Weber + Thompson designs a dynamic new Seattle office for Howard S. Wright Construction Co.
Seattle, Washington — April 9, 2002 — Weber + Thompson designs Howard S. Wright Construction Co.'s new 11,600sf Seattle office, located off the main lobby of the Quintessent Building in Seattle. The tenant improvement project creatively utilizes all available square footage while conveying the identity and culture of this successful construction company.
Weber + Thompson worked collaboratively with Howard S. Wright Construction Co. (HSWCC) to design a new office that reflects their company's reputation as an established construction company recognized for excellence and innovation. The reception area's variety of materials combine to create a professional and unique environment: birch wood flooring; a reception desk built of wood, steel and concrete; a concrete display wall; an angled logo wall with metallic paint finish; and a glowing wall of acrylic panels with exposed steel stud construction. Exposed ceilings in select areas throughout the space allow copper piping, ducts and concrete to become part of the atmosphere; acknowledging HSWCC's work in the construction industry. As part of the construction company39&#s culture (pride in their work and the importance of long term client relationships) project photos are continuously on display in the lobby. To facilitate the frequent rotation of photos, Weber + Thompson designed a steel display rail on an exposed concrete wall for featuring the revolving project photos.
Weber + Thompson's initial design challenge was to create an environment and space plan that supported HSWCC's desire for an open door / open office culture. The firm utilized a variety of office /workstation heights and configurations to meet the differing job roles, levels of security and privacy required. This variety, as well as the selective use of color, helps break up the length of the corridor – giving dimension and interest to the efficient work space. In addition, the different heights and transparencies maximize the amount of daylight, allowing natural light to penetrate into the more interior work spaces.
The collaboration between the construction team and design team was essential to the success of this project. Mutual respect for each team member's expert knowledge brought the project in on time and on budget. Through the carefully planned design, innovative use of "construction" materials within a limited budget, and the quality construction build-out, the resulting workplace environment supports and promotes the identity of HSWCC.
The project team for Howard S. Wright Construction Co. includes: Howard S. Wright Construction Co., project owner and general contractor; Weber + Thompson, architecture and interior design; Hermanson Mechanical, mechanical designer and subcontractor; Prime Electric, electrical designer and subcontractor.