Perkins&Will designed a sophisticated and open space for Perkins Coie at their offices in Austin, Texas.

Seattle-based international law firm Perkins Coie moved into a new client-centric Austin office in 2022, as it continues to rapidly grow its reputation for serving prominent companies in the market, and dovetails with Austin’s maturing identity as a leading tech hub.

Perkins Coie engaged Perkins&Will’s Austin Interiors team with the goal of creating a flexible, cutting-edge workplace that sparks collaboration, prioritizes hospitality, and accommodates continued expansion amid active recruitment. Prominently located in a new Class-A office building in downtown Austin, the new workspace acts as a catalyst to redefine Perkins Coie’s vision for the law office of the future.

Designed concurrently with the recent pandemic in 2020, the design team underscored Perkins Coie’s desire to break from traditional ways of working to establish their position as a forward-thinking law firm.

As hybrid work models became more evident, the design team implemented an unconventional and less hierarchical law office model with free-address and hoteling strategies rather than dedicated offices. A “one-size-fits-all” approach for a more customizable workspace and nimble workflow replaced the traditional assigned office model with alternative work areas and meeting spaces, scheduling devices for all room types, and locker areas to facilitate hoteling and confidential document storage for hybrid employees.

To promote talent retention and attraction, the idea of the office as a “hospitality hub” defined the functional and aesthetic design drivers that guided the design of the space. With the goal of being “gracious hosts” in mind, amenities and communal spaces aimed to have full height visual transparency, connection to views and light, larger footprints and ample alternative work areas for both employees and clients alike, prioritizing the notion of “we” space over “me” space.

The space was designed as a neutral backdrop revealing moments of boldness through simple craft, movement and play of light in a simple yet engaging welcoming experience.

Materials stand for themselves, engaging the user through their beauty, honesty and touch. Soft edges, curvilinear geometries, and linear elements were juxtaposed to create a bespoke workplace that is professional yet inviting, approachable yet dependable, agile yet focused, subtly elegant yet bold.

Perkins Coie’s new Austin space is a reflection of a future-facing office environment that delivers an elevated client and employee experience and serves an evolving legal and tech-focused work culture.

Designed with sustainable design ideals in mind, the office also features a healthy and environmentally responsible workspace that supports innovation, flexibility and wellness.

Design: Perkins&Will
Photography: Andrea Calo

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