How One D.C. Law Firm Modernized Their Offices

In the effort to improve workflow and ambience, one distinguished law firm in Washington, D.C. has reimagined their space similar to those of Google and Facebook. Through architecture, Nixon Peabody has created a way for their employees to have a more positive mood, while reflecting a dedication to sustainability and modernity. Architects Perkins+Will designed the work spaces.

Image courtesy of Nixon Peabody/Eric Laignel

Some of the key features in these spaces include a three-story living green wall, a conference room with a blue-tinted glass, and offices fronted by glass walls in the effort to allow sunlight to pass through. Other highlights include a cafe and automated exterior shades that respond to the position of the sun. There is also a lack of corner offices.

In a statement to Curbed, Nixon Peabody Chief Innovation Officer Herb Stevens said:

With Perkins+Will, we have created an office for our future. The boldness and freshness of the design that is reflected so beautifully in our new space supports our values, and then enhances these values with light and movement.

Our new space achieved our goals to reduce our footprint and embody our values of social responsibility and sustainability, which sets us apart from our competitors. We also have the flexibility to adapt to changes that we can’t yet predict so that we can respond to the needs of our clients and our employees ... Our staff loves the natural light that fills our offices. And we've seen a significant increase in the number of people who are getting up from their desks and moving around more frequently.

Ken Wilson, design principal at Perkins+Will, led the redesign at Nixon Peabody. He told Curbed that the two goals for the project were to shrink the overall footprint by reducing the size of the private offices and create a space that is sustainable and socially responsible.

Wilson said, "We were able to help the firm reduce its real estate requirements by 30 percent while at the same time creating a vibrant workplace that takes full advantage of technology, promotes equity, human wellbeing, and sustainability, and fosters collaboration and team work."

Do you work in an office that is both sustainable and cool? Curbed would love to feature it. Send any photos and details of your space to Curbed DC at the tipline.