Perched high above the bustling streets of downtown Salt Lake City, Reaveley Engineering’s office suite is in a world of its own. From this vantage point the city’s skyline is in simple forms and angles, all rising from the soft earth at the base of the foothill. It’s a view fit for world-class engineers, the perfect backdrop to accomplish the work that ensures the ongoing strength and success of that very skyline. Within its walls, exposed concrete and wood slat features creatively separate the space while allowing for a constantly collaborative atmosphere in this bespoke open office layout.

Our team first met the space when given the task of designing a spec suite to fill it. Its original state was one of generations of remodels, with layers upon layers of unremarkable materials weighing it down. Following our instinct to simplify, we stripped away excess and uncovered the superb original modernist structure of the space. To achieve a functional simplicity, we moved the mechanical systems towards the core of the space and encased the zone with rich wood slats, freeing up the rest of the space and creating breathtakingly high ceilings of the original concrete structure. 

Working closely with Reaveley Engineering, we transitioned our spec suite into an open office layout unique to them. Our team identified a completely functional layout that utilized acoustic separation and strategic space blocking to create a seamless flow.

With every team member working in open-concept workstations, we explored options to encourage focus while highlighting the collaborative nature of the office. Large plant dividers separate desks from one another, adding color and life to the industrial space. Curved felt paneling on the desks, with an x-braced motif, add character and a playful reminder of the ingenuity of the field of engineers. 

Wood slats serve as a recurring visual theme throughout the suite, serving to acoustically and visually separate the space while allowing for the free flow of light and air, as well as posing as a visual partner to the striking exposed concrete structure. To aid in the functionality of the open layout we installed Zoom rooms along the perimeter, areas of complete quiet during important meetings.