Global Agricultural Research and Development Company

Fostering sense of place and brand culture. A workplace rooted in belonging. Designed in 2022 amid shifting return‑to‑work expectations, this Global Agricultural Research and Development Company set out to create a workplace rooted in belonging and purpose. As employees sought flexibility and amenity‑rich environments, the goal was to design a space people wanted to return to. The result was a dynamic, multi-purpose destination for local, national, and global staff and visitors while accommodating large group events and all company meetings. The building’s popularity has led to a steady backlog of event bookings. Critical to the design success was creating a welcoming atmosphere that celebrated the brand and inspired connection across all departments. As a hub for meetings and presentations, this site welcomes employees from different locations facilitating cross-disciplinary interactions. At the heart of the office, the community commons features a range of seating and flex space to accommodate workspace away from personal desks. A custom, monumental staircase blends steel, tinted glass and wood elements set against a wood slat wall featuring suspended greenery between slats. The lush green and raw materials create a point of interest while acting as a backdrop for the stage. Employees came together to create design elements featured as environmental branding. As a celebration of the industrial design culture, there was a collaborative effort with the help of the design and branding consultant team to fabricate artwork from actual parts and pieces from products they design. Surplus sieves and brackets from agricultural equipment were also repurposed as decorative elements. Rich colors and materials convey the essence of the brand. Blending industrial elements like concrete, steel and exposed ceiling with warm, natural materials like wood, textured tile, soft furniture and greenery. Together this space is a reflection of the industrial technicians and engineers that call this space home. Custom DIRTT Timber walls were designed in the lobby and as a feature wall in the atrium to partition areas without obstructing views. Doors seamlessly incorporated into wood paneled walls create clean, cohesive lines and consistent flow of material. Inspired by WELL design standards, connection to nature is consistently featured throughout. An emphasis on natural light creates an environment that invites its users to feel both at ease and energized. Plants and other greenery are prominent along the stairs and within the commons accompanied by large garage doors that encourage additional indoor/outdoor movement and courtyard access. While the workspace centers around collaboration, functionality remained a key design factor. Flex space was balanced with enclosed areas like phone rooms and smaller training rooms, essential for heads down work. A speak-easy inspired game room was added for smaller, more private gatherings. Workplace design is ever evolving and while trends may come and go, providing a strong connection to brand culture is here to stay. When employees are empowered to come together to help shape the environments they work in, the results are clear. More connection, greater sense of purpose, and a culture rooted in the people who help make it successful.