U.S. Energy Foundation is a partnership of philanthropies focused on securing a clean and equitable energy future to tackle the climate crisis. To accommodate their evolving “remote first” work culture the Foundation sought a smaller space to replace their 2008 LEED Platinum offices, which our firm designed. The new 24th floor space was chosen for its urban location, spectacular views, existing improvements and all-electric energy sources.

Reuse of existing spaces, finishes, fixtures and equipment was a guiding design principle.

The plan is organized to maximize views to over 75% of occupied spaces and daylight to the core meeting spaces. Unassigned gathering spaces around the core and range from an expansive reception area to smaller casual seating areas, lunchroom, and the large Convening Room. The dark gray core is a visual anchor and counterpoint to lighter perimeter spaces.

The reception serves as a pre- and post-function space for the Convening Room and has a locally fabricated reception desk and rolling tables of Monterey Cypress. Cork flooring unites the reception area with the perimeter seating areas and compliments FSC wood slat wall and ceiling panels. The existing exposed ceiling structure and HVAC systems as well as carpet was kept to the greatest extent possible. Existing light fixtures were maintained at the core spaces while all others were salvaged and integrated into the new design. All workstations, task chairs, and conference tables are reused from the previous space. The Convening Room table with solar panels is from the former office and was modified with new curved outriggers to provide better sight lines. New super graphic acoustic panels in the central meeting rooms use imagery of clean energy sources that the Foundation promotes.

The design is quietly elegant while achieving the Foundation’s sustainability principles and is LEED Platinum Certified v4 ID+C: Commercial Interiors