The organization was relocating to a prominent building in downtown Grand Rapids with the intention of consolidating multiple divisions under one roof while making a meaningful architectural contribution to the city. Its former offices no longer supported the cultural cohesion or operational needs of the growing team. The primary challenge was to plan a cohesive design that honored the history of the founders while enabling the organization’s next generation of leaders to thrive. In parallel, the building itself required significant structural and interior renovations, adding complexity to the schedule, design coordination, and move-in timeline—all during a global pandemic.
Working closely with architectural partner AMDG, the design team took on the complete interior reimagining of the space, from refining early layout concepts to curating artwork, selecting accessories, and embedding brand storytelling throughout the environment. Small floor plates were optimized with glazed partitions and communal zones to draw in natural light. A warm, transitional aesthetic anchored by Michigan-made furnishings created cohesion between executive sophistication and residential comfort. A monumental stair, flanked by a living green wall and natural light, united four heavily trafficked floors, reinforcing vertical connectivity. Brand and environmental graphics paid tribute to the founders through subtle, customized iconography and artifact-driven installations. Throughout, the office embodied a philosophy of connectivity, culture, and regional pride, expressed through finishes, furniture, and storytelling moments that bridge legacy and leadership.