Recently, we completed interior design work for the National Electrical Benefit Fund (NEBF) Investments, a non-profit organization that has provided pensions for retired workers in the electrical construction industry since 1927. Their office is in a LEED^®-certified building located in Washington, D.C., so it was critical that we help NEBF Investments create a more sustainable footprint with the design we implemented. The renovation consisted of reducing NEBF Investments' office footprint from 12,483 square-feet to 7,113 square-feet by demising their space from their sub-tenant. The design intent was to downsize the office in order to better utilize the space. We redesigned the space in a way that was more efficient, functional for the employees' needs, and reinforced their corporate identity.

Reinforcing the Corporate Identity

In their new space, NEBF Investments wanted visibility of their corporate identity with a new entry from the elevator lobby. We designed a full glass entrance and repurposed their existing signage by modifying the design to include their sister company and brand colors. The reception area consists of new white porcelain tile and cool grey tones for the paint and carpet. We relocated and repurposed the original reception desk by refinishing the existing wood panels and granite top. We also added upgraded finishes such as stainless steel inserts and redesigned the work surface and interior desk components for better utilization of the space.

The reception area highlights NEBF Investments' corporate identity as it welcomes visitors with its modern design. [Click to enlarge]

Emphasizing Connectivity through Design

Using the company's mission and support for the electrical construction industry as inspiration, we created goals for the project that included emphasizing connectivity. We strove to brighten the space and create a more efficient layout, so employees could not only better maneuver within the office space, but also feel more engaged with their coworkers. By upgrading the space with new LED light fixtures and relocating existing wood frames and doors, we were able to achieve greater connectivity throughout the office.

We also redesigned the interior to fit the function of the space and better utilize new technology. In the large conference room, we relocated a wood table, conference chairs, and a large wood media center. NEBF Investments wanted a semi-transparent glass front for the conference room for both visibility and privacy, so we designed a beautiful 3-form glass wall with a pattern incorporating the client's brand color and concept.

In a central location, we added a large work room where we designed a custom work island with a work surface large enough to allow for multiple people to use the island simultaneously, as well as house storage for office supplies below. Additionally, we converted an unused office into a wellness room for nursing mothers and also for use as a relaxation space for employees.

The copy café space offers an area for everyday executive discussions with employees or clients. [Click to enlarge]

Central social spaces were key to this project. The copy café provides a casual executive area where employees or clients can converse while having coffee or tea. The break area promotes collaboration in a casual environment. We reused the appliances and cabinet hardware from their existing space. This area can also be used to host social events.

The break area provides employees with a casual corporate environment that promotes collaboration. [Click to enlarge]

Keeping Valuable Furniture and Other Materials

Another goal was to extend the life of valuable materials, while reducing demand for virgin materials. We reused cabinet hardware and salvaged millwork and granite tops. We also kept as much of the original furniture, casegood, and millwork pieces as possible to extend the lifecycle of their use.

At our firm, we make it our priority to optimize sustainable practices wherever possible. We believe that this redesign for NEBF Investments was a perfect example of how we make smart, cost-effective sustainable design a reality for our clients. By partnering with NEBF Investments, not only were we able to increase functionality and enhance the aesthetics of their office space, but also, in the end, we created a truly sustainable space by utilizing repurposed quality pieces.