Huntington Administrative Building

The Huntington Administrative Building was originally a regional processing center for a bank. It was uninviting, fortress-like, and internally planned like a typical office space from the 1970s. Having acquired the building, Bowling Green State University gave us the task of developing a strategy that would transform the interior spaces into a modern workplace. Working with Annette Miller Architects, we engaged with end users of the spaces during the Programming Phase. We listened, led workshops, and worked with university office staff, department representatives, and leadership bodies to create space planning options that addressed the functional needs of each space and user group and any associated office culture change that may occur. These efforts led to a design that encourages collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas within the finished office environments.

The renovation of the former bank office building included relocating several administration departments within the University. The new design utilizes open-plan office layouts to create an efficient, collaborative, and professional working environment for a 21^st century workforce. Accessibility upgrades were implemented, along with improvements to the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, technology, fire suppression and alarm systems. By modulating patterns and strategically using colors, lighting and materials, we were able to make the existing offices and corridors more attractive and less cavernous. The use of simple, off-the-shelf materials such as plywood kept the project within budget. Throughout the design, we integrated the University’s distinctive orange color extensively to help reinforce its brand.

We successfully transformed the interior spaces to increase worker productivity and promote staff wellbeing. It is now a vibrant place to work. We achieved the University’s goal to overcome any sense of ‘us vs. them’ between departments, and created a sense of pride and mutual loyalty.