Kirksey Architecture . Moderate changes, such as shrinking the size of individual offices, providing more access to natural light, creating spaces that encourage collaboration and interaction, and reducing storage and library space will give HWA the ability to grow into the space as needed. “Our new space gives us a competitive advantage that will positively affect all areas of our business including client service and recruitment of high-level prospects,” says HWA partner, Gary Gunn . Kevin Kushner and Lucian Bukowski , both with CBRE’s Houston office, represented the law firm in the lease transaction. Clint Bawcom, Jon Dutton and Margaret Sigur represented landlord, Brookfield Office Properties. Kushner tells GlobeSt.com: “We presented HWA the trends law firms are adopting–both locally and nationally. The firm implemented many of the most forward-thinking techniques to create a modern design that reduces firm operating costs and increases collaboration. It was a true pleasure helping HWA and we are thrilled the firm and its clients are happy with the results.” Total Plaza is a class-A, 843,533-square-foot office building located in the heart of downtown Houston. The 35-story property provides direct access to Allen Center and the Hyatt Regency Hotel as well as many dining and retail establishments. Total Plaza is also home to the Petroleum Club of Houston . “We knew the firm wanted to keep its relocation process minimally disruptive to its employees, so we sought out locations that were in close proximity to their current offices that also provided good economics, an efficient floor plan and access to transportation and parking,” says Bukowski.  “I was really impressed with how quickly the HWA partners made the decision to concede their larger offices to achieve better efficiency and a layout that better served their employee’s needs.” CBRE also provided project management services, led by Erin Schultz and Ashley Ramos , which included vendor selection, budget management and timeline oversight to ensure the space was delivered on time and on budget. “HWA’s partners were focused on ensuring that everyone in the office would benefit from the new space. The result is a modern, bright, efficient space that everyone with the firm and the firm’s clients will enjoy,” Kushner said. “Law firms operate so much differently than they did 10 (and in many cases even five) years ago. With this new lease, HWA will use the space to recruit talented lawyers and staff and continue its long history as a top mid-size law firm in Houston.”