Press Releases May 23, 2024

Perkins&Will Houston Evolves with New Studio Space, Blending Historic Downtown Location with Forward-Thinking Design

A design that emphasizes experience, diversity, and adaptability with open workspace and a people-first approach.

HOUSTON—Perkins&Will, the global architecture and design firm whose flourishing Houston practice opened 20 years ago, has moved into its new studio. The firm’s designers leveraged their insights and expertise in workplace transformation to create a vibrant, responsive home for their team. Located on the 19th floor of 1001 McKinney, subtle and standout touches bring the former 1940s City National Bank space into a new era.

“The layout and adaptable nature of this studio is in response to our idea that we wanted less ‘me’ space and more ‘we’ space,” said Julie Gauthier, associate principal and workplace practice leader. “It lends itself to creative conversations and inspiration among all our designers and architects. We’re eager to see how this studio will enhance our processes and our practice.”

The Houston studio built its practice at the intersection of design, technology, and research—and the new studio embodies this legacy. Forgoing assigned seats, staff use an app to reserve spaces that best align with their needs. This work model breaks down silos between practice areas, reflecting the firm’s people-first approach to design. Spaces include thoughtfully zoned focus rooms, huddle rooms, team tables, a model shop, technology-rich conference rooms, a café-style seating area, and a private outdoor terrace.

"We believe individuals should be encouraged to bring their whole selves to work—starting with our own space."

―Workplace Practice Leader Julie Gauthier

Deepening roots in Downtown Houston

Sitting on the prominent corner of Main Street and McKinney Avenue, the 1001 McKinney Building is a 24-story, tiered vertical block—well-connected to transportation options, green spaces, and a host of premiere downtown destinations within walking distance. The studio’s move from its longstanding space on the 13^th floor to the 19^th floor enabled Perkins&Will to evolve its practice, while maintaining an active presence in downtown Houston. The decision to renovate a historic space also aligns with Perkins&Will’s commitment to sustainability and decarbonization. The project is seeking LEED Gold, Fitwel, and WELL certification, and will adhere to the firm’s updated Green Operations Plan.

“Working with an existing structure as opposed to a new build helped achieve an important goal around our commitment to sustainability,” said Diana Davis, managing director of the Houston studio. “Furthermore, we feel our downtown location punctuates and celebrates our studio’s uniquely Houston identity. We are excited to remain part of the downtown business community.”

The designers found inspiration in the building’s art deco architecture, subtly integrating contemporary elements within the historic fabric. The interior color palette is inspired by the façade and meshes perfectly with legacy structural elements, such as lower ceilings and tight column spacing. The team also discovered an old freight elevator pulley system during construction and preserved it, lending additional character to the space.

A focus on natural materials, earth tones, daylight, and openness create a welcoming feeling.

The private outdoor terrace overlooks downtown Houston and beyond.

A space that embodies people and practice

The studio’s adaptable work model accommodates a diversity of working preferences while cohering into a dynamic whole. This concept is reflected in the design, which employs a duality of materials, elevations, shapes, and construction lines. The palette likewise balances brightness with warmth, combining earthtones, greens, and a focus on natural materials with pops of vibrancy. Daylight is optimized, and the library and model shop were opened to the rest of the space, creating a welcoming feeling. Employees have access to a variety of amenities, including lounges, a coffee bar, mother’s room, a private phone booth, and a rooftop terrace.

This design is also responsive to neurodiversity, promoting choice in lighting, acoustic zoning, high and low stimulation environments, and social and tech-free spaces. These choices were the result of focus group sessions with staff, and will continue to be honed using data gathered from space bookings.

”Our design approach takes into account differences in thinking, attention, and memory, as well as variations in personal preferences and abilities,” says Julie. “We believe individuals should be encouraged to bring their whole selves to work—starting with our own space.”

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About the Houston Studio of Perkins&Will

The Houston Studio of Perkins&Will was established in 2002 with a focus on healthcare, science and technology, and corporate and commercial work. Full of character, diversity, and world-class culture, the studio is home to more than 70 architects, interior designers, and planners. Recently completed projects from the Houston studio include the Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory and Education Outreach Center; Louisiana State University Patrick F. Taylor Hall; John S Dunn Behavioral Health Sciences Center; and the restoration of 3201 Allen Parkway and Historic Emancipation Park.

Perkins&Will Houston Evolves with New Studio Space, Blending Historic Downtown Location with Forward-Thinking Design

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