Lime Rock Management
Houston, Texas


When the energy investment firm of Lime Rock Management hired DMJM Rottet to design its new offices, the design team was charged with creating a dynamic office environment that could distinguish and physically separate the firm’s two operating teams, while maintaining common areas for collaboration and entertainment. Branding of each division and the combined firm was also critical.

The program requirements demanded extreme space planning efficiencies to accommodate the firm’s rapid growth plans and the highly collaborative nature of the business. The design team’s space planning solution was to create two floating glass boxes in the center of the space to house the individual offices for each division. The two floating boxes are defined by folding planes of color, wood, art and glass that are strategically placed on each office to allow for both natural light and privacy. The materials wrap and fold, blurring the distinction between floor, wall, and ceiling.

The glass boxes are flanked on each end by a folding plane of wood flooring that defines open communal gathering spaces containing integrated custom furniture and product to accomplish the programmatic requirements, while encouraging communication. One of the interesting challenges for the design team was how to brand Lime Rock’s two distinct operating divisions, as well as reflect the nature of their combined business. The designers were able to successfully weave the firm’s open and collaborative culture, as well as the dynamic particulars of their core energy business into the architecture, art, and graphics of the office. Read Less