Modern workspace design connects people and purpose in Bay Area hub
RIM Architects, now part of GHD, designed Swinerton Builder‘s Concord office as a dynamic two-floor workspace that enhances collaboration, celebrates company culture and attracts top talent through innovative design focused on employee wellbeing and connectivity.
At a glance
RIM Architects, now part of GHD, designed Swinerton Builder‘s Concord office as a dynamic two-floor workspace that enhances collaboration, celebrates company culture and attracts top talent through innovative design focused on employee wellbeing and connectivity.
The challenge
Swinerton Builders needed to consolidate various Bay Area shared services and public-facing components into a cohesive workspace that would serve multiple purposes. The space needed to support executive leadership, marketing, business development, board activities and recruitment while staying competitive in the challenging Bay Area job market outside of the heart of San Francisco. Creating seamless connectivity between departments spread across two floors presented a key challenge. The design needed to appeal to multiple generations of talent while authentically integrating Swinerton's brand identity. Additional considerations included maximizing natural light and views for all employees while accommodating diverse work styles and meeting needs.
Our response
GHD engaged Swinerton's leadership in comprehensive programming exercises and a visioning workshop to deeply understand their goals and culture. Our integrated design solution centered on an architectural centerpiece open stair connecting both floors, featuring clean modern expressions of construction materials that reinforce Swinerton's identity. The thoughtfully planned layouts maximize daylight and views throughout the space, with flexible ergonomic workstations and gathering spaces supporting varying work styles. Through close collaboration with Swinerton's marketing team, we developed an environmental graphics program highlighting construction imagery, regional landscapes and workplace safety, enhancing the visibility and communication of Swinerton's mission and values. Careful furniture selection and planning enhanced functionality while reinforcing the overall design vision.
The impact
The new office environment successfully connects Swinerton's teams while projecting their brand identity as a leading construction firm. The space supports recruitment and retention through its appealing, contemporary design and emphasis on employee wellbeing. Flexible workspaces and meeting areas enable better collaboration, while the visibly striking open stair serves as both a functional connector and representation of Swinerton's commitment to innovative construction. The project demonstrates how thoughtful workplace design can strengthen company culture while creating an environment that attracts and retains top talent.