In the ever-evolving landscape of business, the construction of office buildings stands as a testament to growth and progress. From towering skyscrapers in bustling urban cities to sleek corporate campuses nestled in suburban landscapes, the construction of office spaces in the United States requires careful planning, innovation, and attention to detail. Following the COVID-induced shift to remote and flexible working, data suggests that the office real estate and development market has been trending downward in recent years. Despite the national data indicating a decrease in demand for office space, Hourigan’s ongoing projects in Richmond, VA challenge this notion at the regional level. Dive into the intricacies of developing office building spaces in the U.S. and explore the big ideas for what is most important to companies.
The Demand for Local Office Space
Hourigan is currently working on three new office building projects, from ground–up new construction to a renovation of an existing office building. OrthoVirginia’s newest Medical Office Building will help serve a wide range of patients throughout Central Virginia. The Springline Office at District 60 project is a multi-tenant office building spanning 5 floors with a rooftop deck and collaborative workspace. The final project we are working on is the renovation of an existing office building for Kinsale Insurance, we are helping the client increase its office space for their nearly 900 new employees.
Understanding the demand for office space is critical for ensuring the client’s needs and a project’s success. With growing populations and the need for jobs, Kinsale is opening its doors to their new facility simply because they have outgrown their headquarters. They demand more space to support new and anticipated growth. The new office feel is what the market is craving, and by making it more public-friendly they will be able to use the building in multiple ways. Updates like a pop-up market space with coffee shops and workout spaces, in lieu of the traditional building lobby, will activate the interior.
Corporations in the post–pandemic workforce are luring staff back to the office by incorporating some of the comforts of home into their office amenities, such as additional coffee and break areas, private huddle rooms, outdoor patio spaces, indoor walking tracks, treadmill and standing desks, atriums, open floor plans for different office configurations, glass to allow for a more open feel, and community meeting and game areas (golf simulators, billiards, ping pong). Companies today are looking to further drive collaboration and foster a sense of community within their company’s spaces.
Determining the right location for corporate offices
New office spaces, the new trend is making the building a multi-use space, with having companies on the higher floors but making the ground floors built out for the public with yoga studios, cafes, and pop–up markets. Including the public in new developments will help the drive of use to the space not just for the traditional office. The Springline at District 60 office project exemplifies the local demand for modern workspaces. This multi-tenant building will serve as a staple for collaboration and innovation. The choice of location markedly impacts the success and life of the project. The Springline Office is located as a part of a larger development, adjacent to major highways in the region, in the coming years apart of this development it will consist of walking and biking paths, restaurants, an extended-stay hotel, additional commercial space, an entertainment venue, and structured parking. The convenience of this office location will make it an enjoyable spot for not only the people working in the office but also the public to take advantage of all the amenities.
City Centers are attractive to businesses seeking a vibrant environment and accessibility to public transit. On the flip side, suburban areas offer advantages such as ample space for expansive campuses and the attractiveness of designing the space that meets the needs of the company. The decision on location will always depend on the specific needs and preferences of the company and its staff that will be occupying the building.
Design and Aesthetic
Aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability seem to be the new themes clients are thinking about when they are designing and modernizing their new office space. Hourigan’s OrthoVirginia Medical Office Building will prioritize functionality and wellness in response to the changing work dynamics. With features like MRI ceiling light fixtures and several operating rooms, this facility is the center for a comfortable patient experience in Chesterfield County.
Efficient floor plans, ample natural light, and open/ flexible workspaces are among the most sought-after features by tenants. Some sustainability considerations to think about for your space are:
Successful new office construction projects will reflect and emphasize a growing emphasis on aesthetics and environmental responsibility.
Navigating the landscape of office construction to meet the needs of an evolving workforce requires leadership, innovation, and a thirst for change. By understanding the market demand, analyzing the market to find the proper location to meet your company’s needs, and crafting the design and aesthetic of your business, will recreate the idea of a traditional office space for your client. A collaborative team can create office buildings that meet today’s demands and anticipate tomorrow’s workforce’s needs.
