Gensler San Diego worked directly with Dempsey Construction to construct their innovative office design, which features multiple collaboration areas, highlights the firm’s commitment to wellbeing, and enhances connectivity to the community. The project transformed the envelope of a legacy office building; promoting the office’s studio culture, enhancing community engagement, and advocating for sustainability, health, and wellness in the new studio.

To support the firm’s collaborative culture, a section of the second floor was removed to allow a flowing grand stair to connect the ground floor to the second-floor workspace. The mid landing of the stair is a cantilevered extension of the mezzanine and houses a vast material resource library. Designers and guests can meet informally on the landing, within the main kitchen and break area, or enjoy the new outdoor roof terrace overlooking the recently renovated Horton Plaza Park.

Gensler’s commitment to health and wellbeing was integral to the design strategies for the new workspace, and Gensler is currently pursuing WELL Gold and LEED Platinum. A centerpiece of the design includes a passive natural ventilation system comprised of a ventilated façade, a sliding wall of glass at the second level and roof venting to allow the firm to unplug from the building’s VAV system and enjoy fresh air and free cooling for up to 65% of the year. When heating or cooling is required it is provided by a combination of radiant heating or chilled beams and sails, adding to comfort and control. Other features include sit/stand desks for everyone, bikes for travel to downtown meeting locations, showers, lockers, and healthy nutritional options.