Global Forex Trading Company
In late 2008, we were given the opportunity to transform an existing building that was built in the early 80's into a modern global headquarters. When the building was initially designed there was a large focus on symmetry, open plan and access to natural light. Throughout the years and many tenants, this focus had been clouded by many renovations. Our client asked us to find a creative way to support the many different teams (executive, sales, marketing, finance, dealing, it) within their company, but also create spaces that allowed for them all to come together and meet, collaborate, and share meals.
The photos below demonstrate the straight-forward, modern design solution that we were able to create for the employees at GFT. As a visitor enters the facility, they are immediately greeted by receptionists, hospitality, and a large area to wait and learn more about current events. The conference center located directly off the lobby area, marked by large lit planes along the corridor, offers a range of meeting and training spaces for anyone in the company to utilize. The executive area, which is distinguished by its 60' long curving teak wall, is a space of retreat, executive meetings and privacy for the executives and their assistants. The large board room and pre-function area on the second level is used for larger client meetings and company hospitality functions that we needed to consider when designing this space. There was a large focus on different wood species, ways to utilize lighting and daylight to create a space that was welcoming to work within. The windowless basement cafe has become a great gathering spot for employees that is heavy used due to the textures, color and light that was used throughout.
As Senior Designer on this project I was involved from the first meetings with the clients, schematic design and modeling, design development, construction documentation, material selection and spent a great deal of time during construction working through details in the field.
The photos below demonstrate the straight-forward, modern design solution that we were able to create for the employees at GFT. As a visitor enters the facility, they are immediately greeted by receptionists, hospitality, and a large area to wait and learn more about current events. The conference center located directly off the lobby area, marked by large lit planes along the corridor, offers a range of meeting and training spaces for anyone in the company to utilize. The executive area, which is distinguished by its 60' long curving teak wall, is a space of retreat, executive meetings and privacy for the executives and their assistants. The large board room and pre-function area on the second level is used for larger client meetings and company hospitality functions that we needed to consider when designing this space. There was a large focus on different wood species, ways to utilize lighting and daylight to create a space that was welcoming to work within. The windowless basement cafe has become a great gathering spot for employees that is heavy used due to the textures, color and light that was used throughout.
As Senior Designer on this project I was involved from the first meetings with the clients, schematic design and modeling, design development, construction documentation, material selection and spent a great deal of time during construction working through details in the field.
AIA Grand Valley Award Winner
Entry Lobby
Waiting area, reception, award display case, hospitality, LED "wishing well" seating under staircase
Waiting area, reception, award display case, hospitality, LED "wishing well" seating under staircase
Conference Center
Large training room, 15 person meeting room, 2 enclave spaces
Large training room, 15 person meeting room, 2 enclave spaces
Executive Area
60' curved teak wall, custom teak panels, private restrooms.
60' curved teak wall, custom teak panels, private restrooms.
